Agitha sat next to Zell’s bed the following morning. He had yet to awaken after the incident. Kel was also in the room, and Merc had recovered from the sleeping drug but was still weakened lying near the door.
“The squid freak must have summoned the demon to keep me busy.” Agitha said as she watched Zell sleep. “It must be the same one Coralia defeated, it’s probably been feeding on him under my nose for years.” She angrily clenched her fists as she continued.
“Doesn’t Bait have a sister?” Kel suddenly inquired.
“Cora!” Agitha caught on immediately. “I’m going. I’m so sorry to drag you into this Kel, but please take care of him until I get back.” Agitha was sincere, and the pained look on her face was one Kel had never seen on her before.
“I’d be furious if you didn’t let me help, Teacher. These two are safe here, count on me.” He held his ham sized fist over his heart as he spoke.
Agitha stood up and walked up to him. Her eyes were barely level with his belly. She raised a hand, beckoning him to bend down to her level. After he complied, she put her hands on his shoulders and pressed her forehead into Kel’s forehead.
“I don’t deserve you, but damn do I appreciate you. I shouldn’t be gone long but I won’t rest or return until that parasite is in pieces.” Agitha released the big man and turned to gather her supplies.
A few minutes later she walked into the common room of the inn to find several guards flanking a richly dressed middle aged man whom was speaking to Kel in a snide tone. She recognized the armor as the same as the ones from the armored riders the night before. She guessed they must be the private militia of the lord responsible for the bleating meadow.
“We know the people in this building were involved in the incident, and my damages will be compensated!” The man’s nasally voice and superior attitude immediately enraged Agitha.
“I killed the toad. What the hell do you want?” She walked directly up to him, staring into his eyes with open contempt.
“Such a tone! I never... I should have you flogged right here and now! Do you know who I am? I am Lord Hurb Shepard III, lord of the bleating meadow and minister of agriculture!” The flustered man was clearly not used to anything but total deference.
“Of course, you should absolutely have me flogged.” Agitha grinned. She turned her attention to the armored guards. “You lot were there last night. Which of you will be handing me my beating? None of you?” She stepped to within a foot of the apparent leader of the guards given his more elaborate uniform.
“Escort your master home before I lose my temper. There’s nothing good for you here.” She said to him evenly.
The hired soldier bowed and roughly hauled his employer out of the inn as he spewed a stream of curses. The mercenary officer and his men would be jobless for awhile but after seeing the woman in action against the demon he had no intention of crossing her.
“Some thanks we get, huh?” Kel rubbed his battle scarred scalp as he spoke. “I’m sure the city officials will be around soon too.”
“I’m going to them before they come here to give a report. Old Krees is still in charge so it should be fine.” Agitha said as she donned her cloak before stepping out into the morning street.
She walked quickly toward the sound of a hammer ringing against hot iron. Normally the market district would be bustling this time of day but barely any shops were open and the streets were practically deserted. The ringing sound intensified as she approached the open workshop of the most decorated smith in the kingdom, a dwarven master named Filstag Blackforge. She wasn’t looking forward to breaking the news that she had lost two of his finest creations.
“Oi there Flowerbelly!” He said between grunts as he noticed her approach. “Back for another round?” He added.
“No, I accept defeat in that matter for now.” She replied. “I have some troubling news and a favor to ask.”
“Eh?” He prodded as he quenched the red hot horseshoe he was working on in a bath of oil.
“My swords were destroyed in the fight against the gorger demon last night, and the kid I told you about was attacked by the mana lamprey that summoned it. It’s drained and injured and I’ll bet it has a pearl in the kid’s sister. I need a backup weapon or two so that i can finish it off when it makes its move to feed on her.” Agitha finished her summary by holding out the hilts of her swords, all that remained after the acidic slime consumed them.
“Eh!? There was a gorger demon and a mana lamprey in the city!? Why didn’t they ring the bell?” The dwarf appeared startled.
“What? They did, six times! You sleep that soundly?” Agitha replied just as surprised that he was so clueless. “You didn’t notice the giant skeleton by the gate or the total lack of people today?”
“I see. I thought it was another frivolous holiday for the lazy humans, and I haven’t been to the gate lately.” The dwarf stroked his chest length copper colored beard as he spoke. “Well one thing at a time, how in the hells did you melt these blades?”
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“The gorger demon used a slime skin spell while I was standing on its head. The slime must mostly eat metal because my boots didn’t get dissolved and it only burned my skin a little.” Agitha offered in explanation.
The dwarf tilted his head back, remembering the details of the much feared species. “Gorger demons, the larvae of the demon god Maiphon himself. They are a huge problem in the underground realms. On the surface they are known as overnight calamities for they perish with the sun, but down below they grow until they are suffocated by their environment. You destroyed one on your own? Even for you that’s quite a damn feat.” Filstag concluded.
“Hardly. Blind dumb coincidence slayed the demon. The kid’s lamprey pearl ruptured while it had enough mana stored to level the city. We had him cast a candle cantrip on me as I let the demon eat me. The spell went out of control and sucked all the mana out of him. And since light spells are like the wimpy cousin of holy spells, it vaporized the gorger from the inside. Its skeleton is still standing by the gate.” Agitha told the story nonchalantly.
Filstag let out a low whistle. “Those bones are incredible material, also if the bounty association declares the kill yours then you’ll be an even wealthier woman. Greater demons are over a thousand gold.” The dwarf rubbed his hands together at the thought of the exotic material and pile of gold.
“I will lay claim to the kill and the corpse this morning before I leave. Some of the reward will be deducted for damage and whatever remains I’ll split with the kid. If it’s not contested I’ll leave it to you to dismantle and harvest what you want from the skeleton. I only ask you reserve some of it for us.” Agitha said.
“What a strange way to start my day.” The dwarf chuckled. “Very well Flowerbelly, count on me. As far as loaner weapons I have an interesting one that somebody sold me recently. He said it was washed up on shore with some other wreckage. Looks like an old school Red Isle blade. It’s not your usual style but it’s plenty sharp.” The dwarf’s voice faded and returned as he stumped to the rear of his stall and back with the weapon in question.
She saw it and sucked in a breath, recognizing it instantly. It was a long curved single edged sword made of an exotic steel folded many times judging by the beautiful damascus pattern on the blade, which had a bluish tint and a mirrored finish. The hilt was designed to be used with one or both hands, and wrapped in beautiful cobalt colored silk. Swords of this variety were mass produced for the Red Isle forces, but those of exceptional quality like this were coveted heirlooms reserved for royalty.
“That’s not just a Red Isle blade, it’s one of Uniri’s! Those elves would start a war over that sword you know.” Agitha admonished Filstag in a severe tone. “You really didn’t recognize it? You need to cut back on the mushroom alcohol.”
“Bah one elf twinkly sword is the same as the next!” The dwarf grumbled. “Take it and when you’re done with it you can send it back to ‘em if you want. I’ll get to work on your proper weapons right away after we see about the demon bones.” The dwarf finished, waving his hands.
“Fine then.” Agitha wrapped the sword in her cloak and carried it with her to the bounty office.
Finding it closed, she guessed where they could be found. She made her way to the gate, and her suspicions were confirmed. A crowd was gathered around, while several armed officials and robed men inspected the titanic black skeleton.
She found the man she was looking for and quickly hailed him. He noticed her wave and approached her.
“I should have guessed it was you when the gate guard said a single grey haired woman took this thing down, and I suppose the rumors about your little underworld rampage are true as well?” The weathered old commander of the bounty administration said more than asked.
“Yeah this little thing cut into my night so i had to do your peoples’ job. As for the other thing, do you really want to know?” Agitha teased him.
“I really don’t.” He answered. “Preliminary estimates of the damage are around fifty gold to the structures here in town. The lord of the meadow is claiming the loss of six hundred sheep. At the inflated rate of ten silver each that’s another sixty gold. The bounty for greater demons is a thousand gold minus the damages I told you about which we’ll have ready for you by the end of the month. The monster researcher’s guild has formally tendered an offer of two thousand gold for the intact skeleton...” Krees trailed off seeing Agitha shake her head.
“Already promised the bones to Filstag to process into weapons and armor. I’d rather see those bones put to use than have them collect dust at the monster museum.” Agitha explained. “As for the gold, I have some instructions for you.” Agitha then leaned in to whisper something to Krees, whom nodded after a moment.
“Anything else?” He asked finally.
“Nope. Filstag will be around with some of his kin to dismantle this and cart it away. I’m going out of town for a bit, Kel can take any messages you have for me in the meantime.” Agitha said as she began walking back toward the city center.
With all of the loose ends sorted, she could finally set out. She wouldn’t be walking this time, it was far too urgent that she reach the valley before nightfall. She had one more favor to cash in for just such a time.
After relaying the news about the skeleton to Filstag, she made her way to the well maintained section of the Merchant Belt where mages and alchemists offered their services. Her destination was a shop called The Sand Dragon. A loud crow cawing greeted her as she entered.
The large bird was perched on a stand made from old driftwood near the sales counter. It was also an acquaintance and Agitha glared at the obnoxious pest with open malice.
“Welcome, just a moment please!” A raspy voice called from the back of the cluttered shop. As soon as the speaker came into view, Agitha put on as warm a smile as she could manage to greet the shopkeeper.
Karakis was a salamander, a sub race of the lizardmen known for their talent in spell casting. He was around six feet tall with a light humanoid build save for the thick, long tail, iguana like head, and rust colored scales covering his body. He was heavily adorned with golden jewellery and his robes were decorated with glowing runes. Upon recognizing Agitha he dropped his friendly demeanor and launched a tirade at her.
“No, no, no, and hell no!” He put out his clawed hand to point a finger at Agitha. “Whatever it is, I’ll have no part of it. Go away!” Karakis finished by crossing his arms, jewellery tinkling with every move.
“Go away!” The crow echoed the salamander. “Stinky! Go away stinky!” It finished with a smug “Caw!”
“Ok I’ll go away. In fact that’s why I’m here. I need you to open a gate for me. Agitha continued to glare at the bird as she spoke. “Do that and you’re free. I won’t call on you again.” She let the bait hang in the air.
“I’ll be out of mana for days... Just one gate and you’ll leave me alone for good?” Karakis asked hopefully.
Agitha nodded, and the salamander ran quickly to find the necessary materials for the gate spell.