Chapter 12 – Quest Rewards

After my minions were done with their midday meal...

If you call ‘a perpetual state of dark and gloomy with glowing plants’ day... sorry but I miss the sun. Anyway, where was I, oh yea...

After their meal, we collected whatever was left of the grogs, which wasn’t much, and began our methodical trek out of the marsh. As we went, my spider scouts found additional herbs for us to gather along the way. It took us a few hours to get out of the marsh, but it was well worth the time with the number of additional herbs collected.

‘It sure is nice having minions so close to the ground with compound eyes, they found some great caches of herbs.’ I thought as I checked my bag of holding after depositing the last herb.

“Arch-E, should we make camp?” Pinkoria asked.

“It is getting late and even with the detours we made great time. Probably best to return to the city tomorrow to reduce the suspicion of completing the quest so quickly.” I replied.

Pinky walked up to me and leaned into me. “Besides I would like to snuggle.”

“You and me both, Pinky. Let’s setup a way off the well-beaten path.” I answered while we continued to walk further away from the road we found.

With so many helping hands, and legs for that matter, we had camp set up in no time at all. The spiders found some prey animals they brought for our evening meal. Produce Flame worked great to cook the meat. I had my first two Drider Guardians finally come out of my Summoning Realm. It was time to hopefully get some answers.

After summoning the two before me I began my inquiry. “What are your names?”

They stood there with looks on their faces like they were trying to remember their lives before they became bloodthirsty monsters. One of them finally spoke up. “I was once called Cornelius. It has been many cycles since I used that name.”

I waited until both replied before continuing. The other Drider Guardian finally gave his answer a few minutes later. “I remember, my name is Tannis.”

“Cornelius and Tannis. Got it. Which spider goddess did you serve?” I asked.

“Master, that is a bit complicated.” Tannis replied.

“Uncomplicate it for me.” I said sternly.

Cornelius was the one to speak up this time. “Master, let us explain. When we first started out as young Drow, we worshiped Arianrhod. Then we joined a spider cult.”

Tannis chimed in. “Cornelius and I were both from noble families and were recruited into the spider cult. At first, we thought it was a way to better show our devotion to our goddess...”

Cornelius continued for his friend. “After committing certain rituals, we later discovered it was a cult who worshipped Shilova, or Arachne as she is popularly called now. By then, we were bound to her service, and as everyone knows once Shilova has you, she does not let you go.”

“Keep going. How did you both end up trapped in the dungeon?” I asked.

Tannis answered, “The time of the great uprising came. It changed everything. As Shilova’s influence grew so did her cruelty. The women in power treated all men like trash and just as disposable. Those that knew it was wrong began to push back. There was a giant riot that spread throughout the city. If you were seen wearing the robes of Arachne, you were killed on the spot. The high priestess at the time received revelation from Shilova. We were sent to the dungeon to begin to grow an army and put down the rebellion.”

“Did you put down the rebellion?” I asked.

“No. Tannis and I were sent to grow the forces we needed inside the dungeon. We both knew this was our chance to help set things right. When re-enforcements were demanded we held back just long enough that the high priestess did not survive the uprising. The people cut off her head and paraded it around the city as reminders of the price of fanaticism and the folly of believing one sex is inferior from the other.” Cornelius replied.

“How did you two become like you are?” Pinkoria asked this time.

Cornelius continued, “We both knew we could not return so we remained in the dungeon figuring we could hide there and bide our time. Sadly, we forgot one critical fact. The rituals we had performed in joining the cult had bound us to Shilova, giving her the ability to enact her revenge. The process to become a Drider Guardian was very painful, she made sure of it. We had betrayed both spider goddesses. Our curse was to guard the failure that was that dungeon to make sure no one learned the truth.”

“The truth?” I asked.

This time Tannis replied. “That Shilova was not infallible. That her web of lies and subterfuge is nothing but poison to the heart and mind.”

“Good to know.” I replied.

“While we were in your Summoning Realm, we were able to watch your actions.” Tannis stated.

“What?! How?!” I asked incredulously.

“Your Summoning Realm is always a part of you and all your minions are intrinsically tied to it. This grants us the ability to watch what occurs. Anything a minion sees out in the material world we can witness while within your Summoning Realm. It is rather convenient.” Cornelius answered.

“Well, that’s good to know.” I commented.

“It is clear you are an honorable man and a worthy master Arch-E. Cornelius, and I see the possibility of hope or at least a chance to enact some much-needed revenge. You do not need to worry about us, we are bound to you and will serve faithfully.” Tannis stated.

“I appreciate the words, but actions will prove them true.” I replied.

Both Cornelius and Tannis nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

“I will say that knowing my Summoning Realm comes with surround sound ensures your minions won’t grow bored. Though I don’t know how my undead feel about the matter.” I commented as both Pinky, and I rose to our feet.

It was time to get some rest and Pinky was clearly giving me her best come-hither look. After we set up a watch rotation with our minions, Pinky dragged me into our tent.

The next day seemed to come quickly but I awoke both well rested but spent. It was time to turn our quests in and get our rewards. My minions quickly packed up our camp as if we were never there. After everything was stored, I got on Cornelius’ back and Pinky got on Tannis’ back. My mage/drider duos took off as scouts as we all hightail it back to Aranthia.

“Man, I really should think of a better name for those duos.” I said before I snapped my fingers as I realized the perfect name. “They will be my magic calvary! That makes way more sense in my mind in the role they play in my growing army. They charge in blow stuff up and charge out.”

“I like it, especially the blow stuff up part. We should have them do that way more often.” Pinkoria commented.

“There it is! Ah, I can always count on you Pinky to be my little murderhobo. Hahaha.” I chuckled at my own internal joke.

Cornelius and Tannis seemed to move faster than my other two Drider Guardians, perhaps it is their level or the power they possessed before being transformed. I was not my buddy who would try to figure out every calculation to maximize whatever was possible. As for me, I kept it simple, they ran faster and hit harder so of course they are better mounts than the other two.

Making a better time than the day before, a few hours later, Pinky and I were at the city gates. It was easy enough to send my minions to my Summoning Realm long before we got there just to continue to keep my abilities hidden. The same two guards were manning their post.

Both guards seemed to perk up when we approached. They quickly waved us forward when we flashed them our guild cards. Another perk of being an A ranked Adventurer is no tolls at the gates and checkpoints. As adventurers we provided a critical service to the people that would constantly take us all over. It was a nice benefit that saved plenty of coins over time. My understanding is the Information Guild members and military were the only other ones that got a pass on tolls.

Making our way to the guildhall took hardly any time at all. We made our way to the counter Miranda was stationed at. She had bags under her eyes so I figured I would greet her loud and overly friendly. “Good day Miranda! We are here to turn in some quests!”

Wincing Miranda replied. “You are far too chipper today Arch-E.”

“And you look exhausted Miranda.” Pinkoria answered for me, having received my mental approval to mess with the woman.

Miranda groaned. “You do know the rule not to mess with someone you turn in quests with, right? It is almost as sacred a rule as being respectful to those that handle your food!”

“Message received. So, what has you in such a dower mood?” I replied.

“You!”

“Me? What did we do?” I asked in confusion.

“Lady Mireya was convinced for some reason you would return late last night, and I was ordered to be the one to greet you and handle everything. Though you are here relatively early in the day, I could have gotten at least a few hours’ sleep!” Miranda complained.

“We were going to return much earlier but I convinced Arch-E to spend quality time with me.” Pinkoria replied.

I mentally told Pinky, “That probably is not something you should’ve told her. She looks even madder.”

“You mean to tell me I stood here all day and night because you wanted...” Miranda began to say before exhaling loudly muttering “no Lady Mireya would frown on me choking them, breathe...”

After regaining her composure Miranda continued. “In the future, do not delay when on Guild business!”

Miranda looked at us for a long moment before making up her mind about something. Withdrawing a small crystal from a drawer, she placed it on the counter. “Better yet use this communication crystal. Feed it some mana and it will allow you to report back directly to me. This is a rather expensive one as its distance is tens of thousands of miles. I remember being young and will respect your passion for life if you respect my time.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

I picked up the crystal and put it in my bag before responding. “Awesome! Can I ask why Lady Mireya was so adamant that you be the one to receive us?”

Miranda leaned in slightly, replying in a much quieter tone than before, so only Pinky and I could hear her. “Lady Mireya is convinced we have spies even here in the guild, and I’m not referring to Lady Sylph’s eyes and ears. I am one of the few who know of what happened during your assessment test. Here is your quest reward for delivering the letter, 5 gold coins.”

Miranda deposited the gold on the counter before she stood straighter and spoke in her normal voice that seemed to carry through the hall. “First, let us see how many grogs you killed. The minimum quest requirement is for five. Second, you were gathering herbs from the marsh. The minimum quest requirement is two bushels. What do you have for both quests?”

I took but a moment to realize how deftly Miranda handled the delivery quest rewards, almost like it never happened. Then she was bringing attention to the other quests. It was clear no one was supposed to know about the true nature of that letter and who the recipient was.

To go along with Miranda, I began pulling out herbs and monster parts from my bag of holding. “We killed 10 grogs, well 9 grogs and 1 alpha. We also collected a total of 20 bushels.”

This time Miranda’s eyes went a bit wide before she caught herself and replied. “Double the number of kills required and 10 times the number of bushels. As to be expected from ones favored by Lady Mireya!”

I frowned at that. It was clear she was calling us favored for the benefit of others. The ‘why’ behind calling us that was what I could not yet understand. Deciding discretion, the better part of valor I kept quiet and just waited for the quest rewards.

Miranda collected everything, moved it all to a separate table behind her and then pulled some items off some shelves near the table. She returned and placed the items on the counter. There were a few potions, one piece of paper, and several bags of what I figured were coins, from the clanking noise they made upon hitting the counter.

“One vial is a high-grade healing potion. The other two are poison anti-toxins. You will find them very useful in adventuring. The piece of paper is an invitation to meet one of the most famous alchemists in the city, Lord Silvershade. He is a genius when it comes to potion making, but a bit eccentric. He is a High Lord and the last endorsement you need for your noble acknowledgment. Lastly, there is a total of 1,000 gold, 500 silver, and 15 copper to cover the kills and herbs. Any questions?” Miranda explained.

After putting everything in my bag I asked my questions. “Where can I find Lord Silvershade? Is he expecting us?”

“Lord Silvershade will be at his laboratory at his estate in the noble district. Yes, he is expecting you both. He made it clear he wanted to meet anyone that excelled at gathering rare herbs. I would say you bringing in ten times the expected quest amount would count as excelling. If there is not anything else, may you both have a good day.” Miranda said as she shooed us away.

After exiting the guildhall, I turned to Pinky. “Well, what do you think Pinky, shall we go introduce ourselves to Lord Silvershade?”

“Why not. If he’s too rude, I can always eat him.” Pinkoria replied.

I chuckled. “Leave it to you to make such a clear choice. Hahaha.”

—LORD SILVERSHADE’S ESTATE—

Finding Lord Silvershade’s estate was easy enough. Miranda’s directions were clear enough and when the guards at the checkpoint to the noble district found out I had business with the man, they were more than helpful to show us the way. The man was a High Lord which carried great weight but what he was truly known for was his alchemy. According to the guard that escorted us to his estate, Lord Silvershade is an alchemical genius.

House guards and a servant got us checked in and comfortable in a waiting room that reminded me of an old-time parlor.

“Would you care for any refreshments while you wait?” The servant asked.

“I am good, thank you.” I replied.

“I’ll wait.” Pinkoria stated to the servant.

To me she continued telepathically. “To decide on whether or not to eat this guy.”

I couldn’t help it; the crazy spider made me smile so I just turned from the servant and inspected the room. There were a few oversized sitting chairs, a couch, a few end tables, and a cabinet filled with what looked like expensive liquors. Everything had some kind of silver trim or filigree. It was clear this guy was loaded, and I do mean daddy Warbucks or Richie Rich level of wealth.

A man with a cane walked into the room. He was finely dressed yet everything he wore looked functional. It was clear the older Drow could walk on his own without the cane even though he looked very advanced in years, and that was for a dark elf, so the guy had to be several hundreds of years old.

Lord Silvershade greeted us. “Welcome to my estate Arch-E and Pinkoria. I was hoping to meet you both.”

We had to give our names at the estate gates, so I expected him to know our names, but it sure sounded like he was expecting us. “It is an honor to meet you, Lord Silvershade. You seem as if you’ve been expecting us. Might I inquire how it is you’ve come to know of us?” I asked.

The older elf took a seat in one of the comfy chairs before replying. “Ah my boy, you and your spider friend have already stirred up the rumor mill.”

“Does everyone know I’m a spider?! What is the point in hiding it?!” Pinkoria said in exasperation.

The old elf chuckled. “Haha! No, my dear, your secret is safe with the few of us with a discerning eye. You just so happened to run into the few people in the city with such a boon. Fret not, the rumor mill is merely stating a young noble adventuring couple has arrived in the city.”

“Well, that is better, I guess. Sadly, that means less people to eat.” Pinkoria commented.

“Yes, expected of a spider queen. You both will find I am quite pragmatic and have never shied away from difficult truths in my life. Now, Arch-E you are aware the way you carry yourself and the extreme length of your hair screams noble.”

“I’ve heard that before sir.” I replied. I was not sure what this guy wanted but I had a feeling it was not all going to be roses and sunshine.

“Though your manner of speech screams outsider or at the very least foreigner. This makes you a bit of an unknown. I like to solve unknowns.”

“That didn’t sound ominous.” I telepathically relayed to Pinky.

“I could still eat him.” Pinkoria replied.

Oblivious or just ignoring our looks at each other, the dark elf continued. “Besides, do you think Sylph would not ensure our introduction? That woman still has not lost her touch, even after all these years. Please sit, we have much to discuss.”

We had been standing this whole time and were unsure of the protocols. Pinky and I took a seat on the couch directly opposite Lord Silvershade.

Once we sat down the man continued. “I have my own network of eyes and ears that keep a lookout for new mysteries or threats, though nothing compared to that sly woman. If you have not figured it out yet, she orchestrated you getting my quest and Lady Mireya ensured no one else got a chance either. They both seem to think you deserve to be a High Noble. What are your thoughts on the matter?”

It was an easy enough question for me to answer. “To be honest, I do not know. titles hold power and influence but also duty and responsibility. I have no problem with either, but I do not relish the idea of being in the public eye.”

“Ha, my boy, your hair, and the way you carry yourself screams noble. People have already taken notice from what I shared earlier. My understanding is you nearly gave the gate guards a fright thinking they offended some great noble house, ha-ha. So far you do seem respectful enough, though clearly lacking in protocols and proper manners.” Lord Silvershade explained.

“Manners were my friend James’s department. Though his parents did teach me a few things.” I replied offhandedly as I was caught in a memory of my old friend and his father teaching me how to use chopsticks. James’s dad could eat ice cream with chopsticks, that always impressed me.

Lord Silvershade stared at me for a moment recognizing I was somewhere else mentally. Growing impatient, he brought me back to the here and now by knocking his cane on the hard floor. “I know nothing of this James, and that name is definitely foreign. In truth, it does not matter if you are not from this city, you carry yourself like you belong here. There is an old saying, it is not selling out, rather it is buying in.”

“Thank you, sir.” I replied genuinely surprised he thought I carried myself like I belonged here. Last time I felt like I belonged anywhere since my parents died were with my friends and their families. That’s the thing with Italian immigrants, they tended to stick together and help one another.

“The question Sylph has put before me is whether or not I will back your appointment as a Lord. To that question, I am still uncertain. As I said, you carry yourself like a noble, but can you survive as one?”

“I don’t understand your meaning sir.” I answered. It seemed he was trying to tell me something, but I was not grasping it quite yet.

“I have half a mind to back that old woman’s nomination just to see what happens. My interest peaked just from the fact you caught Sylph’s eye. For that reason alone, I would give my support, but I am not a lovesick youth anymore and I would rather have some guarantees.”

“Nothing in life is guaranteed sir.” I replied.

“Quite right you are boy. However, you have presented me with an opportunity, one that I with my help can turn into a guarantee.” Lord Silvershade stated.

“Opportunity Sir?” I asked. I learned long ago that showing respect to a stranger, especially one of influence and power was never a bad idea but never walk blindly into a fire.

“Nothing in life is free, not even Sylph’s help, my boy. No in this city one must remember to be cautious and keep things close to the vest.” Lord Silvershade paused for a moment to make sure that sunk in.

With my head nod the man continued. “I built my fortune the only honorable way, through hard-work, dedication, and creativity or at least willingness to do what others could or would not do. This and my devotion to my goddess has led to my success. Yes, devotion is important, even in this dark place. We cannot survive without guidance from a higher source. Do you understand?”

I was beginning to. Sure, after my parents’ death it was easy to just not believe in any higher being and it was easy enough to believe in the lack of belief. Now though there are no doubts demons existed. If demons exist and gods exist, what now? This was the question I have been wrestling with since coming to this world. Still, I was not ready to answer it. Yet, why was Lord Silvershade bringing it up now? I wasn’t sure where he was going with it so I figured I would voice that thought.

“I’m not sure I understand.”

Sighing the noble replied. “I had hoped you were smart enough to figure it out. Our lack of belief in something is still belief. Faith is powerful. Even if you don’t believe, that does not stop a higher power from believing in you. Perhaps it has not sunk in yet. I was stubborn too in my loss too. You are far from friends and family; you will want all the help you can get. It is clear you are not ready yet to understand so instead let us get back to your other opportunity, one not as important as the first but still of help for us both.”

Clearly lost in what the man was trying to get through to me, I replied. “Ok?”

“You gathered 10 times the herbs I needed which tells me you are relatively skilled in either herb lore, very observant, or have high dexterity, perhaps a mix of the above. I wonder if you have high enough constitution as well.” Lord Silvershade rambled the last part more to himself.

“It’s decent Sir.” I replied.

Seeming to make up his mind on something Lord Silvershade continued. “I will make a deal with you. I believe a high Constitution is key to long life and building up resistances to deal with what is required. I focused a decent amount on my Constitution, which is why even in my old age I am as spry as some youngsters. Of course, I make a point to stay active in mind, body, and spirit. If you have a high enough Constitution, when exposed to poisons and venom it is possible to gain new skills. I want to see if we can develop a poison resistance skill.”

“Something tells me that sounds very painful.” I commented.

The old man chuckled evilly. “Oh, it is very painful. That’s part of the fun. Ha, ha, ha.”

Pinky looked at me and mentally asked, “Can I eat him now?”

I replied with a simple “No” before I asked the noble my questions. “So, just a few questions.” I said before ticking them off on each finger as I asked, “what do you gain from this? How can I trust you won’t be trying to kill me? And though I appreciate gaining a new skill, what other compensation can you offer?”

“Do not get the wrong idea boy, I do not take pleasure in pain, I just remember my own experiments to gain the skill for myself. It will be nice to put that pain to use to help another. Surprisingly, no one has been willing to go through what I did to see if it works.” Lord Silvershade explained.

“Hmmm, I wonder why?” I said sarcastically.

“Indeed, it is truly a mystery. As for your other questions, we will use a magically binding contract. In addition to not trying to kill you and the gaining of the skill, I will give you a chance to help me with my lucrative experiments. Oh, and let us not forget you will have my backing as a noble. Most would kill for that alone my boy.” Lord Silvershade commented.

“That sounds most beneficial sir.” I replied.

Lord Silvershade stood up straighter and his voice took on an air of power. “If you help me in my research, I will see to it that I keep your secrets, if you keep mine. I will tell no one of this agreement and back you as a high noble, which will come in handy in the future. Trust me boy, one does not survive as long as one such as I have without some kind of poison resistance. You will gather rare herbs for me, and in exchange I will give you access to the exclusive potions I am developing. Do we have a deal?”

As he finished his words a translucent box appeared in my vision. “You have the Contract ability.”

“I do boy. If you know of the ability you either encountered, it before or you possess the ability yourself.” The old elf replied as he studied me then continued. “Yes, something tells me you possess the ability to bind others in contracts! It is very useful in ensuring people hold to their agreements.”

I reviewed the notification in detail. Not seeing any issues, I accepted the contract. I felt the familiar weight of a binding agreement settle on me. It was clear that I was spiritually bound in some way. I would have to keep this in mind in the future.

“Excellent, now follow me to my laboratory. No time like the present to get started.” Lord Silvershade said as he rose to his feet and walked out of the parlor without even looking back to see if we were following.