Even though he was cleared as being fairly healthy, besides the constant state of physical numbness, Ezekiel wasn’t able to leave anytime soon. He did receive word that his parents had reunited with his sisters in Tollren, however, so at least there was some good news.
His mother had also reunited with Lina, who had apparently been a part of the earlier evacuations. He had missed speaking with her when he had first returned to Harkem. But that was to be expected, given how chaotic it was.
The thing that annoyed him the most, however, was the fact that he still had to submit a number of reports to the Scholars. He had been lucky regarding the Empire’s forces. As he hadn’t had to answer to any Inquisitors. But it seemed that bureaucracy was going to follow him to the gate of hell and back.
When he reported his findings regarding Drew, however, he ended up receiving a number of pitying glances from the Grand Scholars. While they had fallen out of contact, and their first meeting after eight years was brief, it had still been hard for Ezekiel to deal with the emotions.
At least, it was after he finally figured out how to retract the emotional suppression, and finally deal with everything that had happened during his last mission.
“You’re certain that the corrupted Cruor you found was Drew Driftmark?” Harolt asked for what seemed like the fiftieth time. Ezekiel had gotten annoyed by this point. But he could see that there was something he was missing as he looked past the pity in Harolt and Naeri’s eyes.
“Yes. I am. What’s going on? No offense, but you seem strangely worried about a mere Adept... Yeah... I’m sorry about what happened...” Ezekiel’s voice grew quiet as he remembered the shrieks of rage and pain. Drew’s half human, half avian, face came to the forefront of his mind before he shook it off. “Why was he the only one they corrupted, anyway?”
Harolt and Naeri shared a glance. It was apparent that they were conflicted regarding how they should answer. But, after a silent conversation, Naeri nodded her head, to which Harolt just sighed.
“According to an account by the Exalt, the Broodlord claimed to be Derrick Driftmark. Whom, after searching what remains of our populace records, was Drew Driftmark’s father. Which means that your actions won’t be just a matter of enemy action. It will be personal for this Broodlord. We’re not certain what the outcome from this will be.” Harolt’s voice had a gravelly whisper to it as he seemed to regret what had happened as much as Ezekiel.
The Void Mage had frozen up, however, as the words that the Broodlord had screamed at him when he was holding him by the neck returned to him. He could now clearly recall the Broodlord asking why Ezekiel had killed his son. But a corrupted Cruor wasn’t the person that they used to be. Even if Drew had seemingly retained a sense of stability, in the physical sense, it was clear that he hadn’t truly been turned into a Cruor. Such a thing was impossible, after all.
So, why had the Broodlord decided to force his son to undergo the mutation regardless. There’s no way he would’ve been willing to destroy his son like that. Not if he was so enraged and heartbroken when Drew had died.
“You don’t think that the Cruor have begun to figure out how to mutate non-Void Mages, do you?” Ezekiel was ashen faced as he asked this. But it seemed like the only reason he could think of that would cause the Broodlord to do such a thing to his son.
“Unlikely. While your report indicates they’ve possibly found a way to prevent the more... malignant mutations, it’s unlikely that they’ve managed to do as you say.” Naeri replied this time. Her expertise and study of the effects of Ichor gave her a better idea of the situation. “It’s not impossible, of course. Just unheard of. What’s more likely is that the Brood that Derrick Driftmark contracted promised him a ‘chance’ that Drew would convert in full. Perhaps it didn’t. Regardless, I think it was a desperate hope from a desperate man. One who wanted to see his family more than anything else...”
Ezekiel couldn’t help but tilt his head to look at the floor. He didn’t have to see their faces to know what kind of looks Harolt and Naeri were giving him. Worry at how familiar the Broodlord’s story was in regard to his own. Though not nearly as self-destructive and grotesque.
“...I think we can call it here. You have remained under watch for a week now. No major changes to your condition, and the caravan heading to Tollren is leaving tomorrow. I’m assuming you’ll be heading out with it?” Harolt raised an eyebrow as he adjusted some papers.
“Yes... I need to send a message to Gates, however. I left some people behind, and while I’ve let them know about my recovery, I’ll need to let them know where I’m going.” Ezekiel stood up from his seat, giving the Grand Scholars a bow of thanks. “I’m sorry to leave you all to continue the work here, but I need to go...”
Naeri and Harolt waved him off. “Get going. This city is no place for you. No offense.” Harolt’s reply made Naeri sigh in exasperation. But Ezekiel just nodded, understanding the sentiment.
While it hadn’t been said out loud, Ezekiel had seen a missive from the capital on Harolt’s desk. The Inquisition would be moving in in full force roughly three days from now. Given the roads, none would be crossing his path to Tollren. But better to leave sooner, rather than later.
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Ezekiel sat in the back of a wagon as it rolled down the magically carved stone road to Tollren. It had been two days since he had set out with the caravan, and it was expected to be another three before they reached the city. Though there were a couple of villages that they would be able to stop at on the way. One where he had mentioned he would try to wait for Riley, and any of his Scholar friends who could get away from Gates. Though he knew that the latter was unlikely.
A book was in his hands, and he was wearing a cloak over a set of mixed armor pieces. There hadn’t been much for him to obtain for travel. Worse, his Void Pouch had been destroyed a while ago. So, he basically had just a sack with his belongings, as there weren’t any Void Pouches for him to acquire.
Fortunately, the caravan he was with, whale small, had plenty of provisions for those that needed them. He hadn’t been the only one to lose his Void Pouch. Those that still had one were asked to share some space for supplies. The accompanying Guild chose to accept. Something that Ezekiel was grateful for, but had expected, given the Guild that was accompanying them.
“Oy! You doing alright back there?” Herend stuck his head in through a flap on the side of the wagon. He was seated on top of Philips Spirit as they rode together along the path.
On the other side of the wagon, Filia and Tracy, who were a welcome sight to Ezekiel, rode in another cart that was being pulled along by a pair of mundane draft animals. Surprising, given that there were more than enough Spirits to do the heavy lifting. But Ezekiel figured that the trip was likely doubling as downtime for a number of Hunters.
“I’m fine. Just figured I’d get a bit of reading in as we traveled.” Ezekiel was calm and collected as he addressed Herend. “Besides, it’s not like there’s much else I can do right now. Practice is impossible for me at this point.”
Herend winced at Ezekiel’s blunt tone. Outside the tent, Philip mirrored the Glacial Hunter’s actions. The team that Ezekiel had been working with had been informed a while ago about what had happened. It was one of the reasons Garrad had volunteered them for the caravan escort.
Garrad himself couldn’t leave the city. None of the native Guild Leaders were given leave. Which made sense, as they needed to hold down the city until a new Ruler could be assigned.
But, given that the sky was clear over the city and the surrounding areas, it was unlikely that the Cruor, or Umbral Beasts, would be moving in large groups anytime soon. The areas further north, near and past the Broodlord’s den, were a different story. As it was obvious that at least one Spine had managed to Bloom. The expansion of the Desolate Lands was proof of this.
“Well, just let us know if you want to stretch your legs. I know you don’t spend all your time in there but try not to stay cooped up in there for too long.” Heren ignored the sense of pity he felt for Ezekiel. He knew that the Void Mage wouldn’t appreciate it.
Before Ezekiel could reassure Herend that he was alright, another voice cut in.
“Stop worrying about that cripple. Focus on your job and keep watch.” A Rude and loud voice called out. It was one of the Conscripted Hunters that had been forced to act alongside the Guild Hunters. He was a large and burly man who rode a black and brown tiger Spirit. The man’s own hair and eyes denoted him as an Adept Cavern Hunter.
Ezekiel stuck his head out from the wagon to get a better look. More curious than anything else. He had long since stopped caring about what others thought of him.
Upon seeing who was making such a ruckus, Ezekiel recognized the man as one of the Hunters that had been in Gates. If he remembered correctly, he was also one of the ones that had been a part of the groups that had disapproved of his presence as a Void Mage.
“Stupid brat! Getting out of doing the hard work just because you got hurt. Some ‘hero’ you turned out to be.” Ezekiel saw the man take a swig from a flask on his hip. Many of the other Hunters glared at him. This was not the first time the man had acted like this. But not once did he realize that no one approved of his actions.
Seeing Ezekiel sticking his head out of the wagon, the man sneered in his direction.
“What are you looking at? Ya stupid cripple!” The man patted his Spirit on the head. A rock came flying out of the ground, aimed right at Ezekiel’s face.
While still unaccustomed to his current physical state, Ezekiel was still able to whip his arm around and catch the rock before it did anything. Much to the man’s shock.
Ezekiel then proceeded to split the rock in two with one hand and flick the pieces back at the man. The impact of the stones as they impacted against the man and his Spirit made a loud ‘crack’ echo through the group. Everybody flinched as the man fell to the ground, choking as his ribs were broken. His enchanted armor was also shattered.
His Spirit growled as menacingly as it could with a collapsed side. But while he couldn’t perform magic, Ezekiel could still exert his presence on the world. It was just muffled since his mana was undirected. Though, at Tier four, that was much less of a problem.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Regardless, upon hallucinating a massive figure made of stars hovering over Ezekiel, the Spirit collapsed under the weight of Ezekiel’s soul pressing down on it. This had the unfortunate side effect of making everyone who was watching recoil. The man who insulted Ezekiel actually fainted.
“...Sorry about that...” Ezekiel’s voice was quiet as he pulled himself back into the wagon. “I’m still trying to figure things out.”
“...It’s fine. He’s the one who tried to strike a Legendary being without cause...” Herend gave a nervous smile as he and Philip moved back into position. The man who started the conflict was unceremoniously thrown onto another cart, alongside his Spirit. A healer was called up to make sure the man’s injuries were properly treated.
For Ezekiel, his hands were covering his face as he rolled onto the floor of the wagon. His head resting against a pile of supplies. The book he was reading was long forgotten as he mentally screamed at himself for what he had just done.
“...Ezekiel... Are you... Alright?” The static, yet recognizable, voice of Shine quietly called out to Ezekiel. “How... bad... was... it?”
“Not the worst. But I still need work.” This hadn’t been the first time Ezekiel had nearly broken something beyond repair due to his abnormal physique. If you didn’t include the trees that he toppled just from punching them.
“It’s... okay... we’ll work... on this... toge...ther.” Ezekiel could hear Shine’s voice starting to falter. He hoped that, when he got to Tollren, the Church would be willing to take a commission for help in creating a voice box. It would further progress the Com-Slates to actual direct communication devices. As well as grant Shine an easier method of speaking to Ezekiel, now that they couldn’t speak mentally.
“I know, Shine. I know. This will not be the end of the road for me.” Sitting back up, Ezekiel grabbed his book and began reading once again.
The words “A Study of Spirit Pathways: Effects of Shattering and Attempts at Healing” were emblazoned on the cover. A half open satchel with similar books lay next to him on the bench he sat on.
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After that incident, no one else ended up doing anything to taunt or agitate Ezekiel. For the most part, besides the team that he was friends with, most of the other Hunters actively avoided him. While he wasn’t able to cast magic at the Legendary Tier, he was still as strong, physically, as a Legendary Cruor. This basically meant that he was more than capable of essentially wiping them out if he wanted to.
There more or less headed straight for the city. Only stopping at two of the villages on the way. Spending their time camping out on the nights they had no inn to rest at. Though, it seemed the caravan would have to move before Riley could arrive.
A letter had been sent ahead, however, and it informed him that Riley would be heading straight for Tollren. Apparently, it would be a simpler journey for her to go that way instead. This evened things out for Ezekiel, who was much more relaxed when they set out.
The journey ended up being quite quiet, for the most part. Due to the Empire being fully settled land, there were far fewer Wild Spirits unless it was within specifical wilderness zones. As such, a journey that might have resulted in at least three skirmishes only had one. And it was dealt with easily enough.
For his part, Ezekiel just picked up a few rocks and threw them at anything that got too close. Nothing died during this incident. Which was good, as it meant that the Spirits were smart enough to flee.
“So, that’s Tollren...” Ezekiel sat at the front of his wagon. “It’s smaller than Harkem... But maybe that’s why it feels so much more inviting.”
Tollren was considered of equal rank, as a city, to Harkem, but was still slightly lesser. Mostly because there was less need for a large Guild presence, as they were not that close to the borders.
It acted much like a checkpoint city on the way to the capital. It was situated a couple weeks north of the city that was one of Gates’ sister cities. Much like the cities of Rime, Chime, and Zime, there were the cities of Crossings, Trimble, and Gates.
Trimble, being the city south of Tollren, was currently having difficulties at the moment. As a large amount of trade was having difficulties due to the war in Tarquessa. Something that Ezekiel realized that Gates was likely experiencing as well.
“Do... Evelyn and... Warren... know... you’re coming?” Shine was sheathed on Ezekiel’s hip as usual, but garnered some strange looks from the Hunters who could actually hear them now.
“Most likely. I said we would be arriving sometime today or tomorrow, depending on the weather and road conditions. But even if they don’t, they left instructions regarding how to find them.” By this point, their caravan was coming up on the gates to the outermost city walls.
Passing through the checkpoint was simple enough. Though Ezekiel did get several strange looks when he passed over his identification. The fact that he was a Legendary Mage was clearly included, as was the requirement of the Church of Ten to be truthful regarding their citizenship documentation. Though, if Ezekiel had his way, he’d be back in the archipelago soon enough.
He had a feeling that wouldn’t be the case, however, as many of the routes leading back there would mean traveling through areas that were not in a peaceful state of being right now.
Ezekiel and Shine accompanied the Wandering Titans to the small Guild sector of the city. There were a number of inns with available rooms, and the Hunters weren’t required to return to Harkem for two weeks. So, they would likely stay in the city for at least a week before they set out for their home.
Given that neither Ezekiel nor Shine saw anything relating to Evelyn and Warren as they traveled through the city, they decided to follow up on a few things to try and find them.
The first thing they did was visit the hospital. It was one of the places that Warren had said they would likely be. Thanks to their contributions, and as compensation for the fact that Evelyn was nearly assassinated, they had been greatly compensated. To the point where a full regeneration of Evelyn’s arm was possible. But those took time, and numerous treatments to complete. Usually around a year.
However, when they arrived, they were informed that, while she was a patient who was on a limb regeneration program, Evelyn had finished her treatments for the week, and wouldn’t be checking in for several more days.
As that was a dead end, Ezekiel sighed as he looked towards the large Cathedral in the distance.
He had two more places that his parents indicated were the most likely places that they would be staying. The first was the Noble sector, where the Alkena family had planted some roots. Temporary ones, until Allon and Sherra could return to Harkem.
The second was the Cathedral of Tollren. Where Evelyn and Warren would likely be working out of until they could get themselves back on their feet. Neither were particularly fond of Guild politics. So, they would probably look for work as unaffiliated Hunters working for the Church as escorts and assistants.
Looking at the sky, Ezekiel saw that it was getting late. Which made sense, as they had arrived just after noon. He decided that it would be smarter to look for wherever his family might be lodging with the Alkena’s. Looking himself over, he knew that he looked like a vagabond mercenary Mage.
Needless to say, he fully expected to be accosted more than once as he traveled through the noble sector. Especially since it was getting late.
“We could... try an... inn?” Ezekiel was glad to hear that Shine was getting better at using their ‘voice’ but couldn’t help but disagree with their suggestion.
“Sorry... but I really want to see my parents right now... I trust you to get us out of anything troublesome.” Shine’s blade hummed in delight at the trust Ezekiel had in them. But for Ezekiel, he couldn’t help but feel down. He knew that Shine was happy but couldn’t feel it like before. It made him feel somewhat hollow, to know but not understand.
But with their next destination in mind, the pair set off. Grimacing just a little bit as they passed through the opulent archway leading into the noble sector.
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It took roughly an hour of making his way through the noble sector before Ezekiel was standing in front of a fairly large manor with a large contingent of guards patrolling the area.
Apparently, given his, seemingly, aimless wanderings, and the questions he asked a few passersby for directions. Word had moved faster than he had. As it seemed like there were several guards that were expecting him. As well as barring any entry.
“Look. Like I said, I’m not here for trouble. I’m just here, because I was informed that this was likely where my family resided. Warren, Evelyn, Wendy, and Ellen Luminance. This is the Alkena estate. Is it not?” As he said this, Ezekiel gestured to the intricately engraved letters on the side of the entryway to the manor. The name ‘Alkena’ was proudly displayed for all to see.
“No entry without proof of identity. Only those that are permitted by the Alkena family, or with references provided by the honorable Morse family, may enter.” The guard in front of him glared as he spoke. It was a look that Ezekiel knew quite well. It was the look of a mana staring at a pile of shit he had just stepped in.
Listening to the man’s little speech, Ezekiel could clearly tell who this man truly owed his loyalty to. He was likely a guard on loan to the Alkena’s by the Morse family. Whoever they were.
Seeing the other guard, one who looked like he was clearly new, and was only following the orders of his superior, Ezekiel put together a plan that he hoped would work.
“Fine. I don’t want any trouble, so if you could simply send word to the Luminances that their son has arrived from Harkem, it would be appreciated.” Ezekiel glared at the man who was barring his entry.
A heavy weight pushed down on the man as Ezekiel allowed a bit of his intentions and desires to press upon the world. The man who looked down on him found himself frozen in fear. Unable to move, as a figure so much more powerful than him gazed upon him like a person might gaze upon an ant. All while holding a boot right above it.
“I am certain that whoever informs them will be rewarded, while the one who decided to break protocol, and bar my entry without even bothering to check with the estate owners, will receive their just rewards. Likely from their true masters.” With those parting words Ezekiel turned and dashed away. Moving so fast that it looked to the guards like he had simply disappeared.
For his part, Ezekiel was tumbling through the air. His full strength being too much to retain full control as he leapt away. Fortunately, Shine managed to catch both of them before they crashed into a public fountain in one of the noble sector’s parks.
“Was that... a good idea?” Shine barely paused this time.
We’ll find out tomorrow. For now, let’s go back to the Wandering Titans. While they don’t have the most influence in this city, the Guilds still have better accommodations for visiting Hunters.” Marching back to the Guild sector, Ezekiel rubbed his grumbling stomach. He hoped that the inn would still have food available. It had gotten dark a little while ago.
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Early the next morning, at the entrance to the inn that Ezekiel had stayed at, he had half expected the city watch to have arrived to arrest him for his intimidation the previous evening. However, it seemed like several other guards from the Alkena estate had arrived instead. All of them looked quite tired.
This time, however, Ezekiel recognized a few of them from eight years ago. When he had last set foot in the Alkena’s Harkem estate.
“Harry? Is that you?” Ezekiel saw the man leading the guards and knew that it was the one who usually led him to the training hall back when he would visit the Alkena’s.
A melancholic smile spread across Harry’s face as Ezekiel approached.
“Indeed, it is. Long time no see, Ezekiel.” Harry held out a hand in greeting. Ezekiel shook it with a bit of enthusiasm. It was good to see that there were still people that thought well of him. “Sorry about last night. One of the other guards watching the wall overheard what happened. He reported it to master Allon, but you left so fast that it was impossible to catch up to you.”
“And the guard that kept me out?” Ezekiel was happy to hear that things were as he expected. In that the guard really was breaking protocol.
“Both of them have been fired. As have every other guard that were found to have been spies for other noble families.” Harry grimaced, as did the rest of the guards, as they remembered the questioning they had been through. It had taken all night to find out who was trustworthy enough for this mission. Even now there were still investigations going on back at the manor.
“Even the new guy?” Ezekiel hadn’t been certain that the younger man had been in on it but didn’t feel guilty about what happened either way.
“He was working for the Morse family as well. Actually, most of the guards that were fired were ones that were hired on the suggestion of the Morse family.” Harry didn’t look too pleased as he said this. “Needless to say, this means that certain relations will be strained moving forward.”
By this point, the group had moved out of the inn and were headed back to the Noble sector.
“Who is the Morse family anyways? I’m not well versed on the noble families of the Empire. They don’t matter to me, for the most part.” Ezekiel was nonchalant as he said this. Showing that he truly didn’t care for the nobility. Something that the guards had mixed feelings about. But were placated, since they knew he didn’t mean anything by it regarding the Alkenas.
Harry looked befuddled for a moment, but then his eyes opened in realization. A look filled with pity soon followed. One that made Ezekiel feel uncomfortable.
“You didn’t know? That’s a surprise.” Harry said as he seemed to get lost in thought. “I’m sorry to say that the Morse family is, currently, the most powerful ally of the Alkena family. Specifically, their young master is our young mistress’ betrothed.”
Silence spread throughout the group as that information hit Ezekiel like a brick to the head.