"Now that Darren is training with Master Rui, I think I have time to see if it's possible to raise a quest," SJ said.
It had been four days since the wyvern had visited the town, and although it could be heard towards the mountain peaks, it hadn't yet revisited the town. It still meant the threat existed, and the town was continuing to work out plans for dealing with any future attacks. The guard force was undergoing extensive archery training. Many of them would never be anywhere near the level of proficiency as an archer or ranger class or that of a hunter profession, as none of them had the dexterity level necessary. Still, they would at least be able to fire arrows rather than the slow reload time of the crossbows. They hoped that anything with a hundred arrows fired at it would think twice about trying something again.
The general guard force was also being trained in using pikes and standing in a line, forming a wall of spikes that could be used as a deterrent. They had been performing drills around the town, and the mage who completed the announcements called dummy attacks to help improve the guard and the town's reaction times. Gradually, life was slowly returning to the streets, and Zigferd had made an announcement via the mage about the plans so that all were aware. Several had not even left their homes since the first attack had happened, being too scared to venture outdoors.
The mages under Fran's guidance, who were able, were beginning to learn lightning spells. Many could not do so due to their elemental alignment, but at least four could cast the spell once they had learned. The same training was underway for the fire mage apprentices who were of a high enough level to learn fireball or firebolt.
The town's training and adaptation to this new threat were exemplary, and even Darren commented on their professional approach.
Over the past four days, Darren had begun to settle in, to SJ's relief. When SJ arrived back at the cottage that first day and saw what he had done inside, unpacking and arranging everything, she was grateful. He had apologised for doing it but stated he couldn't just leave everything on the table waiting for her to return. He was still staying in the back room, and Floretta spent her nights sitting in the lounge reading while the repairs at the Inn were finished.
The repairs had gotten underway, and Bert's cousins were commencing work immediately. The walls were already rebuilt after new floor crossbeams had been installed. The two massive trolls, who were his cousins, dwarfed Bert. SJ had never seen trolls so large. They both towered nearly twenty feet tall. The ease with which they moved stone blocks around as though they were made of polystyrene. It was effortless for them, making the building process much faster. SJ had wondered why they had not previously helped defend the town when the Hobs attacked. She had taken the chance to use her Identification skills to discover that one was level 4 and the other was level 6. Their size made them appear much more than they were.
Nexis had also returned and 'apparently' finished the dealings at the tailor shop. The quarterling had been seen leaving town with a wagon full of his possessions and was moving back to his family's village on the far side of Asterfal. The rumour was that he had sped up the process of selling the shop after the wyvern attack had occurred. Nexis was becoming a town celebrity. Everywhere he went, beings spoke to him, SJ believing he loved the attention he was getting from his admirers. She had spent some time with him discussing the auction house further and had promised to get Terence up from the cottages to go over the plans and discuss the carpentry works.
That was why Fran was currently standing in the lounge of the cottage. Darren was off with Master Rui today. They were going on a field trip into the forest on the opposite side of the wyvern's known location, searching for herbs and other alchemical components.
"This cottage is lovely. I have never been inside before," Fran said. Looking around, Darren had done an excellent job sorting the place out, and everything already had a home. It felt to SJ that she had been living there much longer than the five days it had been.
"It is. I am so lucky to get it," SJ replied.
"I know you don't own the deed, but as the agreed tenant of the property, I should be able to try and set a soul stone. Remember what I said about how it affects your health. Are you sure this is what you wish to do?"
"Yes. I want to get to the cottage and visit the skeletons."
"Okay then. The way it works is that the soul stone will attach itself to the essence of the building. Where do you wish it to be located?"
"I think my bedroom is the best place," SJ replied, indicating the front bedroom.
Following SJ, Fran walked into the room. It was large, with a large double bed and the usual furnishings you would expect in a bedroom. "You need an open floor space where it can be used as the portal spot," Fran said.
"I think in front of the window is the best place." The bay window had nothing in front of it, allowing an open view of the corn fields across from the front garden.
"Stand where you wish it to be placed. This area must always be clear so that you can return, or you will lose the link capability."
Nodding, SJ stood centrally in front of the window. "Here."
"It has been a while since I cast the spell, and it is quite complex. You need to stay perfectly still. When it begins, you will feel the sensation of the spell. Some have told me it is painful. Others haven't, so I can't guarantee what effect it will have on you," Fran said, looking at SJ.
SJ took a deep breath, "Okay. Let's do this."
Fran began to whisper, closing her eyes and moving her hands in a slow, rhythmic motion. SJ stood watching her perform the spell when a beam of light appeared before Fran and shot at SJ instantly. She gasped as the light struck her. The sensation of warmth struck her body, and then it began.
Initially, the warmth was pleasant, and as Fran continued to cast the spell, the sensation of heat increased. It moved from pleasant to bearable to uncomfortable to painful in the space of a minute. The light enveloped her fully now, and she winced from the painful sensation. It felt like her whole body was being dipped in a red-hot bath, and she gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to tell Fran to stop. She then noticed that the health of her display began to lower. Slowly, as the light from the spell increased in intensity, her health dropped, reaching the 5% reduction Fran had mentioned. As it did, the light intensity became unbearable, and she closed her eyes and let out a deep groan from the pain and sensation she was feeling.
The feeling suddenly stopped the residual effect of the spell, which still made SJ's skin feel as though it was on fire. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Fran. Fran's demeanour had changed, and her shoulders were sagged. SJ watched as she staggered slightly. Stepping forward, SJ caught her and steadied her.
"Are you okay?" SJ asked, worried.
Fran smiled weakly. "I will be. I had forgotten how taxing the spell is to cast. It uses virtually my whole mana-pool."
SJ helped Fran to the edge of the bed and sat her down. "I will get you a drink," SJ said, leaving the room to grab her a glass of water.
Walking back in, Fran sat leaning on her knees, breathing heavily, her brow glistening with beads of sweat.
"That has taken it out of you. If I had known it was that challenging, I would never have asked you to perform it."
"I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't know what I was getting into," Fran replied.
"I am guessing that it worked. My health was reduced by 5%," SJ's health had now reduced from 98 down to 93, and where the bar had always been red before the end of it was greyed out.
"It was successful, yes," Fran said.
"I can now portal and return again," SJ said, feeling trepidation. She hadn't even attempted to use the portal at the cottage yet, and thinking about it was both exciting and nerve-racking. "I told Darren that I would be going to the cottage today, and with the cooldown, I hope to return this evening."
Fran had drunk the glass of water and placed it on the bedside table, removing a blue potion from her inventory. Popping the cork in it, she began to drink it before replying.
"No time like the present," Fran said. "It can be a little disorientating until you get used to the feeling of using portals."
SJ bit her lip nervously. "I need to give it a go."
"Open your map. Select the portal and boom," Dave said.
SJ jumped slightly at Dave's sudden eruption in her mind. He had been very quiet the past couple of days, and she had been getting concerned.
"Are you okay?" Fran asked, frowning.
"Yes. Yes. I am just a little unsettled. The sensation of that spell was not pleasant. It felt as though my skin was on fire." The discomfort from the spell was still wearing off, and the burning feeling dimmed to that of warmth.
"The spell seems to affect different beings in different ways. Some complain of heat, others of cold, others nothing. There doesn't seem to be a reason behind the differences."
"Thank you," SJ said, smiling at Fran.
Stolen novel; please report.
"My pleasure," Fran said.
"I am going to try my portal now."
Fran smiled at SJ, watching intently.
SJ opened her map, zoomed in on the cottage, and selected the portal where she had placed it. 'Here goes,' she thought as she selected to use it, smiling at Fran.
It was as though all light had suddenly been absorbed from the world; her eyes were open, but she couldn't see. Not knowing what to expect from using the portal, the shock of losing her vision made her gasp. She knew she could see, but the darkness enveloped her was absolute. Her body suddenly felt tingly and cold. The sensation was welcome after the heat of the soul stone spell. As quickly as the darkness had come, it disappeared, and she was standing in the clearing before the cottage. Hearing shouting, and as her vision became focused, she saw Charlotte's startled face, with an arrow nocked on her bowstring, drawn and ready to fire.
"SJ," she cried in shock. Terence stood behind her with a large mallet in his hand. Brian was nowhere to be seen.
"Hi," SJ replied, smiling broadly at them, amazed that she had just travelled so quickly. The portal would be amazing, and with it in place, she could now visit the cottage whenever she wished.
"We wondered who was opening a portal in the yard," Charlotte said, releasing the tension on the bowstring and Terrence dropping his mallet to his side.
"At least we know for the future that if a black pool of light suddenly appears in the yard, what is happening," Terence said.
"Is that what it looks like? I have never seen one."
"Yes. A black pool of light suddenly appeared, and then moments later it went, and you were standing there," Charlotte replied.
SJ stood, taking in the cottage in front of her. She had appeared nearly fifty feet from it in the corner of the garden where she had set the portal away from any structures. Now, what she saw was not what she remembered. The front of the cottage looked similar but different somehow. The gazebo now had a swinging seat hanging from its beams. The side of the cottage had an extended lean-to beyond what SJ could remember. Her mouth dropped open, and she looked at the transformation. The garden area was a picture of perfection, with perfectly aligned rows of plants and flowers brightly coloured and lining the pathway of stone slabs leading to the front door, from where the small picket fence surrounded the property.
"You guys have been busy," SJ said wide-eyed.
"There is still so much more to do," Terence replied, smiling his skeletal smile. The large-boned orc skeleton stood, resting the mallet on his shoulder.
"Has anything happened since I was gone?"
"No. Nothing. It is the most peaceful we have ever been," Charlotte replied.
"Where is Brian?" SJ asked.
"He is down at the second cottage gardening," Charlotte said.
"Thanks for getting the chisels dropped off. They have sped up the process of building things," Terence said.
SJ had completely forgotten about the chisels and the chimney needing to be aligned. "I had forgotten about that. I meant to speak to Husa to confirm that everything had gone okay."
"It was a simple job. No new stone was needed. It just needed resetting, which he did while here," Terence said.
"So, the chimney is all fixed. That's amazing."
"Yes. Let me show you what else we have been doing."
Terence turned and walked around to the rear of the property. SJ followed. What met her gaze was the framework of an extension. It stretched back from the rear of the property, more than doubling its footprint. The previous storage locker that Terence had constructed was now placed at the side of the cottage under the lean-to, and looking out towards the woods at the rear, which began a couple hundred feet from the rear of the property, SJ could see where Terence and the others had been cutting trees down to allow for him to construct the extension.
"Wow. This is amazing. This place will be huge once finished."
"I need to keep myself busy," Terence said.
"You have all been busy. I need to ask you a favour," SJ said, looking at Terence.
"Of course. What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to come to Killic if you can. A new auction house is being constructed, and the owner needs some carpentry work done."
If Terence's eyes could have shown more emotion, SJ would have sworn he looked excited at the chance to do more work. "That sounds interesting. What do they need to do?"
"There are various items as well as some internal structures that he has designed, and I thought of you when discussing his plans with him."
"When do you need me to start?" Terence said, and SJ could hear his excitement in his usual gruff voice.
"I plan on returning later today. If you can travel to Killic in the next day or so, that would be great. I can give you directions."
"No problem. Whatever you need me to do."
"Hi, SJ," Brian said as he suddenly appeared from nowhere.
"Ahhh," SJ squeaked in shock, jumping and turning to look at Brian, who had appeared only a few feet from her.
"Sorry," Brian said, looking as embarrassed as a skeleton could.
"It's okay. You are just so quiet I didn't even sense you nearby."
"Class perk," he replied, smiling.
"I was letting Terence know I need him to come to Killic. There is some work that needs completing for a new build there."
"That sounds interesting. Do you need Charlotte and I to come as well?"
SJ had discussed with Dave about the skeletons accompanying her to the desert region as extra support, which she had initially decided would be the route she would take to get to the closest territory level increase to attempt to create a quest. Dave stated that the only route to the desert region was down through the valley and the southern tunnel system, apart from going over the cliff edge where the rock gobbler had met its demise. He had also reminded SJ that the skeletons were low-level still in comparison, and even though they may be skilled in various areas, they would be ineffective against many hostiles there.
The mention of hostiles had made SJ reconsider going via the desert and take the extra time to go via Asterfal. She was still only level 11, and her skills were only useful up close and personal. She had no ranged ability skills to support and didn't fancy getting into fights with high-level monsters or beings. Going to a level 20-30 territory could be a significant risk, as Darren was working with Master Rui on his alchemy profession and no longer had the same rush to give him cause to stay.
SJ had concluded that she needed to take the safer option and travel to Asterfal even if the journey would be longer. Over the past four days, she had begun to put things in place. Alongside her daily training, she had also been working on her tailoring, and she had been so close to installing an enchantment slot that she just wanted to get it done and advance her profession further. Going to Asterfal would also allow her to sell off the extra items she had from looting various victims and enquire about her miniature wyvern egg.
"No. Just Terence for now. I will head to Asterfal soon, but I wanted to introduce Terence before I go."
Charlotte joined them at the rear of the cottage. "How long are you staying?"
"I will be going back later today. It is only a fleeting visit," SJ said. Taking in the cottage and its surroundings, it was so idyllic that she wished she could stay longer, and she would have to bring Cristy here at some point. Getting her out of the town with the wyvern there may be good. She always had something to contemplate or consider, and there was never a day that she wasn't busy doing something. She still had the quest offer from Fran to consider and the quest from Zigferd.
"Did you want anything to eat?" Brian asked.
SJ frowned, looking at Brian, confused. "I didn't think you ate?"
"We don't, but I have been fishing at the lake in my spare time and can easily catch one if needed."
"That would be great," SJ said, smiling.
"No problem. I will be back in a while." SJ watched in amazement as Brian turned and walked off whistling.
Walking back around to the front of the cottage, SJ went inside. It was immaculate. The items she had purchased and brought down previously were all perfectly placed, and not a spot of dust rested on anything. She walked to the stove area and lit the fire, putting some extra wood in the burner. Then, walking outside to the well, she drew a bucket of water before filling one of the pans. Then, she set about making herself a pot of coffee, removing the container of coffee from her inventory that she had got from Floretta that morning.
While the water got up to temperature, SJ stood in the cottage doorway. Charlotte had returned to gardening at the front, humming away as she carefully worked through and between the plants and flowers along the path. She heard an axe being used and then the sound of a saw and knew that Terence had just returned to his task of building the extension. Leaning against the door frame, considering how heavenly it was. It was the first time in a while that SJ began to relax. Not realising how tense she had been feeling until the serenity of the place took hold.
Once the coffee was made, she carried the pot and a mug out to the swinging seat, where a small table stood. Pouring coffee, she sat on the swinging seat and sipped her drink. As she rocked backwards and forwards gently, she considered how lucky she had been to have made so many friends since her arrival in Amathera. Smiling, she closed her eyes and relaxed.