THE CHIEFTAIN'S CALL
It was a cold, windy night, and I was breathing heavily into the moonlight at the foot of the hills north of my lair. Not a cloud was in sight as I stood triumphally. My right arm was severed, my left leg scorched, a dozen spears and swords impaled throughout my torso and thighs, my (Mana Affinity Robes) Dark Robes, Petty Mana Regeneration were burnt and lost all of their enchantment, and a few of my left fingers were broken.
I took in a deep breath and let out a flame of frustration. I was standing in the middle of mangled bodies that were once adventurers. I remembered them from two nights ago, but they came across the destruction I had left and turned back.
Their leader, Lia, assumed power in numbers was the answer and returned with many at his back. Hmph, with such logic, a trillion insects could one day take down a dragon. I knelt and sat on the bloody weeds as I called down my arachni from the southern woods to retrieve those still alive.
I fought this group without using most of my familiars and only used my sword to go after those who attempted to flee. It was tough to keep many alive without relying on my arachnid's numbing poisons.
PAIN
But I had to test myself,
I whispered. I needed to know how strong I was without my familiars and my... I cocked my head, wondering what to name the animals I brought back with Petty Solusion Ritual.
PAIN
Hey, Abi.
ABIMELECH
I implore you to not call me such a ridiculous name.
He spat in response.
PAIN
Too bad because I think it fits you. What do you think I should call the things I brought back to life?
ABIMELECH
Why pry my mind over trivial matters?
He seemingly growled, and I shrugged at his annoyance. My arachni arrived, and they began to bundle up the survivors in their webbing.
PAIN
Your family has some good names: Jurabaal, Gideon, and Abimelech. Besides, I could feel your anxiety quivering like an earthquake. Why not admit you have questions?
A brief moment of silence as I stood.
ABIMELECH
Sols,
He sighed.
PAIN
Souls?
ABIMELECH
Sols, as in S-O-L... Unfortunately, my son, father, and I were named by my grandfather, Joash.
He informed me.
I raised my hand to command the blood that stained the ground and bodies to converge. I then siphoned off the blood from the corpses, and while doing so, I allowed Abimelech the ability to watch through my eyes. I expected him to say something, but he kept quiet. As I stumbled around the deathly scene, I drank the blood and noticed my wounds regenerated quicker while ingesting blood.
Vampor Increased:
Lesser Night Vision(52%), Lesser En Vitality(69%), Lesser Sound Vision(37%), Lesser Blood Control(21%), Lesser En Scent Detection(49%), Lesser Danger Sense(25%), Lesser En Reflexes(22%), Lesser Quickstep(59%), Lesser En Stamina(77%), Lesser En Strength(76%), Lesser En Hearing(79%), Lesser En Sight(81%), Lesser Heat Vision(49%), Lesser Body Control(70%), Lesser Mana Sense(3%), Lesser Day Vision(4%)
Passive Increase:
Lesser Interference
Passive Acquired:
Petty Mana Sense, Petty Day Vision
With my arachni hauling the bodies to the sapling, I took to the air and scoured the area through the eyes of my ghosts and... sols...
PAIN
Horrible,
I mumbled to myself.
PAIN
Not using that name.
At the sapling, I ignored the wailing cries of those being sacrificed as I carefully ordered my ghosts to peer into the room of Cain. The quarters he had were vacant, and upon searching the entirety of the inn, I saw no sign of him nor any Fire Kingdom soldiers.
Did they really leave? I asked myself. I was still refusing to siphon any souls within the city. It would cause a panic that could quickly spiral out of control. Diving into a deep thought, I figured I should just wait a bit more.
LIA
Please!
Lia's bloody scream scrambled my thoughts, and I looked up at him in annoyance. My forest arachnid, holding him with its mouth, was just about to sacrifice him.
LIA
Spare me!
He pleaded, his face drenched in tears and dried blood. What good would it be to be spared at this point? He had no arms and legs... though, in time, he would find ways to compensate for such a loss because of the Law of Growth.
PAIN
Spare you?
I asked dismissively.
LIA
Please! I will do anything.
He was the last one left alive to be sacrificed, so I decided to make use of his knowledge.
PAIN
Who is the leader of that city?
LIA
Chief Leon!
He spouted promptly.
PAIN
Is he strong? Can he fight?
LIA
No! Rumors have it he was appointed after his father's death about three years ago.
Hmph, so if he was telling the truth, the Chief is probably using money and wealth to...
PAIN
Why are adventurers coming after me?
LIA
A bounty made by Cain.
He explained.
LIA
The Fire Kingdom offered seven hundred million puries for your death or capture.
I grimaced,
PAIN
Seven hundred million puries?
LIA
Yes! I swear!
PAIN
Fine.
I sighed.
My arachnid took him to the edge of the northern forest and dropped him—he was on his own now. I then continued to have my remaining arachnids toss the dead, shriveled bodies onto the sapling. The sapling had only grown several inches from the sacrifices of thirty-two gents.
The streaks of sunlight broke through the trees as the moonsun began its transition. It was time for me to bring more critters back to life and study my ghosts, skeletons, and Petty Solusion Ritual for any hidden knowledge.
But, on my way back to my lair, I saw the use of kodamas. They were breeders of treants and used treants to surround themselves in their protection. Hmm... plants have souls, too—remembering that Soul Harvest, as an opened book, could harvest them.
Remembering what I read about treants, this must be why treants naturally grew upon cursed grounds and century-old war fields. However, the debate was between treants coming about because plants had souls versus the idea of lost souls of the dead haunting these trees. I formerly believed the latter because it was difficult to fathom plants with souls... yet I do now.
I approached one of the spiny and leafless treants and examined them carefully. They had sharply angled branches that harbored brightly colored fruits resembling massive square apples. Upon Scanning these fruits, it was just as I read—they emitted a Basic Aura: Allure and had several fruit names, including jeweled apple. Like the ghost's aura of fear, I was immune since they were indirectly created by me. Those who were not immune—like the dead rabbids at the foot of the treant—would be stuck staring at the fruit while the treant slowly siphoned off their souls.
Pulling a fruit off to inspect, I weighed it in my hand—it was hollow and emitted a faint mana energy resembling puries. Cracking it open, I saw that its insides were solid and rotten, with an emerald puri bead dangling at its center. I figured it had to be nearly impossible to obtain these fruits from naturally growing treants since treants grew in clusters. With each fruit emitting a powerful aura, I assumed one look at the bundle of treants could force a gent with the strongest of wills to be locked in a trance.
These treants matured quickly because of the kodama sucking the life out of nearby trees—but just enough to keep the surrounding trees from dying out completely. Afterward, the fruit and puri grew by harvesting souls. A portion of the souls harvested will be siphoned off and fed into the kodamas, making the kodama blossom lively during the day and appear more fearful during the night.
Midway into the day, my wolves scouring the plains ran into Lia. He was doing his best to crawl north but now froze in fear and frustration as my wolves prowled around him. Hmph, he should have stayed in the woods, feasted on bushes and plants, and focused on learning how to move about. Crawling out into open plains? Ridiculous. Well, the poor fool was now an afternoon meal for my hungry wolves.
As the days flew past, I continued my training and rituals and relied on my pretas to siphon souls from animals. During the night, I went out in search of fiends to slay and drink their blood.
All the while, I allowed Abi to watch. He was initially stubborn by refusing to, but eventually, curiosity overcame him. During one of my daily sparring with my skeletons and familiars, Abimelech wanted to speak to me.
PAIN
This is new.
I taunted as I blocked a ferocious swipe from my Slasher.
ABIMELECH
As faith dictates,
He started with a strong voice,
ABIMELECH
I understand that my confinement here may be eternal.
PAIN
What makes you think that, I wonder?
I flipped over my charging Defender and Quickstepped out of the way of my pouncing elokos.
ABIMELECH
Your soul that rages before me. The manner in which you endure fatal wounds. Your sway over dozens of undead and sols without a fault in your sanity. I began to ponder, are you immortal?
He finally asked.
PAIN
I am not using that pathetic name for my... animals.
I mumbled as I came to a standstill.
PAIN
But yes,
I started as my Slasher sliced deep into my neck.
PAIN
I am immortal.
After confirming my immortality with Abi, his attitude toward me noticeably changed, albeit slowly. He asked more questions about me, and I answered them freely. Then, one day, he gave a tip about meditating.
PAIN
Meditating?
After informing him about my Recall Memory, he informed me that rather than expending my souls during Solusion rituals, meditating on the actions of the Petty Solusion Ritual by replaying it should increase my aptitude.
ABIMELECH
You can also relive your battles. It will strengthen your hidden and known aptitudes.
Attempting to gain his good faith, I obeyed and incorporated his tips into my training.
With my ghosts and hawks keeping watch on the city, I still saw no signs of Cain. I even had my hawks search the surrounding woods, and still, no signs of him. Instead, I spotted adventurers coming by to test their bravery a few meters north of my lair.
I made sure to slay any of them that lingered too far south. After decimating Lia's group, I was positive to put a dent in the number of adventurers within the city. But, as another day went by, my hawks took notice of a road northeast of the bridge dam that led south.
It was busy with traders, guards, and a handful of adventurers traveling to Dagon City.
ABIMELECH
Pardon my intrusion.
He said softly one night as I searched for fiends to feast off of.
PAIN
No need to excuse yourself—ask away.
ABIMELECH
Your desire for power. Why?
He asked bluntly.
PAIN
Why were you looking for Solever?
I felt he was caught off guard, and a painful guilt took over his soul.
ABIMELECH
You must know the title I once carried.
He started carefully as I spotted a group of lagardientes in the distance.
ABIMELECH
And with such a prestigious title, failing to save the love of my life...
PAIN
So, you are just the same as everyone else. There is no shame in that, I believe.
ABIMELECH
What do you mean?
He asked uncertainly as I dove off my sword.
PAIN
We are all looking for the same thing.
ABIMELECH
And what might that be?
The echoing laughter of Locness rang in the back of my mind as I reoriented myself and came crashing down upon an unsuspecting lagardiente.
PAIN
Happiness.
*****
Ever since Don had told me about the death of Biggs, Wedge, and Link, we haven't spoken face to face. We relied on Cinda and Kendo to relay messages to one another, and as I could feel the tension between us, I was certain Kendo and Cinda could as well.
But no matter. Don will eventually come around and understand that I am the Chief. But as I kept preaching that to myself daily, I began to stress about my safety. With Boradashire gone and Gate occupied as General, the most trustworthy Captain left was Otis.
I did my damnedest to remain positive throughout my days, but the thought of Don speaking to Beka behind my back caused me angst. With it, my nightmares of Lich returned, and rather than Don or Beka carrying me to my death, it was always Gate.
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After jolting awake one morning, I sat drenched in sweat, trying to figure out why I was constantly having that same dream. Was I afraid of Ire? If that was the case, I went about my days believing that Eldritch would come and resolve the issue. With that in mind, Helga, who had been instigating the protest of the Adventurer's Guild, would finally be silent and go claim her land.
I vowed to keep positive during my mid-day meal and drown my doubts. Even when Krapht informed me about the death of thirty gents to Ire, I was able to shrug off the issue. Keeping an eye on the positives—the bounty of Ire has brought trade, adventurers, and foolish commoners who desired to witness the earthly spires down south. Embarrassing enough, I took a stroll one day along the southern walls just to get a look at the spire... it looked like a needle from this distance.
Occasionally, when I knew Don was out dining or meeting with Krapht or Judge Gallito, I made my way to the Hawk Tower to discuss the sale of the artifact directly with our messengers. North Star was quick with an offer, but I was keen to hear what other nations had to offer.
At the top of the tower sat a tight hexagon-shaped room that heavily resembled a tidy chicken coop used for messenger hawks. After several meetings, I finally heard a long-awaited—
MESSENGER
Yes, sire,
A messenger confirmed.
MESSENGER
A carrier hawk from North Star with a unique parcel for the Chief of Dagon City-State.
North Star? My heart skipped a beat— were they contacting me only to pressure the sale?
He led me to one of the many strings of bags and pouches nailed to the walls between the hawk cages and pulled out an item wrapped tightly in rough leather. He gently handed it to me, and I slowly unwrapped it.
Upon the first glimpse of its golden trim, its magical name was etched into my head as Scryer. I confidently ripped off the leather to bear witness to a polished handheld mirror with golden trim. The handle had four groves on it, and within the groves, I saw symbolic prints that resembled soul stamps.
MESSENGER
Ah, a Scryer.
LEON
Since I never had the chance to request one of these,
I thought out loud.
LEON
I can only assume it is for a private conversation.
I clenched my jaws, slightly disappointed— a simple letter would've worked... I looked up at the messenger, and before I could ask, he smiled knowingly.
MESSENGER
No worries, Chief, as you had wished for in the past, we will keep your visit to the towers a secret.
And with that, I departed the towers with my mind racing on how, in Jokul's name, do I use a Scryer.
As I paced back to my quarters, I repeatedly placed my fingers into the grooves, but nothing happened. I stopped just before the hall leading toward my quarters and realized, other than Don, Krapht should have a clue.
I requested a formal meeting with him in the Galley, and we met the following day. To my surprise, he was rather happy to see me when we met in the courtyard.
LEON
Why the cheery mood?
I asked, and he laughed nervously,
KRAPHT
The Ire's Bounty,
He chuckled again.
KRAPHT
That is what adventurers are calling it now. It has quite the attraction.
We entered the Great Galley and took our seats at the ends of the splendidly prepared table. My chefs stood idly against the back wall as we prepared ourselves.
KRAPHT
Helga's protest is driving me mad.
He attempted to say with a humorous tone.
KRAPHT
I just needed a break.
LEON
No complaining now,
I smiled.
LEON
It was you who mentioned not to make amends.
The food my chefs prepared was light: a tiny piece of succulent venison, small puffs of sweet bread, and a glass of wine with the bottle nearby.
KRAPHT
Quite the treat,
He pointed out before smiling like a child,
KRAPHT
What are you trying to bribe off of me?
He asked but quickly laughed it off.
LEON
A bit of your knowledge,
I divulged. Krapht laughed softly and took a sip of wine.
KRAPHT
Oh wow—this is good.
LEON
How else can I bribe you?
I began to understand Krapht these past few days. He was an overworked fellow who took everything with a dash of humor. I understood that his position came with a lack of compassion for those killed in action. After partaking in Gallito's role for only two days, I came to understand why Krapht was the way he was.
KRAPHT
What do you want to know?
He asked as he began to cut into his meal. But since I refuse to make him think I did all of this only for instructions on how to use a Scryer...
LEON
Earth Mages.
I stated.
LEON
We've seen our fair share of adventurers from the Earth Kingdom, but it seems no Earth Mages skilled enough have come through.
KRAPHT
So you want to commission a few Mages. Earth Mages typically find enough work within the Earth Kingdom that they rarely ever adventure outside. But nothing to fret about. Requesting them is simple enough.
LEON
Oh really? Okay, stop eating—we're done here.
I joked, and he giggled as if he was being tickled.
KRAPHT
But it is simple.
He breathed.
KRAPHT
Only depends on which adventurer rank you're requesting. Residing in the Earth Kingdom as of late are ranks A, B, and D.
LEON
What happened to C?
I asked quickly, but Krapht pursed his lips,
KRAPHT
That's private information.
LEON
Worth a try. So, is there any significant difference between these ranks?
KRAPHT
What do you need them to do?
He asked after taking a bite.
LEON
Our stone walls need to be completed, and we really need to get rid of those damn rabbids plaguing the old farmlands.
Krapht nodded slowly before visibly thinking about it. He took a sip of wine before uttering,
KRAPHT
A rank will be your best choice.
LEON
You sound nervous.
KRAPHT
They are a bit costly. But they are prompt, efficient, and can arrive within one to three weeks. When it comes to tunneling and dealing with tunneling creatures, they do exceptionally well... and the ground doesn't collapse in after they're done.
He chuckled softly.
KRAPHT
I will do my best to put in a good word.
He added as he gently raised his glass of wine.
LEON
Perfect, that is good to hear. Be sure to send the papers directly to me.
Krapht nodded and gulped down his glass of wine.
KRAPHT
I haven't had good wine in ages.
He exhaled.
KRAPHT
Was that all you needed to know?
He asked as I took my last bite of venison.
LEON
Any news from Eldritch?
I asked slowly, but he shook his head soberly. We then ate the rest of our food in brief silence.
KRAPHT
What a fine treat.
He stated warmly.
KRAPHT
When will be the next bribing?
He humored me.
LEON
Oh, by the way,
I started as if I had just remembered.
LEON
I was on the verge of requesting some Scryers from North Star for us. But I realized I have never used one before, have you?
He was already shaking his head with his hands up in defense.
KRAPHT
Not a clue Chief.
I frowned at him.
LEON
Guild Officers don't use Scryers?
I questioned, and he shook his head again.
KRAPHT
Guild Master Sarumonin hates being bothered. Even with only ten active guild officers as of late, he refuses to contact us with Scryers and us him. He sends Black Hawks... but he doesn't even respond to that at times.
I nodded in understanding.
LEON
I see—well—thank you for accepting this meeting, Officer Krapht.
KRAPHT
My pleasure. Looking forward to the next one.
He laughed.
Embarrassingly defeated, I parted ways with Krapht and began returning to the Great Hall.
KENDO
Chief,
She softly called out from behind me, and I faced her. She pointed back at the bust of my father, and I sighed in response.
LEON
Thanks, Kendo, but I've missed so many days it matters no more.
We jumped at the repeating high-pitched shrill of glass shattering from within my coat. I pulled out the Scryer, placed my fingers into the glowing grooves, and came face to face with an unusual bronze face of a feminine statue.
LEON
What in Jokul's name is this?
I muttered, tilting the Scryer about.
VOICE
Oh, my apologies!
A muffled voice echoed from out the Scryer. The face I had mistaken for a statue was instead a masked helmet and was taken off by a gent with bright white eyes, red pupils, and black irises. His skin pattern resembled black fingers grasping his red face from behind.
BRITAMAUS
I am Britamaus Cornelio...
He introduced himself as he tidied up his golden curly hair— dyed golden curly hair, as he was betrayed by his red roots seething at his forehead.
BRITAMAUS
...Chancellor of the North Star. By Astrea's blessing, am I speaking with the Chieftain of Dagon City?
LEON
Yes, I am Leon Griffindale, Chief of Dagon City.
BRITAMAUS
Splendid,
He sang with a dazzling smile as he was still tending to his hair.
BRITAMAUS
I hope I did not catch you at a horrible time.
LEON
Allow me time to take our discussion private.
With Kendo and my guards at my tail, we strode quickly through the Great Study and into the courtyard. I hid the Scryer from sight until I was sure we were alone.
LEON
My apologies.
I panted.
BRITAMAUS
Oh, do not apologize. Your dallying gave me time to better adjust myself. Now, I hope I do not come off as rude or inconsiderate, but have you ever worked a Scryer before Chieftain?
LEON
No, I haven't.
I confessed, slightly perplexed as to why he was still referring to me as Chieftain.
BRITAMAUS
If you have not yet done so, I would like for you to place your fingers on the stamps.
He instructed, and I obeyed. I felt a prickling stir up and down my body. The golden edges of the Scryer flared with a bright shine, and knowledge flowed into my mind. Britamaus had also placed his fingers into his Scryer, which had a name;
Scryer Stamp:
Chancellor of North Star Kingdom
Following the knowledge, a ghastly whisper echoed into my head, uttering, Name...
BRITAMAUS
Oh, how I understand your expression,
He poked at me with a wide smile.
BRITAMAUS
You must state a name now.
LEON
Chief of Dagon Village.
I stated.
BRITAMAUS
Perfect,
He sang again, his eyes momentarily distracted, and he nodded to an individual out of view. I noticed the area he was in was poorly lit but lit enough to see him.
BRITAMAUS
Now you are able to contact me whenever you wish.
Tch, Krapht words were now coming to light as I learned how easy it would be to bother someone with a Scryer.
BRITAMAUS
So, let us begin discussing the subject that matters—the artifact.
It was as if the air around me dropped several degrees as Britamaus's cheery demeanor faded.
BRITAMAUS
I believe you've received an utmost generous offer for the vile thing, have you not?
I nodded, and before I could respond, he continued,
BRITAMAUS
We must have that cursed object and delete it from the plains. What is it that you desire? More puries? Waiting for offers from other kingdoms, I dare say?
He spat out defiantly, his eyes unblinking and his mouth curved in a slight grin.
BRITAMAUS
Nothing good will come of this artifact, mark my words, Chieftain of Dagon. I know it is common... expected... a must... for the leading gents of great nations to seek power and wealth. But Astrea's blessing is the only path to true power and enlightenment. As I, Chancellor Britamaus of North Star, request to relieve this demonic relic from your possession, I also wish to extend Astrea's hands of blessing and see that one day you will gently slide your hands into it.
The sudden sound of someone screaming in pain in the distance caused him to finally blink and look off, distracted. I fixed my expression, pretending I heard nothing by the time he looked back at me.
LEON
We've long decided to accept the North Star's offer, but we have been busy dealing with domestic affairs. Furthermore, we do not have a means of transporting—
BRITAMAUS
No worries Chieftain!
He boomed with a wide grin and another sudden shift in his attitude as he glanced off into the distance once more.
BRITAMAUS
We would rightfully provide the means of transporting such a dangerous weapon. Expect to meet with Councilor Don Dipaola in approximately one month.
LEON
Perfect, I will be looking forward to meeting him—
BRITAMAUS
Better days ahead, Chieftain,
He interrupted me as he was, once again, distracted.
BRITAMAUS
May you be blessed by the Maiden.
And with that, he abruptly ended the call. I continued to stare into my reflection and forced myself to blink several times. What a strange fellow, I thought to myself and sighed into the air.
I jerked back at the sight of my hot breath visible in the chilly wind. Winter was around the bend, my city barely had any food reserves, and trade will soon slow down. But if I could make it through the winter and complete this trade, this should all become easier.
I glanced to the right and noticed a large black hawk looking down at me from where it perched, upon an arch of the stone ring that sat upon the pillars surrounding the courtyard.
LEON
Maiden's blessing...?
I uttered, and the hawk mocked me with a croak.
LEON
Lady Luck is already cursing me with a bad omen.