Chapter 24 < Chapter 25 > Chapter 26
Chapter 25 - "Egg-xegerrating demand"
The ceremony is concluded. After Sari's initiation I had a talk with the girls and asked them if they feel any different. Apparently they feel the same as before, but they got access to something they call the "Plant of Growth". They describe it as a little tree sprout with few branches. They can make it appear and disappear on will and it's only visible to them. This "Spirit" Orsha mentioned during the contract ceremony explained to them that they can decide which branches they want to grow and what fruits they bear. I assume this will enable them to unlock abilities over time. I'm looking forward to see how this turns out.
When checking them in my creature list, I noticed that Sari's stats are not as all-rounded as Orsha's. She's lacking physical strength, but has a stronger tendency towards magic. According to the numbers she's also smarter, but I guessed that much already. There's a lot of unused potential behind that curtain of shyness and low self-awareness of her. Another thing I noticed is; the cost of her contract was slightly higher. I assume it depends on the individuals capabilities or potential, so the more capable the contractor - the higher the cost, but the daily payout will also be more. Together they earn me an income of 35 DP per day.
Anyway, I asked them to look out for anything new or unusual in their daily life or their well-being. These are circumstances their tribe didn't experience for generations and if there's something unusual for them, I want to know about it!
Right after the ceremony, Hasag didn't loose any time and embarked towards the goblin-camp. He took with him four guards and "Shazug" (the soon-to-become ambassador). The young man has a lively and energetic personality and appeared to be quite nervous about his first assignment. In Hasag's absence, Orsha is responsible for all tribe-matters and Orsog for it's protection.
Leaving them to their own matters, I retreated to to the shag near the tower to inspect all the new things I recently gathered. And the most important of them would of course be the newly finished information research. After opening the dungeon info screen, it's effect is obvious; There is a bunch of new parameters listed:
){}---------------------------------{}(
General Dungeon Information:
Dungeon name - "Kalifos Dungeon"
Dungeon theme - Cave, Ruins
Dungeon rank - Z+
Number of floors - 1
Number of rooms - 10
Number of Traps - 9
Excavated Territory - 1785 m²
Total Dungeon Territory - 2435 m²
Maximum high - 9 m
Deepest point - 12 m
Domain Radius - 100 m
Number of Souls - 39
Spawned creatures - 10
Contracted creatures - 2
Special Creatures - 0
Remaining DP - 2168 (+35/Day)
){}---------------------------------{}(
The result is rather disappointing, since it just gives me some numbers about the size of my dungeon and its dwellers. It's still useful to get a quick overview, but way less then I hoped for.
The next point on my checklist is the new "Event Log Menu" but upon opening it, I only get the note: "-Recording will begin upon next midnight.-" So I'll have to wait to confirm it's usefulness.
This brings me to the mysterious objects I got. I already checked on the petrification trap but there's no good way to use it right now. [Next would be the "Alarm Crystal".] After a quick search I find it in the Item menu - it's the only entry in the previously empty "Magical" category. As expected, there's no further note to it, except its cost - "20 DP". The only way to find out what it does is to try it out. Upon selecting it, I figure that it can be placed wherever I want - on the floor, on the wall, even on the ceiling. The object itself is a cluster of crystals in the size of a fist. For experimental purpose I decide to place it on the ceiling in the middle of the room.
The crystal is grey in color and (obviously) isn't doing anything. Since it's an "alarm" crystal, I suppose it will activate when something "alarming" happens. [Let's check its specs ...]
){}---------------------------------{}(
Alarm Crystal:
Connected rooms: -no rooms assigned-
Designated color: Red
Change position: 5 DP
Sell: +10 DP
Close
){}---------------------------------{}(
Most of the entries are pretty obvious, aside of that "connected rooms" thing. Will the assigned rooms turn red when the alarm is triggered? [That would be weird!] Why would I even need something like that when the dungeon voice already alarms me about approaching foes? [Ah, it warns me, but not my inhabitants!] Normally, I would inform them through Orsha or Sari, but if they are not present for some reason, or if I'm asleep? ... Even if I don't have a need for it, the Ashranie do!
But first I need to figure out how it works. After considering my options for a moment, I decide to leave the crystal where it is and assign this very room to it. Wondering how it is triggered, I try to link it to the already present pressure plates and trip wire, but with no success. [Is the crystal itself an activator? Does it sense enemies in its surrounding? Or is it the other way around and it react to the changes in the rooms assigned to it?] Obviously, there's no answer to my question. I'll need to wait for some evil-doers to step inside and see what happens. With this taken care of, I turn to the next new thing in my collection:
Best for the last: [... What the heck is a Homunculus Egg?] I wanted to check on it for a while already, but I noticed that the "hidden achievements" always gave me something irregular and limited in number. Going by this logic, this egg is as much worth as the 5 petrification traps - which I assume is a lot. With this in mind, I really don't want to waste it! But since I have no clue what it does, I'm not sure how to approach it.
Well, first of all I don't want to place it somewhere where just anyone might stumble upon it. My first thought was to put it into the depths of the maze, but then it also would be difficult to reach if necessary. Or, if a friendly creature hatches from it, it could be troublesome to get it out due to the monsters inside. In the end I settle for making a separate room not far from my core and seperate it with a door. As for the exact location; I chose the back side of the barricade room. This way it's still protected, but not directly inside the Ashranie's home.
Digging out the room and placing the door is quickly done and now the stage is set for the appearance of the mysterious thing...
The first thing to point out is; it's much larger then I imagined. I wasn't expecting a normal chicken egg but his one's almost one meter in diameter. It also resembles more of a cocoon then an egg. With the brownish leather pattern and covered by grey, evenly spread, tube-like veins it has a somewhat artificial appearance. The surface is slightly moving, making it look like the cocoon is breathing. Thick tentacles spread out beneath it, covering the whole floor of the small 3x3 meter room. A rather creepy sight ... I catch myself being suddenly more worried then curious about what might be in there.
But I won't back of now! Collecting my mixed feelings, I open it's menu ...
){}---------------------------------{}(
Homunculus Egg
Growth: 0/100
Absorbed mana: 0
Traits gained:
-none-
Close
){}---------------------------------{}(
I consider my options for a moment and decide to ask the Ashranie before jumping to rash actions, maybe they encountered something similar with Argos. [I need to speak with the sisters!]
... This is strange ... The moment I think about them, I know exactly where they are. Is this the result of our contract? I follow the unfamiliar intuition and find them precisely where it leads me. [Quite useful! ... I wonder if they can find me the same way?]
Currently, they are sitting together with with Hoko beside an injured women. Orsha is talking with the patient, while Sari changes a compress consisting of vines, leaves and a herbal paste. Now that I think about it, I've seen Hoko more then once visiting particularly this young women. I assume they are related somehow.
I open a connection to Orsha and watch her react to it a moment later.
Orsha: [Orsha greets the great spirit, 'Kalifos'!]
Me: [Yes, thank you. May I have a moment of your time?]
Orsha: [Yes! Orsha listens!]
Me: [In the stories of your ancestors, is there somewhere a mention about any kind of giant egg, or cocoon? I mean back from the time when you were with Argos?]
She takes a moment to think before giving an answer.
Orsha: [... There was a nest of big insects near Argos's place. Hassag's grandfather's father had once seen them hatch from big eggs.]
Me: [Hmm, how did the eggs look like?]
Orsha: [Orsha does not know ...]
Hoko who squads next to her noticed the change in her mood and watches her curiously. He's one of the oldest members of the tribe, maybe he knows something ...
Me: [Would you mind asking Hoko about it?]
It doesn't take long for her to give me his reply:
Orsha: [Hoko has seen big eggs from great lizards and eggs from giant birds. But he knows nothing about Argos having eggs ... Did Kalifos find an egg?]
Me: [Kind of ... would you like to see it? Come, I'll show you! Bring Hoko along, maybe looking at it will brighten his memory.]
... A minute later they stand in front of the new room and gawk at the enormous cocoon.
Hoko: "Osrach, Hoko gor-mashech tor-gora!"
Sari: [Hoko says, he has never seen anything like it.]
Me: [I see.]
Sari: [Where did the great spirit get it from?]
Me: [Ahmm ...]
Explaining the achievement system to them will probably just end in their confusion.
Me: [... I acquired it the same way as you got that "Plant of Growth".]
Orsha: [What will hatch from it?]
Me: [I have no clue, that's why I asked you about it. The ... "spirit", who gave it to me said it needs to be fed with mana.]
Orsha: [Ma-na?]
Me: [It's the power that - for example - lets you speak with spirits ...]
And then it strikes me: there are creatures right around the corner who where created with DP. If they count as "magical", then maybe this is the answer.
Me: [Orsha, I have an idea. Would you mind asking your tribe if they want to go on a hunt for me?]
Orsha: [Yes! What does the great spirit "Kalifos" want the Ashranie to hunt?]
Me: [Some critters from the training ground! Since they where 'created' instead of being naturally born, they may count as magical. Especially one of these black cats. They posses this semi-magical "hiding in the shadows" ability, which may count as a bonus. But I need them alive, since they will disappear once they are dead.]
Orsha: [Yes! Orsha will call for the hunters.]
She informs Hoko first and then they both leave for the living rooms. I guess they will need a bit of time to prepare - time I use to check on the achievements menu again. After the bonding ritual there should be at least one new accomplishment.
After a thorough search the result is pleasantly surprising:
--------------------------
Achievement: "An Agreement"
Condition: Have at least one contracted Creature.
Reward: 50 DP: New furniture: "Wooden Bed".
--------------------------
Achievement: "Roll It"
Condition: Spawn a total of 10 "Horned Rabbits" (15/10)
Reward: 20 DP, New Creature: "Armored Rabbit".
--------------------------
Achievement: "Learning to learn"
Condition: Research at least 5 Projects (5/5)
Reward: 50 DP, 20 Research hours.
--------------------------
Achievement: "No strings attached" (Hidden)
Condition: Pay a research completely with bonus-hours.
Reward: 100 DP, The cost for the next research is reduced by 20 DP.
--------------------------
Without me realizing it, a bunch of new achievements piled up. [Let's see ...] Together they net me a much welcome 220 DP and shorten the next research by 40 hours. Then there's a new creature type: The armored rabbit which I'm already curious about for a while. And also a new furniture for me to place: A bed! Both of this will be very helpful in the near future as they give new options to increase the security, as well as the comfort for my dungeon's inhabitants.
I take the time to look through some other entries and conclude that I need to contract more people, create more furniture and spawn more creatures to get the next wave of upgrades in terms of "comfort and security". By the time I'm done with the list, I see Orsog leading a group of determined looking hunters out of the dungeon. Orsha and Hoko are part of it, as well as the two female hunters who were present the previous times. Also, Soguru must have enjoyed it the last time since he tags along as well. In addition to their usual equipment they carry some nets and an empty cage, not unlike the one they brought the monkey in (aka the "small burning man").
As the group of about 10 people walks by I consider accompanying them for personal entertainment, but immediately brush that thought away. They will be inside the maze for a while and I could as well use that time to do something productive instead, like for example finally beginning the construction of the advanced living area.
I have a rough image in my mind on how to do that: Since the plan is to later turn the current Ashranie-home into an outpost, the entrance to the deeper parts should naturally be located behind it. From there, I plan a twisted path reaching deeper underground then everything I have build so far and fill it with nasty traps. Occasional chasms will connect it with the monster-filled maze beneath it (once it's finished). At the end of this murder-trail I want to construct a sturdy fortification, designed to keep out even bigger numbers of intruders (Thought, right now I'm not sure of how to achieve that). And finally, behind this last line of defense, will be the settlement for the refugees, as well as the Ashranie and everyone who might join our forces in the future.
Time to strike the earth again! ...
...
(Some time later)
Orsha: [Orsha and Sari are calling the great spirit, "Kalifos"!]
Me: [Oh ... Yes, I'm here! You are back already?]
I take a quick look at the clock, wondering how much time had passed.
{2:12 pm}
What?! I'm digging for hours already ... I got captivated by the task and lost all track of time - again.
Orsha: [Yes, the hunters catched the "Black Cats"!]
Me: [That's good to hear, I'll be there in a moment!]
There's a small pause, which makes me think that this is not the reason they called out to me. Immediate concern pokes at my metaphorical heart.
Me: [... Did something happen?]
It's like she was waiting for me to ask.
Orsha: [The dark men came to the gates of the great spirit's place ...]
Me: [Marsif is back?!]
Orsha: [Yes, the dark man "Marsif" is waiting.]
I wanted to finish what I was doing, which is carving out the foundation for the underground fortress, but when she announces our visitors I drop it for later. I was already wondering when they would return and even more importantly; what they would bring with them. I had cut off the telepathic link right after telling them to wait for me since it exhaust them way to much when they are the ones to open it.
Once getting outside, the first thing I see is Orsha and Sari accompanied by some Ashranie guards eyeing the arrivers. Right outside the broken wall stands Marsif, waiting with a slightly bored expression for something to happen. A little further away, on the road which passes the tower is a horse tied to a carriage. The later is covered by a large blanket and surrounded by 4 more people. Two of them are the familiar silent companions who Marsif had brought with him before. Like him, they wear their usual leather enforced clothes.
The other two -a male and a female- are not dark elves and wear something that I could only call "rags", with the exception of the thin iron collars around their necks with a colorful stone embedded on its front (not a gem though). The trinkets don't look very pricey, they actually don't even resemble jewelry in the slightest, but if sold for the material cost alone, these guys could probably afford better clothes then they have on them ...
[..."High Elves"...] My unexplainable memory fills the information gap again. Their ears are longer and pointier then that of the dark elves and the hair is a bright yellow. If not so dirty, it would probably be even golden. This and the pale skin color are the distinctive features of their race.
They seem like they haven't eaten much for a while as their bone structure can be clearly seen through their skin. Their hollow cheeks and dark eye-bags make them look very tired, exhausted even. And while my intuition tells me that the high elves are the embodiment of pride and confidence, there's not a glimmer of it left in their eyes. Their spirit have long been broken.
But ... while looking at them being in a state like this makes me feel pity, there's still a strong sense of dislike and even a faint hint of disgust towards their species. This contradicting feelings are like the ones towards the dark elves, with the difference that what my reason and my intuition are telling me are the other way around. Without knowing 'anything' about this two people, my guts are telling me that they deserve what ever misery they get! Yet, I have no concrete reason to think that way.
Me: [Marsif! Nice to see you again.]
The Man does not even twitch on my sudden greeting. No sign of surprise at all - just a small light-up in his eyes and and a decent shift of his lips into a diplomatic smile.
Marsif: [It is a pleasure for me as well.]
The tone of his voice ... the subtle gestures ... He's choosing his words with a lot of care, even for a simple greeting like that. I'm immediately reminded on why I had difficulty trusting him the first time.
I remember my resolve on being open and honest with him and his group, but that would be stupid if the trust is one-sided. Maybe I can sweeten his mood a little before having our "serious talk" ...
Me: [You have brought quite a load with you. Why not sit down and let your feet rest for moment. You look like you need it!]
He gives me an agreeing smile while sitting down on a boulder that was part of the wall a long time ago. The layer of moss makes it a suitable enough chair for this occasion.
Me: [Having a rough time?]
Marsif: [Can't remember the last time It wasn't rough ...]
Me: [Sounds like trouble ... something that I should know about?]
Marsif: [Actually ... yes! The mercenary group "Rose Daggers" - the one that attacked the liz- aahm, the "Ashranie" recently - is planning a big undertaking to find the reason for the disappearance of two of their squads ... and eliminate it.]
Wow ... That is certainly bad news. But it didn't come as a surprise - I was actually expecting something the like. That's why I'm preparing for a big encounter downstairs.
Me: [That's concerning ... How many are we talking about?]
Marsif: [If they dispatch everything they have? ... I guess they could easily exceed 3000 armed men - but that's unlikely.]
He waves it off.
Marsif: [Still, I expect them to mobilize a force of at least 400 to 500 for this.]
Me: [That's ... still a lot!]
I suddenly feel an intense urge to gulp ... there are sure times when I would like to have a body.
Marsif: [Well, they are not all trained as well as the ones you've encountered, but still not something one wants to mess around with.]
Is he kidding? This is impossible! Even if they were just peasants with sickles and forks ... How am I suppose to protect myself against that many?!
And as if sensing my concern, Marsif eases my panic by throwing in:
Marsif: [But gladly, they will not run around like a herd, they wouldn't find anything that way. It's an investigation after all.They will separate into groups and comb through the forest.]
Me: [Yes, but what happens when they DO find what they search for?]
I silently curse myself for giving voice to such a stupid question, especially since he answered it already ...
Marsif: [Then, they will gather as much force as needed and try to erase the threat ... Would you be prepared for that?]
There's honest curiosity behind that. He's probably trying to get an impression of my defensive strength with that.
Since lying to him wouldn't bring any benefits, my answer is simple:
Me: [No, this is way over my head ...]
I try to guess his thoughts on my reply but he doesn't show any reaction. It's like, this was the exact answer he was expecting.
Marsif: [Then it would be better if they don't find what they look for. At least for now.]
Me: [I think, I can manage that much.]
Sealing the entrance of the maze and shutting the tower's gate like it was all the centuries before shouldn't be a problem. All that's left then is keep quite until the troublemakers are gone again.
Marsif: [Maybe what we brought along will be of help.]
Me: [Oh- I'm quite curious already!]
He smiles, stands up and waves to his companions to move the carriage in. I take the opportunity to contact Orsha and explain what's happening, so they don't have to be on-guard all the time.
As soon as it began moving, I start hearing strange animal noises from beneath the blanket on the cart. Marsif's men drive the shabby vehicle inside the yard allowing me a closer look at it: The cart is only half full and judging by its condition I'm not sure if it could manage a full load. Actually, most of their equipment looks like it has been in use for a long time. There are obvious repairs and temporary patches all over their stuff. The brown horse does not look well fed either. I decide to keep my comments about it to myself and watch Marsif as he removes the blanket with one imposing move, which drastically increases the animal noise.
The removed sheet reveals some cages, which are in a comparably good condition and containing the "noise sources" - five of them to be precise: The first is a duck, plain and simple. The second is a bat-like creature, covered in fur, but it's unresting movements remind me more of a monkey. (Its cries are especially shrill). The third is a white rodent with a long tale and puffed-up cheeks. Then, in a bigger cage, there is a growling creature that resembles a mix of a wolf and a bear, but smaller then both.
But the most intriguing is the last one: A partly furred humanoid creature with horns and hoofs like a goat. It's not in a cage but merely chained to the carriage and looking around in silent confusion. He's obviously afraid.
The present Ashranie step closer to inspect the "prey". Orsha, who was there during the negotiation, explains the meaning of this offering to the other hunters. Especially Orsog seems to be interested. While they casually exchange some words, Marsif stays silent. I get the feeling that he's waiting for my reaction ... So be it!
Me: [Uhm ... I'm a little bewildered ... I understand the caged animals, but what is your intention with the horned guy?]
Marsif: [I'm glad your asked! We catched him while he - or rather "it" - tried to steal from our food stocks. Our numerous attempts to speak with it failed, so I doubt that the creature counts as an intelligent being or a "person" in any way. It also does not belong to any of the known races, so we assume it's the result of an experiment. It either escaped or was released into the wild out of mercy. It's a primitive creature without name or reason to exist and it can't even reproduce. My leader decided that sacrificing it for a greater good would be an act of kindness towards the poor thing.]
Me: [An experiment?]
Marsif: [Yes. It became quite common over the last 3 to 4 centuries. Warlocks specialize in modifying creatures by mixing the essence from 2 or more species or races into a single being. The results are not always "satisfying" ... or useful, with some of them being created for the soul purpose to see if it is possible. A lot of these abominations are made only to fight in the pits or the arena, or end up there after concluding that they are not useful for anything else. The luckier ones become pleasure slaves or house servants.]
Me: [So that's what happened to him?]
Marsif: [Most probably. It was either that, or a natural mutation due to demonic corruption.]
Once again I conclude that I know nothing about this world!
Me: [I see ...]
'A creature without name or reason to exist' ... That certainly rings a bell. That's what could be said about me just a week ago. 'Giving the creature mercy by killing it'? The horned guy would surly disagree. But on the other hand ... so would every other animal that is about to be killed and eaten. Is it really that primitive? Does it matter? I got a huge amount of DP from the human attack, and the death of these soldiers doesn't bother me. Anyway, I can think about that later ...
Me: [Thank you, I'll take all I can get.]
I advice Orsha to take the "food" inside, but leave it as is for now.
Me: [And what about these high-elves?]
Marsif: [Uhm - I'm afraid they are not part of the delivery. I need to take them back with me.]
Me: [Oh - no, that's not what I meant. It's just ... they look so miserable. I was wondering what kind of role they fulfill.]
Marsif: [Ah, about that; I assure you, they deserved everything they got! They are former slave owners, and they treated their "property" with little respect or care.]
His voice becomes a bit more energetic, it's the first time I see him lose his temper even if it's just for a moment. The both long-ears seemingly sensed the sudden negative attention and shrink back in reflex, although he didn't say anything out loud. I guess they got beaten up a lot, enough to develop an intuitive sense for that.
Marsif continues after regaining his composure ...
Marsif: [... Would you say that stealing from a thief is a bad thing?]
Where's this coming from?
Me: [No, I don't think so ...]
Marsif: [And killing a murderer?]
Me: [... I wouldn't have a problem with that either.]
Otherwise it would be wrong to kill the Rose Daggers's soldiers.
Marsif: [Then enslaving a slaver would be ...]
He want's me to finish the sentence ...
Me: [... Justified, I guess.]
This sly bastard maneuvered me in a well prepared trap, I didn't even have the choice to say something else without gainsaying myself. I could argue that this kind of morale makes him no better then the ones he hates, but I doubt that either of us would benefit from a long discussion about morale, justice and ethics.
Me: [Let's move on to another topic ...]
Marsif: [Gladly. But I don't have much time to spare. My queen awaits my return and it's a long trip.]
After a thorough search the result is pleasantly surprising:
--------------------------
Achievement: "An Agreement"
Condition: Have at least one contracted Creature.
Reward: 50 DP: New furniture: "Wooden Bed".
--------------------------
Achievement: "Roll It"
Condition: Spawn a total of 10 "Horned Rabbits" (15/10)
Reward: 20 DP, New Creature: "Armored Rabbit".
--------------------------
Achievement: "Learning to learn"
Condition: Research at least 5 Projects (5/5)
Reward: 50 DP, 20 Research hours.
--------------------------
Achievement: "No strings attached" (Hidden)
Condition: Pay a research completely with bonus-hours.
Reward: 100 DP, The cost for the next research is reduced by 20 DP.
--------------------------
Without me realizing it, a bunch of new achievements piled up. [Let's see ...] Together they net me a much welcome 220 DP and shorten the next research by 40 hours. Then there's a new creature type: The armored rabbit which I'm already curious about for a while. And also a new furniture for me to place: A bed! Both of this will be very helpful in the near future as they give new options to increase the security, as well as the comfort for my dungeon's inhabitants.
I take the time to look through some other entries and conclude that I need to contract more people, create more furniture and spawn more creatures to get the next wave of upgrades in terms of "comfort and security". By the time I'm done with the list, I see Orsog leading a group of determined looking hunters out of the dungeon. Orsha and Hoko are part of it, as well as the two female hunters who were present the previous times. Also, Soguru must have enjoyed it the last time since he tags along as well. In addition to their usual equipment they carry some nets and an empty cage, not unlike the one they brought the monkey in (aka the "small burning man").
As the group of about 10 people walks by I consider accompanying them for personal entertainment, but immediately brush that thought away. They will be inside the maze for a while and I could as well use that time to do something productive instead, like for example finally beginning the construction of the advanced living area.
I have a rough image in my mind on how to do that: Since the plan is to later turn the current Ashranie-home into an outpost, the entrance to the deeper parts should naturally be located behind it. From there, I plan a twisted path reaching deeper underground then everything I have build so far and fill it with nasty traps. Occasional chasms will connect it with the monster-filled maze beneath it (once it's finished). At the end of this murder-trail I want to construct a sturdy fortification, designed to keep out even bigger numbers of intruders (Thought, right now I'm not sure of how to achieve that). And finally, behind this last line of defense, will be the settlement for the refugees, as well as the Ashranie and everyone who might join our forces in the future.
Time to strike the earth again! ...
...
(Some time later)
Orsha: [Orsha and Sari are calling the great spirit, "Kalifos"!]
Me: [Oh ... Yes, I'm here! You are back already?]
I take a quick look at the clock, wondering how much time had passed.
{2:12 pm}
What?! I'm digging for hours already ... I got captivated by the task and lost all track of time - again.
Orsha: [Yes, the hunters catched the "Black Cats"!]
Me: [That's good to hear, I'll be there in a moment!]
There's a small pause, which makes me think that this is not the reason they called out to me. Immediate concern pokes at my metaphorical heart.
Me: [... Did something happen?]
It's like she was waiting for me to ask.
Orsha: [The dark men came to the gates of the great spirit's place ...]
Me: [Marsif is back?!]
Orsha: [Yes, the dark man "Marsif" is waiting.]
I wanted to finish what I was doing, which is carving out the foundation for the underground fortress, but when she announces our visitors I drop it for later. I was already wondering when they would return and even more importantly; what they would bring with them. I had cut off the telepathic link right after telling them to wait for me since it exhaust them way to much when they are the ones to open it.
Once getting outside, the first thing I see is Orsha and Sari accompanied by some Ashranie guards eyeing the arrivers. Right outside the broken wall stands Marsif, waiting with a slightly bored expression for something to happen. A little further away, on the road which passes the tower is a horse tied to a carriage. The later is covered by a large blanket and surrounded by 4 more people. Two of them are the familiar silent companions who Marsif had brought with him before. Like him, they wear their usual leather enforced clothes.
The other two -a male and a female- are not dark elves and wear something that I could only call "rags", with the exception of the thin iron collars around their necks with a colorful stone embedded on its front (not a gem though). The trinkets don't look very pricey, they actually don't even resemble jewelry in the slightest, but if sold for the material cost alone, these guys could probably afford better clothes then they have on them ...
[..."High Elves"...] My unexplainable memory fills the information gap again. Their ears are longer and pointier then that of the dark elves and the hair is a bright yellow. If not so dirty, it would probably be even golden. This and the pale skin color are the distinctive features of their race.
They seem like they haven't eaten much for a while as their bone structure can be clearly seen through their skin. Their hollow cheeks and dark eye-bags make them look very tired, exhausted even. And while my intuition tells me that the high elves are the embodiment of pride and confidence, there's not a glimmer of it left in their eyes. Their spirit have long been broken.
But ... while looking at them being in a state like this makes me feel pity, there's still a strong sense of dislike and even a faint hint of disgust towards their species. This contradicting feelings are like the ones towards the dark elves, with the difference that what my reason and my intuition are telling me are the other way around. Without knowing 'anything' about this two people, my guts are telling me that they deserve what ever misery they get! Yet, I have no concrete reason to think that way.
Me: [Marsif! Nice to see you again.]
The Man does not even twitch on my sudden greeting. No sign of surprise at all - just a small light-up in his eyes and and a decent shift of his lips into a diplomatic smile.
Marsif: [It is a pleasure for me as well.]The tone of his voice ... the subtle gestures ... He's choosing his words with a lot of care, even for a simple greeting like that. I'm immediately reminded on why I had difficulty trusting him the first time.
I remember my resolve on being open and honest with him and his group, but that would be stupid if the trust is one-sided. Maybe I can sweeten his mood a little before having our "serious talk" ...
Me: [You have brought quite a load with you. Why not sit down and let your feet rest for moment. You look like you need it!]
He gives me an agreeing smile while sitting down on a boulder that was part of the wall a long time ago. The layer of moss makes it a suitable enough chair for this occasion.
Me: [Having a rough time?]
Marsif: [Can't remember the last time It wasn't rough ...]
Me: [Sounds like trouble ... something that I should know about?]
Marsif: [Actually ... yes! The mercenary group "Rose Daggers" - the one that attacked the liz- aahm, the "Ashranie" recently - is planning a big undertaking to find the reason for the disappearance of two of their squads ... and eliminate it.]
Wow ... That is certainly bad news. But it didn't come as a surprise - I was actually expecting something the like. That's why I'm preparing for a big encounter downstairs.
Me: [That's concerning ... How many are we talking about?]
Marsif: [If they dispatch everything they have? ... I guess they could easily exceed 3000 armed men - but that's unlikely.]
He waves it off.
Marsif: [Still, I expect them to mobilize a force of at least 400 to 500 for this.]
Me: [That's ... still a lot!]
I suddenly feel an intense urge to gulp ... there are sure times when I would like to have a body.
Marsif: [Well, they are not all trained as well as the ones you've encountered, but still not something one wants to mess around with.]
Is he kidding? This is impossible! Even if they were just peasants with sickles and forks ... How am I suppose to protect myself against that many?!
And as if sensing my concern, Marsif eases my panic by throwing in:
Marsif: [But gladly, they will not run around like a herd, they wouldn't find anything that way. It's an investigation after all.They will separate into groups and comb through the forest.]
Me: [Yes, but what happens when they DO find what they search for?]
I silently curse myself for giving voice to such a stupid question, especially since he answered it already ...
Marsif: [Then, they will gather as much force as needed and try to erase the threat ... Would you be prepared for that?]
There's honest curiosity behind that. He's probably trying to get an impression of my defensive strength with that.
Since lying to him wouldn't bring any benefits, my answer is simple:
Me: [No, this is way over my head ...]
I try to guess his thoughts on my reply but he doesn't show any reaction. It's like, this was the exact answer he was expecting.
Marsif: [Then it would be better if they don't find what they look for. At least for now.]
Me: [I think, I can manage that much.]
Sealing the entrance of the maze and shutting the tower's gate like it was all the centuries before shouldn't be a problem. All that's left then is keep quite until the troublemakers are gone again.
Marsif: [Maybe what we brought along will be of help.]
Me: [Oh- I'm quite curious already!]
He smiles, stands up and waves to his companions to move the carriage in. I take the opportunity to contact Orsha and explain what's happening, so they don't have to be on-guard all the time.
As soon as it began moving, I start hearing strange animal noises from beneath the blanket on the cart. Marsif's men drive the shabby vehicle inside the yard allowing me a closer look at it: The cart is only half full and judging by its condition I'm not sure if it could manage a full load. Actually, most of their equipment looks like it has been in use for a long time. There are obvious repairs and temporary patches all over their stuff. The brown horse does not look well fed either. I decide to keep my comments about it to myself and watch Marsif as he removes the blanket with one imposing move, which drastically increases the animal noise.
The removed sheet reveals some cages, which are in a comparably good condition and containing the "noise sources" - five of them to be precise: The first is a duck, plain and simple. The second is a bat-like creature, covered in fur, but it's unresting movements remind me more of a monkey. (Its cries are especially shrill). The third is a white rodent with a long tale and puffed-up cheeks. Then, in a bigger cage, there is a growling creature that resembles a mix of a wolf and a bear, but smaller then both.
But the most intriguing is the last one: A partly furred humanoid creature with horns and hoofs like a goat. It's not in a cage but merely chained to the carriage and looking around in silent confusion. He's obviously afraid.
The present Ashranie step closer to inspect the "prey". Orsha, who was there during the negotiation, explains the meaning of this offering to the other hunters. Especially Orsog seems to be interested. While they casually exchange some words, Marsif stays silent. I get the feeling that he's waiting for my reaction ... So be it!
Me: [Uhm ... I'm a little bewildered ... I understand the caged animals, but what is your intention with the horned guy?]
Marsif: [I'm glad your asked! We catched him while he - or rather "it" - tried to steal from our food stocks. Our numerous attempts to speak with it failed, so I doubt that the creature counts as an intelligent being or a "person" in any way. It also does not belong to any of the known races, so we assume it's the result of an experiment. It either escaped or was released into the wild out of mercy. It's a primitive creature without name or reason to exist and it can't even reproduce. My leader decided that sacrificing it for a greater good would be an act of kindness towards the poor thing.]
Me: [An experiment?]
Marsif: [Yes. It became quite common over the last 3 to 4 centuries. Warlocks specialize in modifying creatures by mixing the essence from 2 or more species or races into a single being. The results are not always "satisfying" ... or useful, with some of them being created for the soul purpose to see if it is possible. A lot of these abominations are made only to fight in the pits or the arena, or end up there after concluding that they are not useful for anything else. The luckier ones become pleasure slaves or house servants.]
Me: [So that's what happened to him?]
Marsif: [Most probably. It was either that, or a natural mutation due to demonic corruption.]
Once again I conclude that I know nothing about this world!
Me: [I see ...]
'A creature without name or reason to exist' ... That certainly rings a bell. That's what could be said about me just a week ago. 'Giving the creature mercy by killing it'? The horned guy would surly disagree. But on the other hand ... so would every other animal that is about to be killed and eaten. Is it really that primitive? Does it matter? I got a huge amount of DP from the human attack, and the death of these soldiers doesn't bother me. Anyway, I can think about that later ...
Me: [Thank you, I'll take all I can get.]
I advice Orsha to take the "food" inside, but leave it as is for now.
Me: [And what about these high-elves?]
Marsif: [Uhm - I'm afraid they are not part of the delivery. I need to take them back with me.]
Me: [Oh - no, that's not what I meant. It's just ... they look so miserable. I was wondering what kind of role they fulfill.]
Marsif: [Ah, about that; I assure you, they deserved everything they got! They are former slave owners, and they treated their "property" with little respect or care.]
His voice becomes a bit more energetic, it's the first time I see him lose his temper even if it's just for a moment. The both long-ears seemingly sensed the sudden negative attention and shrink back in reflex, although he didn't say anything out loud. I guess they got beaten up a lot, enough to develop an intuitive sense for that.
Marsif continues after regaining his composure ...
Marsif: [... Would you say that stealing from a thief is a bad thing?]
Where's this coming from?
Me: [No, I don't think so ...]
Marsif: [And killing a murderer?]
Me: [... I wouldn't have a problem with that either.]
Otherwise it would be wrong to kill the Rose Daggers's soldiers.
Marsif: [Then enslaving a slaver would be ...]
He want's me to finish the sentence ...
Me: [... Justified, I guess.]
This sly bastard maneuvered me in a well prepared trap, I didn't even have the choice to say something else without gainsaying myself. I could argue that this kind of morale makes him no better then the ones he hates, but I doubt that either of us would benefit from a long discussion about morale, justice and ethics.
Me: [Let's move on to another topic ...]
Marsif: [Gladly. But I don't have much time to spare. My queen awaits my return and it's a long trip.]
Chapter 24 < Chapter 25 > Chapter 26
 |
| My Patreon. Click for more info. |
No comments:
Post a Comment