Before disappearing completely from view, Skoshi stopped and took one last look at Rygic and his group. They were resting with their backs against the sewer walls, nursing on some health and mana potions he had given to them. Skoshi’s eyes lingered on the newest member of House Olden. A smile formed on his face as the thought about how far Rygic skills had come. Skoshi had arrived in time to see Rygic using the spell Echo while on the other side of the barrier. A spell he hadn’t seen since his mentor Seveal Nillaf, had passed away about a hundred and fifty years ago. Skoshi couldn’t help but smile when he thought of Seveal. He was a powerful, yet gentle and wise mentor.
Skoshi pulled out a small compass-like device known as a seeker from one of the pouches around his waist. Seekers were extremely useful magical tools that pointed in the direction of a predetermined target at the time of their creation. Skoshi’s was configured to detect the presence of corrupted mana, much like those that the Kosany wielded. Its only downside was that it was useless once across the border into their lands as it would be pointing in all directions. A faint illumination from the needle showed it pointed in the direction of the tunnel from which the lich had appeared. Skoshi’s eyes flashed blue as he cast Summon Familiar. A small fire elemental formed in front of him. Its upper body vaguely resembled a humanoid, while its bottom half was cone-shaped, the point connecting to the ground. Summon Familiar was a spell every mage could cast, their appearance was based on their Spirit sponsors. Unlike Ruby’s cats, Summon Familiars were exclusively noncombatants, most often used to relay messages or to keep vigil over an area.
“Tell Pebble that I need her help in dealing with a Lich’s Phylactery,” Skoshi instructed.
With a small bow of acknowledgment, the fire elemental quickly turned and began to move in the opposite direction. Though its body naturally hovered over the water, it hugged close to the walls to avoid the worst of the murky waters.
Skoshi then began to travel quickly in the direction the seeker’s needle had pointed. He wanted to destroy the Lich's Phylactery before it could use it to return to its corporal form. Not long after, Skoshi stood at the entrance to a particularly large section of sewer that opened into a rectangular-shaped room. In the center stood the Lich’s Phylactery, a vase-like object that emitted a soft, eerie green light, much like the Lich’s mana shield. On the other side of the room, a ladder led up towards an exit. The air in this room was different than the previous sections of the sewer. The scent was no longer that of waste, but one of mold and decay. Moss and mold freely grew on the walls. Not wanting to spook the Lich into running away, Skoshi quietly withdrew a pair of runed engraved googles from his storage ring. Without them, he would not be able to see the Lich’s essence as such things were invisible to the naked eye. He donned them on and took a casual glance around the room. In one of the far corners, he spotted the Lich’s essence which looked like a purple-colored mist. Skoshi walked into the room while purposely ignoring the Lich. He made a show of studying the Phylactery while slowly walking around it. Skoshi then moved towards the ladder and stared up. Near the top of the ladder, a small brass plaque could be seen. On it, an inscription that read: Aewan Cemetary.
“Makes sense that the Lich would house its Phylactery so close to a graveyard. Plenty of bones to use. Time to see what it knows,” Skoshi thought to himself. Hoping to appear a little less threatening, he decided to leave himself unarmed. “I know you are still here,” Skoshi stated simply.
The lich was no fool, it knew Skoshi could see him. “Yes, I am here. I am afraid I can’t greet you properly as I haven’t had time to gather materials for another body.”
“Bones from those laid to rest nearby, you mean,” Skoshi stated in an emotionless voice.
“Yes,” answered the Lich in a barely audible whisper as it did not want to appear too eager.
“Tell me what I want to know, and I will give you a swift, painless death,” stated Skoshi.
“Hahaha,” the Lich cackled. “Go ahead and get it over with. “There is nothing you could do that would be worse than what she would do to me.”
“She?” Question Skoshi, knowing full well who the Lich was referring to.
“Who else?” answered Lich. “The true ruler of all worlds and over those pathetic Spirits, Chaosia.” Its tone, no longer one of fear, but spiteful and proud.
“Pathetic Spirits huh? I seem to remember those pathetic spirits imprisoned your precious Chaosia,” mocked Skoshi, a trace of subtle anger in his voice.
“Blasphemy,” hissed the Lich. “Just wait, she’ll...”, the Lich’s words faltered as distant footsteps could be heard.
A knowing grin appeared on Skoshi’s face as the sound of those footsteps grew closer. He didn’t have to wait long before his familiar came into view, followed by Pebble and Exem. The fire elemental hovered over to position itself slightly behind Skoshi. “You made good time,” Skoshi said with a grin.
“We had just finished escorting some students out of a nearby entrance when your familiar found us,” explained Pebble. Her eyes immediately were drawn towards the corner the Lich was hiding in. Only Life and Death mages could see a being's essence unaided.
“Is it here?” asked Exem.
Skoshi pointed in the direction of where the Lich’s ethereal form was hiding, “Yes, he’s sulking over there.”
A sharp hiss escaped from the Lich as Pebble took a few steps closer and summoned an item from her ring that looked like a lantern with runes carved over most of its surface. “Good,” smiled Pebble. “You seem to know what a soul catcher is.”
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“Yes, I know of it, life mage,” sneered the Lich as it uttered the words life mage.
“Tell us what we want to know, and we’ll spare you from it,” promised Skoshi.
The Lich barked out a loud laugh, “HA! Let’s see if I understand correctly. Betray her and possibly spend eternity in that horrid thing or stay loyal, at least I’ll be free when my soul is returned to the netherworld. I’ll choose the latter”
“Do you think we’d merely let you remain idle while trapped inside?” threatened Exem.
“No worse than what SHE would do,” the Lich countered.
“Or perhaps a third option. We can let you go. Spread the word on how helpful you have been to us,” said Skoshi, as a wicked-looking grin formed on his face.
Another sharp hiss escaped from the Lich. “You wouldn’t dare. What would your precious spirits think about that? I can’t say they would be happy about it.”
“Nena has no issues looking the other way if it means keeping Terra safe,” Skoshi replied in an amused tone.
The Lich, knowing it was doomed, regardless of which option he took, immediately rushed towards the ladder leading out of the sewer. Skoshi tensed as he watched the Lich try to flee. Before he could pull his sword out of his storage ring, Pebble stepped forward. She held the Soul Catcher aloft and quickly removed the latch to open the front panel. A small clear crystal sat in the middle of the Soul Catcher. Pebble’s eyes flashed blue as she pumped mana into the runes to activate them. The room bathed in a bright azure glow as the runes quickly lit up. The crystal inside began to shine brilliantly white before slowly fading. With a satisfied smile, Pebble closed the lantern and secured its latch.
“All good,” replied Pebble as she gently shook the soul catcher.
“Can’t say I blame it for trying to run for it and escape. It knew it was in a no-win situation,” added Exem.
“Pity. I was hoping to gather some useful information,” added a voice from behind them.
The three immediately swiveled around, their hands hovering over their weapons. At the entrance to their section of tunnel, stood a tall, lean human. His long flowing silver hair draped his shoulders. In his left hand, he held a medium-length ebony staff. A mana crystal at its tip was held in place by a golden cap that matched the runes that were etched along its length. Behind the man stood a shorter human with ruffled black hair and wore thin wireframe glasses. His gaze failed to meet their eyes.
“Councilmen Drake, what brings you down to this lovely location?” asked Skoshi in a polite yet neutral tone. Skoshi held little love for Xander Drake, one of the nobles who sat on Rinkon’s city council.
“I was in the area when I heard there was some trouble in the sewers. I knew the Academy was holding its annual first quests into the sewers for its new students, so naturally, I thought I'd lend my abilities,” answered Xander smoothly.
“We thank you for the gesture, Councilmen Drake. However, as you can see, the matter has been dealt with swiftly,” explained Exem.
“Yes, about that...may I inspect the soul catcher for a moment?” asked Drake.
“I am afraid, it would best if we take it to Lord Dormyre’s manor and let the Silent watch analyze it,” replied Skoshi.
“Yes, that would be prudent,” agreed Xander though his expression showed he didn’t.
“Might I offer another suggestion?” inquired the smaller human standing next to Xander.
“And what might that be?” asked Skoshi, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Xander’s assistant, Zenon. Though most viewed him as meek and subservient, Skoshi knew better. He had witnessed on several occasions how cunning and guile Zenon could be.
“As you know, Councilmen Drake owns Drakes Arcanaries, one of the most prestigious companies in all of Terra. Allowing its magical research division access would be a boon to all of its people. Perhaps we could jointly study the Lich?” suggested Zenon.
A small grin appeared on Xander’s face as he nodded in agreement. “Quite right! With the backing of the Silent Watch and my company, I am sure we can learn a lot from it,” Xander added.
“While I can appreciate the motive and possible benefits, I am afraid I’ll have to stand by my decision,” informed Skoshi.
“Perhaps when we are finished with the Lich, we could turn it over to you,” suggested Pebble. Of Skoshi’s former group, she tended to take the role of mediator.
Knowing full well Pebble also had no intention of giving up the Lich, Skoshi added, “That might be doable in the future.”
“Begging your pardon Magnus Skoshi, your investigation could take quite some time,” Zenon meekly retorted. Xander gave him an approving nod.
“Or, it could go very much the other way; the investigation could end quickly,” countered Exem.
“Yes, yes, it could or could not,” huffed Zenon. A trace of impatience bubbled up in his voice. “How about we sweeten the offer,” he countered. Realization quickly dawned on him that perhaps he assumed incorrectly that Xander would approve. He looked up to find Xander giving him a slight nod of approval though he didn’t particularly look happy. “We’ll make a sizeable donation to House Olden’s coffers. I hear you finally have a new member. Surely that will go a long way toward his development as a mage?”
“While I appreciate the offer, House Olden is capable of providing what he needs,” stated Skoshi.
“Isn’t your manor more of an Inn than a manor hall these days?” quipped Xander. An amused smile tugged the corner of his lips.
“Why yes, The Rusty Cow. You should come by sometime; I’ll treat you to an excellent meal,” promised Skoshi with some mirth in his tone.
Xander started to counter with a snide comment but stopped short. He had recently been made aware that the renowned food critic Troper Harbs, had been dining at the Rusty Cow quite frequently as of late. Rumor has it, that while he normally can be rather harsh with his reviews, he always seemed to give the Rusty Cow glowing reviews. “I may one day take you up on that.”
“Come, Councilmen Xander, I believe they will not part with the soul catcher and your time is precious,” said Zenon.
“Yes, quite right. If you’ll excuse us, we have other matters to attend,” informed Xander. He nodded to the three mages. He gestured for Zenon to lead the way out.
As the two disappeared from view, Exem let out a sigh. “You know, I can’t say I enjoy being around Councilmen Xander much. He always seems to flaunt his position around.”
“Agreed,” replied Pebble. “I don’t care much for Zenon either. It always seems like he is scheming something.”
“Of that, I have no doubt,” voiced Skoshi. “I find it odd that they quickly found their way down here. And I don’t see Councilmen Xander wading through the filthy sewer waters to protect Academy students. Let’s get back topside. I think the Dewaft is starting to wear off.
Exem chuckled, “I definitely don’t want to be around when it does. Nor do I want to apply a second coating. The stuff can be a pain to remove when still fresh.”
Exem and Pebble turned and began to make their way back topside. Skoshi took a moment to take a quick glance around the room. With the Lich safety captured in the soul catcher, he could no longer feel its presence. Satisfied the room was clean of any Kosany presence, he quickly picked up the lich’s phylactery and threw it against the floor. No longer protected by the Lich’s magic, it shattered into many small pieces. Skoshi patted his hands clean while staring down at the broken pieces. He then quickly exited the room and joined his friends.