Lanek sat down heavily, feeling incredibly drained by the experience, but satisfied with his work. He still wasn’t entirely sure what he had done, but his soul felt pleased by the experience. Meanwhile, Elspeth was still in hysterics at the sight of Lanek’s powers ensnaring her family’s spirits, so much so that Liv had come to the island and stood between her and Lanek. However, Liv was clearly uncomfortable at the recent events as well as she eyed the spirits surrounding Elspeth with suspicion while she held her axe.

“I told you to be silent.” The eldest of the spirits commanded, eyes now locked on Elspeth, authority positively dripping from her voice. Instantly, ever spirit took a step back and ceased speaking. Elspeth jerked back as if slapped.

“Grandmother? Why are you defending him? I would never have allowed a necromancer in here had I known!” Elspeth said plaintively.

Lanek nearly lashed out in anger at her lack of gratitude before regaining control of himself. Honestly, he couldn’t blame her. Sure, he had transformed her from a monstrous abomination of the Void back into her original form, but from her perspective he supposed that it looked like he was corrupting her family’s souls. As a result, he simply settled down and gestured for Liv to relax while the former guardian beast handled it.

“There is no necromancy here, girl. I do not know what powers this person used, but we are not slaved to his will or purpose. Rather, his powers have given us a choice.” The old woman said.

“A choice?” Elspeth asked, looking confused but a lot calmer after hearing that the spirits were not enslaved.

“Aye. We were offered a contract to join with you and protect this land. The terms are quite lenient. If we accept, we will be bound to the valley in order to protect it.”

“For how long?”

“For as long as we wish. If we wish, we could accept today and choose to leave tomorrow, at which point we would simply move on to our rest without any sort of penalty.” The old woman paused and looked at Lanek. “Although, I am curious as to how this was accomplished. I have never heard of an undead kelpie despite my centuries of life.”

Lanek shrugged. “At this point, I couldn’t tell you if it was the fact that I’m a dranrid or because of my class. Hopefully, Eldros can shed some light on this for us.”

The old woman’s face brightened at the mention of Eldros, but she was cut off by Elspeth before she could say a word. “Lanek, I’m sorry for how I reacted. You’ve given me my life back and let me see my family again, I was in the wrong.”

“Thanks for the apology, but it is unnecessary. I get it, if I had seen something like that happening to my loved ones, I would have reacted the same way. Please, don’t give it another thought.” Lanek replied. “Could you guys give me a second? I need to check my notifications and try to get in touch with Eldros. Hopefully, he and Idril have a moment.”

“Idril? The bird is still around? I’m happy to hear that!” The elder kelpie said, smiling widely.

“Oh, yeah. Long story, but Idril is once again one of Eldros’ guardian beasts, alongside a dire bear by the name of Letha.” Seeing the question on the elder’s face, Lanek continued. “That’s all there is. Until recently, Eldros had only the single domain remaining to the west of the city of Caelis. I established a second within Caelis with Letha as its guardian.”

The old woman’s face fell at the news. “Eldros was that close to death? I see now why I had been getting weaker all those centuries ago. Enough from me, do what you need to do, I can get my answers from Eldros or Idril.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Lanek nodded and started with his notifications. He had expected quite a few notifications, but there were only two waiting for his attention.

You have learned [Garrison of the Dead] [Unique].

The essence of the ancient race within you has come into contact with Binder of Souls, resulting in a new skill, [Garrison of the Dead]. This skill will allow you to contract with the souls of the departed to protect a specific place that had meaning to them. The form the garrisoned souls will take varies depending on their species and if their physical remains are present.

Well, that definitely explains what happened. I wonder how often I can use it? Garrisoned outposts would do wonders for keeping Caelis safe...

Your soul has fully assimilated the [Dranrid] essence within you. A choice now lies before you, a choice between what you are and what you could become.

Do you wish to complete your evolution into [Dranrid]?

*Note: Refusal is permanent and you will remain human.

Damn, that’s a big one. It doesn’t matter, though. I’ve been clinging too much to my old life and way of thinking, I need to change to stand a chance of fighting off the gaunts and the Void. I need to become stronger and accept this as my new reality just as I need to accept that my furballs don’t need my protection.

Lanek made his decision, but decided to speak with Eldros first. He wasn’t looking for Eldros’ input on his evolution, but he expected that he would be indisposed as soon as he accepted and he needed to talk to the Primordial about this valley. Resolving himself to begin the evolution as soon as his conversation with Eldros was complete, Lanek reached out to his patron.

Boss, you there? This is important, I need to talk to you. A few moments passed before Lanek heard Eldros’ voice in his mind.

What do you… Truly? You have begun reclaiming my domain? Is that Eilidh over there? Explain, quickly.

Without hesitation, Lanek relayed the events since he had arrived in the valley. He could feel Eldros’ grief and rage as Lanek spoke about the torment and corruption of Elspeth at the hands of the Void and how the domain had originally fallen. However, he was most surprised by Eldros’ reaction to the information about how he had restored Elspeth and contracted the kelpie spirits to defend the valley.

Lanek… I don’t know how this is possible. Soulbinders have never been particularly predictable, but I have no memory of them being able to do anything like this. I think the dranrid part of you is responsible for these changes, but you should be wary. I cannot advise you on what is to come if you continue with this evolution. However, I don’t think you should shy away from it either, just be careful.

I understand. So, what do we do about the domain? It doesn’t feel finished, but I don’t know what else to do.

It can’t be completed without my permission. I had given you orders to establish the domain in Caelis, so that gave you the necessary permission to complete the process. However, I never gave you any orders about this specific place. Simply reach out to me when you find an old domain or feel able to create a new one and I can provide the necessary permission if appropriate.

Got it, boss. Does that mean I should reach out to you before even trying the restoration process?

Yes. I don’t want to create a new domain that is too exposed to our foes to properly defend after all. However, this is a suitable spot for a domain, Idril can get here quickly and she is already well associated with Eilidh.

A moment later, light blossomed from the flower, quickly blinding everyone present before fading away to a faint glow. Immediately, everyone present could feel the changes around them. They felt protected and warm, surrounded by the essence of life. However, Eldros wasn’t finished as a beam of light reached out from the flower and struck the old kelpie, Eilidh.

“Aye, Eldros. I accept.” Eilidh said quietly, tears running down her face.

Did you just make her the guardian? Why not Elspeth?

I wanted to give her a chance at a natural life. When one becomes a guardian beast, they are unable to procreate. That is why Idril asked to be released, she wanted to have children. When Eilidh originally became a guardian beast, she already had quite a few children. Also, Elspeth has already accepted my offer to serve this grove alongside the garrison you created.

Through Pharaoh, I have already contacted the centaurs you sent him to find and they are on the way to protect this place as well, alongside the rest of their clan. That includes kelpies. Worry not, Lanek. Elspeth will not be alone once you move on. You have done well. Now, go take care of your evolution and know that whatever choice you make, you have my support.

Thanks, boss. Lanek thought as he triggered his evolution, fully accepting his new life as a dranrid.