Nyx’ fame had certainly grown. Over the next few days people started approaching me, and her. I got a lot of questions about tier three undead. Nyx mostly preened, and showed off a bit of telekinesis. Or her control of the armadillo. It was annoying, but I tried to be polite, smile and just excuse myself after a bit.

On Solday we decided to visit the adventurers guild again. I still had no intention to go to Valeria’s party. While forming connections might be helpful, I just did not like politics. And I had the support of Princess Olivia. So I decided it would be fine.

When we arrived the receptionist recognized us.

“Welcome back! Are you here for more corpses?” He asked.

“Yes.” I confirmed.

“Sadly, we do not have any suitable ones for necromancy. But we can take a special order. It might take a few weeks to complete, though.” He said.

“You don’t have any corpses?” I wondered.

“They seem to be in high demand recently. All were sold. We even have a few orders for specific ones queued up.” He explained.

“Oh. Well, thank you for your help. I will consider it and return if I want to order something.” I replied.

Then we left, disappointed.

“That is really unusual.” Skadi said. “Is necromancy that popular suddenly? You still need to find someone with the affinity.”

“Yeah, it makes no sense. Even if people are more willing to use undead suddenly, it won’t increase the number of actual necromancers.” Cassie added.

I scratched my head. “I mean, one necromancer could animate quite a few undead and sell them. It’s an odd business. Because you have a link to the undead. So you would have to use up more and more of your core. Unless it is a timed contract?”

“What if someone did not need the corpses, they just wanted you to not have them?” Helena asked.

“I suppose I could see someone like Archibald doing that.” I mused.

“Or Leo. He is trying to bribe you with corpses. That works a lot better if you can’t get any yourself.” Helena pointed out.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“It would certainly have to be someone with money.” Skadi said.

“What about the brotherhood? Aren’t they a secret necromancy cult? They could use corpses and might want to bribe Koyuki.” Cassie suggested.

“We haven’t really heard anything from them. Unless Leo is a part of them.” I pointed out.

“The news that you have a tier three just became public. It makes you a lot more interesting.” Skadi said.

“Actually, what if someone is afraid of you?” Cassie wondered. “It could just be someone denying you the ability to create more undead, to limit your power.”

“It sucks for our joint casting. We can’t make another draugr like this.” Helena complained.

“We might have to ask Irene for a corpse, since we need it for an exam. But we should definitely consider alternatives.” I said.

“Hm. I only have my water affinity. Maybe we could cast a big ice spell together?” Helena suggested.

“Maybe we could try a spell that empowers my undead. I know something like that can be done through the link. Maybe we could do a joint casting, that provides them with frost armour?” I wondered.

“Hm. Frank, Nyx and the armadillo can already do things like that. But it would help your regular skeletons.” Helena pondered.

“We should name the armadillo.” Cassie suggested. “It deserves a name.”

“Chariot.” Skadi suggested.

“What?” I asked.

“It is Nyx’ chariot.” Skadi said, while pointing at Nyx.

The feline was in her box, as usual.

“I don’t hate the name…” I admitted. But it might go to Nyx’ head. I was not sure if we needed to encourage her.

“Hm. I was thinking about something more sinister. It is a vampiric undead after all.” Helena said.

“Blood Chariot?” Cassie suggested.

“I think Chariot is enough. No reason to make the name longer.” I said.

“Blood and Death Chariot of Nyx.” Helena said, with a grin.

I groaned. “Let’s just stick with Chariot.”

Nyx nodded approvingly.

“Hey, that reminds me, we never got mounts ourselves. Undead mounts, I mean.” Cassie said.

“True. But we have no corpses.” I pointed out.

“Do you think we could get some dead horses? What if we visit the local stables? They put down lame horses, or old ones. Maybe we can buy those.” Cassie suggested.

“In the military they have a lot of horses. We could try the garrison too.” Helena added.

“But they do have their own necromancers.” I pointed out.

“If someone really bought all the corpses to stop Koyuki, surely they would have checked the stables.” Skadi said.

“Let’s find out.” Helena suggested.

We spent a few hours in the city, visiting stables and even the cemetery. Some people sold the corpses of deceased relatives after all. Yet nobody had any corpse left for sale.

“Ok, someone is clearly buying every corpse they can find.” I said.

“And the assassins are lazy. If they would attack again, we might get another corpse.” Helena said.

“I still prefer not getting assassinated.” I pointed out.

“The military knows Ilestria is targeting you. I suspect they have intercepted a few who tried.” Cassie theorised.

I shrugged. “I am not complaining if they keep them away.”

Since we were not able to buy anything we returned to the academy. Once we arrived Cassie was handed a letter by one of the maids. She took it and began to read. Her expression soured.

“What is it?” Skadi asked.

“My mother wants me to meet some suitors. Apparently with my connection to Koyuki I am now more desirable. She even threatened my alchemy budget if I am not going!” Cassie complained.

“Poison them and give me their corpses.” I said, as a joke.

“Huh. There is an idea…” Cassie looked thoughtful.

“I was joking!” I protested.