Since it was so common for traders and merchants to stop along the Capital Road to do business, a few of them assumed Merlin had stopped his wagon for that reason as well. A few rolled to a stop and called out, but Merlin explained to each of them they were just taking a break. Eventually, a man stopped by and asked if they’d like to buy any refreshments. Vetica was getting annoyed by all the distractions and started to wave him off. But Merlin took the man up on his offer.
The man actually traveled the Capital Road on what was essentially a mobile cafe wagon. Merlin purchased small glasses of lemonade for himself and Charlie. Vetica opted for some kind of hot drink. It was a dark brown and steam poured from the cup. The gentlemen gave them a few small pastries on the house. The pleasant scent of bread and whatever fruit filling was inside it didn’t take long to wake up Bleedy and Mousifer. Since no one else was hungry, Bleedy dragged the plate into the corner of the wagon where they’d been napping, and the two minions enjoyed their snack.
Merlin’s instincts were right. Now most of the merchants traveling by saw them sipping on drinks and relaxing and left them to it. Charlie settled into his spot on the wagon floor and waited for Parent to explain the different kinds of hexes. His hands rested on either side of his small lemonade glass. He thought the cold, sweating glass was pleasant to touch. Before Parent got started, Charlie activated transfer, and the floating rings appeared in front of him. He thought it would be nice to have something to look at during the lesson.
Having expected this, Parent was already inhabiting the rings. He rotated for a moment to take in his surroundings. Merlin offered a little wave. Vetica nodded. Bleedy and Mousifer didn’t even look up from their food. Parent turned to face Charlie again. “Let’s get started then. First, the most common hexes in the world are known as base hexes. There are seven base hexes, of which you have encountered five. Scarlet Hex Search, Emerald Hex Elemental, Void Hex Violence, Hazel Hex Heal, and Diamond Hex Defense.”
Charlie held a finger to his mouth. “So, all of those are base hexes? Okay.” He nodded. “So, what’s the difference between a base hex and a unique hex?” he asked.
The caladosian rings Parent inhabited vibrated. “Technically, there are four classifications for normal hexes. Base Hex, Advanced Hex, Hex Superior, Hex Pinnacle. Each classification represents greater strength than the one before it. Over time, and with great effort, a caster with a Base Hex can evolve it into an Advanced Hex. These hexes are typically stronger versions and variants of the ones that came before them. However, they can sometime mutate in unusual ways as well.
“Unique hexes are a classification of their own. While there are ways to dictate how powerful they are, they don’t fit into traditional understandings of hex mastery. A newly unlocked Unique Hex can rival Advanced Hexes or Hex Superiors at its weakest level. It largely depends on the powers attributed to it.”
“Zephyr really gave you the full run-down. To be honest, I only really know about base hexes. But I do know that Hex Pinnacles are pretty rare, aren’t they?” Merlin asked. “If I remember correctly, there has only been a handful in all of recorded history.”
Vetica nodded. “That’s right. The hex king was said to have reached the pinnacle level. If you’re one to believe he actually existed. It’s not an easy task. But Parent’s explanation makes it clear why training my hex is going to be important. Arroane’s power was on another level. My Blue Blade Hex is strong, but it’s no match for a unique hex. Not as it stands currently. This new power, though…this power is what allowed the Rawlins to become the dominant force they are today. Whatever it is, I need to unlock it, and fast.”
Charlie turned to look at her. “So, did Arroane tell you how to do that?” he asked. If Arroane’s advice was helpful, Vetica might be able to master this new power sooner rather than later. That would be a big deal. With the battle against the cult only a few months away, training was more important now than ever.
“And what’s this hex even called?” Merlin asked. “What do we know about it?”
She sighed. “I don’t know its name, and besides enhancing my speed and strength, I don’t know what else it can do yet. Arroane said that’s normal. Unique hexes are like that at first. My body is still adapting to the magic. He said life or death situations, fights that push you to your breaking point help speed the process along. For Arroane, that was easy since his power literally brings him back to life when he dies. I’ll have to be a little more careful, though. If I die, that’s it.”
Merlin threw his hands up. “Life or death situations? If that’s the case, wouldn’t the fight against Arroane have qualified? I mean seriously, I can’t think of a scarier situation to have been in. There were numerous times his powers could’ve killed us,” he said.
Charlie frowned. Merlin had a good point. If that fight didn’t count, he couldn’t imagine what would. Charlie lifted his small glass of lemonade to his lips and took a sip. It was tasty, and he wished he’d gotten more of the sweet drink. Before he knew it, it was all gone. He turned his attention to Merlin’s glass. The conman chuckled and slid his cup over to Charlie. He happily accepted the offering.
Vetica crossed her arms and nodded. “I thought the same thing at first. But I realized Arroane didn’t actually intend to kill us. He was testing our strength and hoping to steal Orb’s power to help his child. I think his objectives were the key factor. I think that must be the reason. The System could tell what his intentions were. The hex didn’t progress further for that reason.”
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Orb floated higher into the air in a huff. “Guys, are we seriously spending this much time analyzing a magic system? Who cares how it works? Sheesh. I can tell you three would be Sanderson fans.” He floated closer to Parent. “So, anything else you really need to get out before we can move on? I get there are different types of hexes, and unique hexes are their own thing. But does Charlie really need to know all this?”
“Although Charlie cannot use hexes himself. Many of his opponents can and will. Knowledge of hexes will allow him to analyze the strengths and weakness of his opponents better. It can also help him to more quickly identify what types of powers his opponents have. For instance, though there are only a handful of base hex types, there are a range of possibilities for each one. Searching and Elemental hexes are good examples of this,” Parent said, turning to face Orb.
Merlin nodded. “Yup. Emerald Elemental Hexes are always emerald green. But the effects of the hex change based on the element. Since elemental casters typically can only use a single element within the hex, you can figure out what they’re capable of by looking at the effects on the hex. If water is dripping from it or flowing around the hex, you know the caster uses water magic. If there are flames, you know it’s fire. That’s part of what allows my illusions to work. Most people know how to identify a scary-looking hex.”
Charlie looked up at Merlin and nodded.
Orb, on the other hand, rolled in the air. “And now even Merlin is throwing out advice. I guess the saying is true. Those who can’t do, teach.”
Merlin threw his foot forward and kicked at Orb. But the dungeon core got out of the way in time. “Hah! You missed!” Orb shouted.
Unfortunately for him, he ended up just in front of Vetica. A swift ninja chop later, Orb was lying on the floor of the wagon. “What did I do to deserve such abuse?”
Ahead of the wagon, Marvin neighed impatiently. He was eager to get moving again. Standing around while attached to the wagon always made him restless. Merlin turned to look at the horse and nodded. “Don’t worry buddy, we’ll get back on the road soon.” After that, he turned back towards the others. “So, we’ve talked about the different kinds of hexes a bit. But I still don’t really understand how we’re supposed to make Vetica’s hex stronger. How do we move forward from here? What’s our next step?” he asked.
Everyone turned to look at Vetica. “I think we should take Arroane's and Isrich’s advice. When we get to Port Carrus, we’ll take out a job with the guild. We’ll hunt for something strong. Charlie and Orb need an opportunity to test out their Greater Sentience upgrade. I have a feeling that power might be extremely valuable in the future. And I’ll work to test out my new power as hell. Hopefully, we’ll be able to find something strong enough that my hex will progress. Even just the name would be helpful. A hint towards its future power, or some indication of what direction my hex will take me. That’s our goal. Get stronger and develop the tools we have,” she said.
“And while Charlie and Vetica are getting stronger, Merlin will work to be the best wagon driver ever! Sounds like a plan!” Orb said.
Everyone glared at him. Orb slowly spun around. “Tough crowd today. Anyway, we should get back on the road, guys. If we’re going to get an inn in Port Carrus before it gets dark, don’t we need to kick it into gear?” Orb asked.
Merlin sighed. “I’m afraid Orb’s right for once, and Marvin’s already impatient to keep moving. We should go.”
Fortunately, they made it to Port Carrus with plenty of time to spare. As they grew closer to the city, many more merchants had set up shop along the road leading up to it. They called out to passing wagons with more energy. They were more aggressive in their pursuit of the sale. Some took them up on it and stopped to check their wares. Others kept their head down and shook the reins in their hands so their horses would step faster.
Port Carrus was a vibrant town with a sky dotted by clouds and squawking seabirds. Charlie’s nose tingled, and he sniffed at the air. It was salty smelling and reminded him of the dried fish that Merlin sometimes ate on the road. Vetica noticed his interest and quickly scooped him up. They joined Merlin on the front bench of the wagon. When Charlie was situated on her lap, Vetica reached back and started messing around with her hair. He turned to look back at her, but she was already finished. She’d pinned her hair up in a loose bun. Merlin noticed too. He quirked a brow at her.
Vetica shrugged. “What? You’re the one who suggested we change our looks, weren’t you?”
Merlin seemed taken aback but nodded. “Nothing, I just…it looks good. That’s all.”
Vetica rolled her eyes.
The gate to Port Carrus was a series of long, thin, metallic bars set in between a thick stone wall. A long line of people and wagons waited to get inside the city. Guards slowly moved through, briefly inspecting people wanting access to the city and asking them a few questions before moving on.
Merlin half-turned his face toward Charlie. “You might want to send our furry friends to the dungeon until we’re through the gate. Just to be safe.” Merlin had already piled some of the clothes they’d bought from the merchant, so wagons behind them wouldn’t see Mousifer and Bleedy lounging around. But if the guards noticed them in the wagon, they might ask questions. It was best not to stick out.
“Squeak!” Mousifer cried out in alarm.
Charlie smiled. Of course, he would send the pastries too, he thought. A moment later, Bleedy, Mousifer, and their yummy snack disappeared.
Charlie looked up at the gate with a sense of awe and wonder. This was it. Charlie could already feel his excitement growing. He had good feelings about this place. He’d developed a sense for it by now. Adventure was on the horizon.