Thud. Thud. Thud.
The towering figure’s footsteps pounded in the party’s ears. It was a massive construction of metal, mineral, and magic. It carried the general shape of a human, but stood nearly twenty-feet tall and weighed enough to shake the foundation of the ruins with every tremorous step. Within its center of mass, a glowing blue core was visible. Beams of cerulean light escaped from gaps within the construction’s body, which took the form of a heavily armored warden. The automaton’s arms did not carry any weapons, but were each capped with a door-sized clenched fist. Its head bore a carved visage that displayed no obvious emotion, yet its imposing stance and sheer size broadcasted hostile intent.
“Grandpa, come on!” Ladd cried out. “Please, we need you!”
The boy knelt next to Renzen and Bayin, shaking his grandfather’s shoulders roughly. Bayin did not rouse; his eyes convulsing rapidly and mouth agape. Mercifully, he did not drop his staff into the chasm, but the focus was useless without a lucid Harnesser to wield it.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The golem approached, now less than a dozen feet away. It hefted its right arm until it stood bent at a right angle behind its head then, leaning forward, slammed the stone fist at Dmitri. With the practiced grace of a gymnast, he managed to dive out of danger and tuck into a tight roll. The fist impacted the floor with such a tremendous force he was certain the ground would give way, but to his surprise it stood fast. Whether by enchantment or architectural expertise, this room was far more durable than the remainder of the ruins. The automaton’s head swiveled to face Dmitri again and it raised its mighty fist in preparation for a follow-up.
Imp was loosing arrow after arrow at the construct in a vain attempt to halt its assault. The arrows clinked harmlessly off the stone and metal that decorated its body; and the being itself seemed to take no notice of the attacks. Dmitri studied it quickly as its arm reached the apex for another strike. He eyed the joint of its elbow and flung his enchanted dirk at what he hoped was a vulnerability in the construction. His gamble paid off, as the blade sank in between two sliding slabs and acted as a wedge to prevent the elbow from extending, denying the arm the required leverage to strike a blow.
“Great shot Dmitri!” Imp hollered toward him.
She readied her halberd and charged towards the warden’s legs. Dmitri took up a more advantageous position and whistled for his dagger to return, but it remained lodged in the automaton’s elbow. He attempted to recall it several more times, and became visibly distraught as he drew his pistol.
“It’s never gotten stuck before, no matter how deep I've buried it. Something’s queer with this thing!” He called out to Imp.
She did not seem to take note of his warning as she swiped wildly at its legs with her halberd. The strength behind her slashes left scratches along the armor but otherwise the halberd fared no better than the arrows. Growing frustrated, she angled her weapon higher and attempted to thrust it between the gaps in the armor. The blade of the halberd impacted the glowing aquamarine core which reacted by unleashing a wave of forceful pressure that knocked Imp onto her back, and carried enough force to stagger the rest of the group. The wave of energy dislodged Dmitri’s enchanted dagger and it clanked to the ground at the guardian’s stone feet. Dmitri whistled for its return several more times, but the dagger did not heed his call.
“Oi, off your arses any day now!” He called to the others.
Kelek and Ladd continued to triage Bayin while Renault and Renzen hurried to aid the defense. The massive stone warden stamped along the ground, attempting to crush Imp beneath its heavy footfalls. Dmitri winced as it bludgeoned his dirk several times, too wary to get close enough to pick it up by hand. Imp’s breath grew labored as she whipped between rolls along the ground in a frantic attempt to avoid the hammering blows. The automaton seemed to study her movements and feinted a stomp just as she had finished dodging and let down its lethal weight toward her. Imp’s heart raced as the mountain of force careened toward her. The stonework that comprised its foot nearly brushed her nose just as another ringing wave of force exerted itself from its core.
Festus had managed to land a shot from his pistol with surgical precision in between the layered plates. The impact forced not only the adventurers backward, but the automaton itself. With a clangorous rumble of grinding stone, it landed on its back. Renzen seized the change in momentum and leapt atop its armored abdomen. He slipped his fingers between the armor and attempted to wrench them open through sheer might. However, even his prodigious elven strength was insufficient to pry apart the unyielding stone and metal. Reassessing the situation, he instead snaked a single finger toward the core, attempting to pierce it with his hardened nail. As his finger made contact with the strange arcane sphere, his entire body seized as he was flooded with overwhelming energy. The stone automaton’s own body jerked upward from the force, the core seemingly lifting its entire weight by itself, and Renzen was flung upward with such force he impacted the ceiling nearly twenty feet above.
Renzen’s body fell to the floor with a brutal crunching of bone. Imp rushed to his side, but he was unconscious. She dragged him back toward the entrance of the room, leaving Dmitri and Renault to face the warden as it regained its footing.
“Did you see that? Between its legs. There is no armor protecting its core. Might be the only clean shot…” Renault said to Dmitri in a near whisper as they stood shoulder to shoulder.
Dmitri did not audibly respond, but nodded as he readied his pistol. He reached for his dirk’s sheath by instinct, but bit his lip as his fingers brushed the empty air. Renault let out a bellowing warcry and charged toward the golem, claymore lofted above his visored helmet.
“Kelek, we need you, or Bayin, or something! We’re barely scratching it!” Imp entreated Kelek as she laid Renzen’s body next to Bayin’s.
Ladd locked eyes with Kelek, his expression grave. “I don’t know if grandpa will wake up in time. They need magic now, and you’re the only other Harnesser.”
Kelek swallowed his fear and nodded. Before turning to aid the others, he placed a hand over Renzen’s legs. His healing knowledge was not sufficient to mend whatever mental malady that the falling boulder caused Bayin, but he was more than capable of repairing the elf’s broken bones. He gripped the Augurbark rifle in his other hand, contemplating whether or not to aim the barrel toward his friend. He incanted his spell of “Heal” and Ether surged into his limbs. The flow of energy started from the rifle in his opposite hand, the bark seemingly drawing in the ambient magic and enhancing it before it flowed through the rest of his body to discharge the spell.
Renzen let out involuntary groans as the splinters of his femur realigned. Imp murmured a wordless thanks to Kelek and readied her handaxe to return to the fight. Festus maintained a far distance, waiting to loose another shot at the core if the opportunity presented itself. But the automaton exhibited strange behavior. It held a single arm between its abdomen and Festus at all times in its movements, aware of the danger another well-placed shot posed. Kelek ran to the angle opposite of Festus and harried his brain for an attack plan. There were no loose stones to launch toward it, its heavy armor would likely deflect such an attack anyway, and his healing ability was useless offensively.
He had attempted to conjure harmful substances such as fire or lightning before, but to little avail. However, he saw little other choice in their current scenario. He closed his eyes as he drafted the magic in his mind, picturing the basic elements of the world that he would combust when flinging objects with explosions and reapplying the method to sustain a continuous flow of ignited matter. After committing the sequence to memory and selecting a fitting name, he pointed the rifle at the golem and cast his spell.
“Burn!”
A stream of flames burst from the end of the weapon. To his surprise, the spell did not sap as much of his strength as he expected. The Augurbark of the rifle’s stock aided his spellcasting far more effectively than the mere gemstones in his other focuses. His delight quickly turned to dread, however, as the cascade of fire completely disappeared as it approached its target. The force of the flames was still billowing from the rifle’s barrel with undiminished strength, leeching Kelek’s energy all the while, but the inferno stopped as if colliding with an invisible wall nearly ten feet from the guardian, who took no notice of the attack.
“Bastard must have something that cancels out magic. That’d explain my dagger.” Dmitri spoke to himself after witnessing the flames.
Kelek ended his spell to conserve his energy and rushed back to his downed companions, cursing his luck. Bayin remained incomprehensible and Renzen was likewise incapacitated. Kelek flinched at the sound of Festus firing his pistol, but his shots did not land effectively. Renault clashed his large sword against the golem’s legs, deepening the scratches left by Imp, but otherwise inflicting no obvious damage. The automaton continued to launch strikes of its own, failing to land a blow on Imp or Dmitri, but more than once scattering Renault across the room with an incidental kick. The attrition of battle began to wear on the group as they threw themselves against the guardian’s unwavering endurance. Dmitri reached into the pockets of his weathered trench coat and produced a fist-sized cinched pouch. He looked over toward Festus and hyperventilated as he roused his courage.
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“Everyone, get back to the edge of the room!” He shouted, flailing his arms toward the entrance. Festus and Imp complied immediately, but Renault stood firm.
“What are you planning you fool? You’re no pyromaniac like that halfwit, have some sense!” Renault pleaded.
“Come now, we both know this is far from the stupidest thing I’ve done.” Dmitri replied, the lines in his bandana rising with a grin.
He grabbed Renault by his pauldrons and shoved him toward the rest of the group as he sprinted toward the warden. He assumed a ready stance, anticipating a stomp. His gambit paid off as he deftly avoided the ensuing trample and placed himself squarely between its legs. When he was in position, he looked directly upward to see the shining sapphire light beaming unobscured from the entity’s core. He flung the pouch upward with just enough force to reach a hair’s breadth from the core, aimed his pistol in line with them, and fired. Festus began to utter a plaintive cry, but it was drowned out by the all-consuming clamor of the ensuing blast. A tremendous quake of energy radiated from the core as the satchel of tinkered black powder exploded, expelling the golem’s armored shell in all directions.
A chunk of stone plate sped toward Imp, and Kelek managed to send it off its deadly course with a well placed flinging spell. Another tremor of energy surged from the exposed core, forcing what members were still standing to their knees. Through squinted eyes, Kelek saw Dmitri laying beneath the radiant light of the core. He could not see his right arm. A third and final wave of energy expulsed from the guardian, and with a resounding crack, the orb shattered. Whatever enchantment animated the golem had reached its limit as the automaton ceased its movements and collapsed to the ground, mercifully avoiding Dmitri’s prone figure.
Danger was not abated, however, as an iridescent cloud of Ether swirled violently in the air, expelled from the core. It wisped erratically in the empty sky, like a hummingbird caught in a storm desperately searching for shelter. More than once it attempted to penetrate the lightly glowing stone structure in the back of the room, but it appeared to accomplish nothing. After a short few seconds the sentient magic took notice of Kelek. Without warning, it surged forward and engulfed his head. The angry cloud forced its way inside his mouth and nostrils. He choked back gags as his throat filled with the sensation of cool molten copper. Tears welled in his eyes as the Ether continued to pour into his face, robbing him of precious air.
Kelek thought back to his encounter with the Etherbeast, and when a similar sensation overcame him during his final attack. He steeled his resolve and rallied his focus as much as possible before gripping his rifle in both hands. He pointed the barrel directly upward and did not speak, but rather intently thought his spell of Heal. The Ether acquiesced to his command. The suffocating cloud forced its way deeper into his body and suffused every inch of his flesh before retreating into the enchanted Augurbark of the rifle’s stock. The grains within the wood flashed with light momentarily as the magic poured out of the barrel in a visible stream of energy that struck out toward every other person like a bolt of electricity.
An indescribable wave of rejuvenation washed over Renzen as all of his exhaustion and ache was removed in an instant. Imp’s injured leg that had been mended well-enough felt as if it had never been injured in the first place. The pressure building in Bayin’s head as a result of the collapsing stone suddenly drained, and he regained his faculties. Most impressive, though, was Dmitri. His arm had been entirely consumed in the conflagration, but the bolt of healing magic impacted his shoulder and stitched an entirely new limb. Dmitri watched, barely conscious, as the arcane energy weaved flesh up and down the lengths of his arm as it was made new before his eyes. His exertion turned to exultation as the magic finished its repairs and worked still to wipe clean his battle weariness.
Then the spell ended. Kelek stamped the butt of the rifle into the floor and supported himself on it. He could feel the profound effect the Ether had on him. Even after his miraculous spell, his energy was not sapped. In truth, he felt far stronger than before. He had not dared dream that his unique ability to absorb Ether could empower him to such feats, but there he stood, strong as an ox after performing what would take the most skilled clerics days of sleepless work. He clenched his fists several times and began to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Imp shared in his joviality while Renault sprinted to join Dmitri.
“You damned fool, what is wrong with you?” Renault chided, slugging Dmitri in his freshly made shoulder.
“What, it worked didn’t it? And we’re none the less for it. I’d say that’s a well paid gamble.”
Renault bridled with a mixture of anger and concern, but eventually let his emotions simmer and pulled Dmitri into a tight embrace.
Bayin gathered his staff and clapped a hand on Kelek’s shoulder, who felt a ghastly shiver run down his spine at the touch.
“You have performed most admirably, young Kelek. I dare say your powers may surpass even mine should you continue to infuse yourself with large quantities of Ether.”
After a moment of quiet contemplation, Bayin looked over to Renzen, then whispered to Kelek.
“He is no Harnesser, but he is capable of using Ether as well. Those powerful blasts of air are one such implementation, and I’d imagine his ability to control his momentum is another.”
“How did you know about that attack of his? I thought you’d never se-”
Bayin hushed him and tapped his own forehead with a single finger. Kelek disliked the feeling of having his mind read, but could not deny that it was an efficient way to transmit information.
“As you enhance your own powers, you would do well to aid him utilizing Ether as well. His natural strength combined with magical enhancement would be a truly formidable force.”
Bayin excused himself and made for the back of the room, where the glowing stone structure resided. The rest of the party joined him to see the fruits of their struggle. As they approached, it became clear what the strange object was- a sarcophagus. A thick layer of dust coated it, but a sapphire shimmer of light shone from beneath the layer of sediment. Biting his lip, Bayin gripped a sleeve and wiped the layer of grime from the surface. The entire party gasped at the revelation. Beneath the glass-like cover of the stone coffin was the visage of an adult man.
The man’s eyes were closed shut, and he lay reposed in the white satin lining of the coffin. Dozens of perfectly cut diamonds lined the edges of the upholstery, each beaming with radiance that caused the blue glow. The glass window ended at the man’s shoulders, but he did not appear to be wearing clothes. His hair was stark white and short cropped to his head. A meticulously maintained goatee framed his distinctive jaw. His face was free of any blemishes, and his skin looked as healthy and youthful as an athlete.
“Gods above… It really is the Ymir…” Bayin said under his breath.
Dmitri whistled and clapped his hands together. “Well, bloke won’t be needing those diamonds. I’d say two fistfuls are payment enough for my noble sacrifice.” He said as he reached toward the coffin.
Bayin slapped the head of his staff onto Dmitri’s chest to halt him, and a powerful gust of wind forced him backward.
“I am staking claim to this entire room as a matter of great historical importance. None of you are to disturb the contents of this chamber any further. Feel free to take anything you desire from the rest of the ruins.”
Bayin turned to face Festus and addressed him alone.
“Festus, I am disappointed in you. Your rash decision making had us ill-prepared for the dangers that awaited us. I had intended for us to be well away from the site of the detonation, and a barrier erected beforehand. You are lucky things turned out as they did. I suggest you seek further work with another branch of the Guild. I will not deride your reputation, but I have no further need of your services.”
Festus ran his small hand through his tousled red hair, embarrassed by the admonishment. He made to respond, but no words escaped his mouth. Unable to adequately defend himself, he hung his head in shame.
“What are you going to do with…him?” Kelek asked, pointing to the coffin.
“I will make every effort to study this specimen without disturbing the coffin. I will take as long as necessary to gather every bit of information possible.”
Bayin lifted his lit staff and angled it toward the rear wall of the room where several stone book cases lined the marble brickwork, each brimming with tomes and bound scrolls. Bayin’s excitement was palpable.
“This is a veritable dragon’s hoard of knowledge, and I will not be content until all of it is cataloged. The rest of you have my permission to return to the Guild Hall. I trust you will find your way safely. You’ve proven yourselves more than capable of handling any threats you might encounter.”
Dmitri sidled next to Kelek and patted him on the back.
“You’ve quite the knack as a physic, lad. If the whole adventurin’ thing doesn’t pan out you could always take up work as a sawbones, always a need for them eh?” He shared a mirthful laugh with Kelek.
“Renault and I will head with you as far as Barkroot, but after that we’re making for Regnarce.”
He opened his thick trench coat and revealed the inside to be aglint with trinkets and baubles. Rings, cups, utensils, cracked gemstones, and ancient coins lined the numerous pockets along the inner coat.
“Best place to pawn off this junk. If you’re looking to turn in that rifle, I’d head there too. Though it seems like it might be more useful in your hands than a purse full of gold.”
Kelek looked over the still-warm firearm in his hands, debating the merits of selling and keeping it.
“I suppose a weapon this fine is the best I could hope for on my first expedition. Never know when I’d come across another focus anyhow.”
He ran an appreciative hand over the Augurbark stock of the rifle and turned it over in his palms. His fingers ran across several bumps on the flat underside of the handle that had escaped his notice until now. He brought it closer to his eyes and saw embossed letters spelling Sturmangriff.