Of course I wanted to see the jar in Derek’s basement.

In general, the Pachyderm of Sot Citadel don’t work. There’s no need for it, unless there’s a god or demigod who really wants something done. The thing is, the gods can basically do anything a pachyderm can do, and more.

Basically, we pachyderm exist for their amusement.

Does that sound bleak? I don’t think so. Actually, I miss Derek. I regret ever saying goodbye to him, but I didn’t have any other choice. You’ll see what I mean soon enough. I haven’t gotten up to that part yet.

Anyway, the only reason I mentioned the whole thing about existing for their amusement because it might sound weird to you that I had nothing else to do that day except check out the jar in Derek’s basement. But there it is. I had no plans. I live to serve, and I love to live. Life was good back at the Sot Citadel.

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Anyway, we soon withdrew into the keep. We crossed the cobblestone streets. Much of the city was still asleep, but some folks were around. Derek and I headed to his place at a goodish, steady pace.

Derek’s store front was a polished stand with enchanted glass windows, running from floor to ceiling, which glowed with the aura of any who approached. It buzzed at Derek and I, reaching out to us with a faint electrical rumble as we passed through it into the front room.

Derek snapped his fingers, sparking a flame that he flicked into a glass lantern.

Lantern lighting the way, Derek ushered me down into his basement workshop, where he revealed to me his new secret project.