Shonda strode out of Amos’s bazaar with more questions than she had answers. She didn’t know why she desired the Grand Magi title so much. But she needed to fill a hole in her heart; this game was her only escape from her miserable life. She removed the emerald that Amos had given her. His instructions were vague, but Amos had instructed her to hold the emerald in her hand while reciting her needs in a safe area. She moved through the streets of Parousia, trying to find such a place, when the most unusual sign caught her eye. A gigantic serpent wrapped around an ale mug. The writing below the sign read: The Slithering Inn.

Perfect, it will take too long to set up camp outside the city, so it’s time to check on a room.

She opened the doors to the tavern. A massive standard room filled with several men and women with missing eyes or limbs lounged about, waiting for something exciting to happen. Every eye in the room kept watch. An older woman in her later years cleaned the bar.

“How much for a room for the evening?” Shonda asked.

“Fifty copper pieces.”

Shonda paid with a single silver piece. The woman snatched the coin and handed her a massive key.

“It’s the last room on the left as you enter the top landing.”

Whispers emanated throughout the tavern. She took the key and ascended the stairs. As she opened the room, several rats scurried away. The shades were drawn, but she could see well enough. She drew a circle in the middle of the room with some chalk.

“In-Por-Ot-Dak.”

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

A red curtain of light formed around the circle. She removed the emerald from a protective pouch and placed it in her palm. It began to glow, and a pulsing sensation moved through her hand. She closed her eyes and then thought about what she most desired. In her mind’s eye, she imagined herself in a Grand Magi’s elegant white silk robes. She was careful to include each detail, including the light blue trim. Nothing happened, so she added the ornate staff with three crystals every Grand Magi outfitted with. After several moments, a cold hand touched her shoulder.

“Arise my girl,” a familiar voice said.

Shonda opened her eyes, and a scrawny bald man with claws for hands stood nearby.

“It’s you!”

“Yes, I told you you might require something from me again. But I didn’t think it would be so soon. Nevertheless, I’m pleased that you chose me once again.”

The bald man dry-washed his hands in anticipation.

“What can I do for you today?”

“I desire to become a Grand Magi.”

The bald man’s demeanor changed.

“I cannot offer you any shortcuts to the prize. You must earn it. Is there anything else I can provide?”

“How about ten thousand gold pieces?”

“A paltry request,” the man said as he snapped his fingers. A large sack, about the size of a knapp sack, dropped between her feet. She tried picking it up, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Not so fast. I require something in return.”

“What do you want?”

“Someone pure of heart. You bring me such a person, and I shall dine on their sweet nectar.”

Does he mean their blood?

Shonda remembered this man draining the lifeblood from her husband.

“I can see from your expression that you know of such a person. Good, now use the emerald when you have such a person in your grasp.”

“I will do what you ask, but I need an advance on payment before I can do your bidding.”

The bald man shrugged and then waved a hand over the sack of gold.

“You may take this as a good-faith gesture. But if you trick me, I will dine on your blood next.”

System Message: You have gained ten thousand gold pieces.

If I can lure JetaGirl to this devil, the Grand Magi title will be mine.

Shonda smiled as she hatched the plan to capture the only real competition she’d ever known.