Leonidas walked down the stairway into the bathing room and saw Jeanne resting in the pool. The water line stopping just under her nose. He chuckled as he walked over the pool. “Feeling better?” he asked her, sitting on the edge of the bath.

She nodded slowly. Moving enough of her head up for her mouth to speak freely. “This is a nice start,” she said, complete in relaxation, slowly ducking back down.

“And I guess a nice dram of mead would be out of the question?”

“Is it the good mead?”

“Very good.”

“Oh, you are going to spoil me rotten, Doc.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Only if you stop,” she said with a big smile.

“I have some stew being made for whenever you’re ready.”

“Hmm,” she said with a wide smile, still underneath the water.

“You’re not leaving there anytime soon, are you?”

“How long would you stay in here if you were covered in blood and guts from a … whatever that was?”

“It was a Bukavac,” Leonidas said calmly.

“Sure. Whatever.”

Leonidas chuckled, rising to his feet. “I went ahead and put a set of clean clothes in your bin when you’re ready to come out.”

“Thank you,” she said, resting back into the warm pool’s waters.

Leonidas moved up the steps and back into the kitchen to check on the stew. Grabbing a wooden stirrer, he slowly moved the contents around, taking a sip from a small sample of the broth, and tapped the stick on the edge of the pot before putting it back on a nearby counter. He sat down at the table, with maps, notes, scrolls rolled and unrolled spread out over most of the surface.

Taking a map and comparing notes from a nearby scroll, he rubbed his forehead. He jerked his head to the side when he saw Jeanne sitting next to him at the table. Wearing a shirt, her pants, her ruffled damp hair rested over a small towel wrapped behind her neck. “What is it?”

“I didn’t hear you go up the steps.”

“Huh,” she said, surprised, “I wasn’t trying that time.”

“Wait, is this something you do regularly?”

“I mean, how often are we sneaking around before we stab someone prolifically?”

Leonidas turned away, considering the thought. “That does make sense. Be counter-productive if you’re trying to sneak and just make as much noise as possible.”

“I’ve run across those types,” Jeanne said, shaking her head.

“They seem to breed like rabbits.”

“Only not as cute.”

“Or as good company.”

Jeanne looked over the paperwork on the table, grabbing one of the rolled-out parchments.

“Don’t read that,” Leonidas said to her.

“Why?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know.”

She chuckled. “Asshole.”

“Well, I learn from the best.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, good sir.”

“Can’t hurt to try,” Leonidas placed the parchment on the table, “You want something to eat?”

“Please,” she insisted, “and something to drink would be nice.”

“Mead, ale, or wine?”

“Oh, that’s the question of the hour,” Jeanne replied rubbing her chin.

“I tend to go with mead when it’s been a day,” Leonidas said as he grabbed a couple of bowls from a cupboard.

“That sounds good to me,” she said, as she rose from her seat to grab some flagons.

Leonidas placed two steaming bowls of stew on the table as Jeanne returned with a bottle of mead and flagons in hand. Leonidas began stirring his meal as Jeanne took a spoonful of stew and after putting it into her mouth. She starts blowing on her tongue rapidly with water beading in her eyes.

“Did … did you not blow on it?” Leonidas asked, laughing in surprise.

“Shut up!” she said, struggling to swallow her food.

“It just came out of the pot, Jeanne. It’s hot!”

“Shut up!”

“Your what, you’ll set your tongue on fire?”

“I will turn you into a newt.”

“You don’t even know a metamorphosis spell.”

“You want to bet?”

“What spells did you find there?”

“Oh, some real fun ones so far.”

“Just … just blow up my house, please,” Leonidas said. “I like this place, and I prefer not have to move after a couple of months.”

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah, that was during a whole war thing between two eleven factions.”

“What were they fighting about?”

“Land, power, whose cock was bigger. You know, the usual,” Leonidas said with a spoonful of stew.

“Glad things never changed,” said Jeanne, taking a sip of her mead.

“Well a wise man once said ‘it is easier to maintain a society you are used to, merely from its ancient nature, than to form one new and be a stranger to all.’

“And here I thought they would use the chance to actually start again.”

“Certainly, was never a dull moment over there.”

“So, what are you trying to do with all this?” Jeanne asked, making a circular motion with her finger over the papers, maps and scrolls.

“After our last little excursion, I thought it would be a good idea to start seeing what other places our fun opponents might have to work in.”

“I take it simply just following a trail is not an option?”

“Well,” said Leonidas as he moved his bowl and flagon and grabbed a map to pull it before them. Jeanne moved her bowl to make more room for him as he stood over the chart with several markings on all over. “So, something about leylines that people don’t know is not can the lines alter, but you don’t have to be on it precisely in order to tap into the powers flowing through it.”

“Like a side road.”

“Exactly. And sometimes a small road can change into larger one if a previous anchor for a leyline is no longer used.”

“And how many of the previous places were used as anchors?”

“Five, from the records gathered.”

“And we can possibly rule the one at Stonehammer out now.”

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Jeanne jerked her head back at the comment.

“What?” Leonidas asked her.

“Not that we left the place in a wonderful state, but what would keep them from using the anchor?”

“That’s a fair question,” Leonidas admitted. “Of course, there is the chance they’d go back to doing what they were before we paid them a visit. Most cults are naturally highly superstitious and exceedingly cautious, and if one meeting place is compromised for whatever reason, they tend to abandon them entirely, usually for years, before they feel safe enough to come back.”

“Hmm,” Jeanne hummed, “Would explain a few things.”

“Like what?”

“Just when Cid, Kel and I were back with Cold Company we’d occasionally find cult gathering places where they’d left everything behind. Books, tools, bones, symbols, the works.”

“Exactly. Most group will immediately vacate the premise and leave behind whatever is there.”

“Wouldn’t that mean valuable artifacts could be taken by others?”

“Absolutely. Though for many it’s like reading a whole other language. You and I could comprehend what they’re saying and the meanings behind the words. But most random people on the street would be utterly confused.”

“Well at least they were showing some concern for keeping secrets secret.”

“Better than some people you’ll find in government.”

Jeanne rolled her eyes. “Gods, please don’t remind me. So what are our other options?”

“We have the outposts of Cullenwald, Stross, and Wallach, and then there’s the other Fortress of Adamant.”

“Hmm,” Jeanne hummed.

“What?”

“Oh, nothing it’s related to what we’re talking about.”

“Well, now you have to tell me, Jeanne. I’m curious.”

“It’s just … where to they name these places?”

Leonidas cocked an eyebrow up. “I know the outposts were named after people of note. For the other places, I have no clue. Probably something to bring about ethics or some trait they wanted to amplify.”

“Anyways, which place do you think they’re hunkering down in?”

“My money is on Fortress Adamant. It’s most defensible, and the leylines have changed the least. And Callanband was known to use the place to take care of his enemies quickly, and violently.”

“Meaning the line’s been used since it was charted.”

“Exactly. The other three haven’t been marked on a map since Allianna first retook the city. So if it’s Adamant’s path has stayed the same up the most recent charting …”

“… Then someone’s had to be using it,” Jeanne finished.

“I guess that means we’re going on another outing, aren’t we?” she said, biting her lower with as she grimaced.

“Oh perk up, buttercup! There might be another monster for you to blow up.”

“Leonidas, I can’t do that every time we’re in a fight.”

“Well, not with that attitude.”

“Oh … so that’s it feels like to receive that.”

***

Leonidas, Jeanne, Kveldulf and Maeryn arrived to the last of the three outposts, Stross. Grey cloud loomed over head. The trees had a twisted and gaunt appearance. The wind was soft and chilling. A thick fog covered the landscape, causing the four to move slowly.

“I’m starting to wish we had taken this one first,” said Kveldulf.

“Agreed,” said Maeryn, who wrinkled her nose and covered her mouth as she began coughing before tying a kerchief over both.

“Are you all right?” Jeanne asked.

“Just a foul scent in the air,” Maeryn replied. “I should be fine.”

“Well let’s hope this is a short visit,” said Leonidas. “This place is unwelcoming to say the least.”

“I think I see something,” Jeanne said, as she pointed to a wooden palisade.

“That should be it,” said Leonidas.

“About damn time,” said Kveldulf.

Reaching the wooden palisades, the abatis were well rotted. Leonidas barely pressed his fingertips against the grain before a full chunk of wood collapsed and shattered on the ground. Insects resting inside scattered, only moving a few inches before their bodies began splitting apart and contorting violently.

“That’s not good,” said Leonidas weakly.

“Should we be expecting something?” Kveldulf asked.

“I could not tell you,” Leonidas replied, unsheathing his sword, “But I’m not taking chances.”

Moving into outpost Stross, they found the ground scorched black. The horses stepping not on earth, but compressed ash and soot. Bodies littered the inner field of the outpost. Many piled up to the height of the wall. Others resting against the once dirt, their posture warped terribly. Bones snapped, spines twisted and separated, flesh and skin long desiccated and now at one with the skeletal remains.

“The fuck happened here,” Kveldulf asked.

Leonidas was silently. He mouth was slightly open and beginning to breath heavy. Jeanne gently touched his shoulder, calling out his name. He snapped out of his stupor. “Sorry, this was more than I expected.”

“Have you ever seen this before,” Maeryn asked.

“A long time ago,” he replied. “And I hoped it was the last time.”

“I’m gonna take a gander and say this isn’t the place for story time,” said Kveldulf.

“I would agree with you completely,” said Leonidas, who dismounted his horse, removed on glove and as he knelt down and glided his fingers over the ground’s surface. He examined the dirt. Fine powder, light enough for a whisp of the wind to carry it off into the sky. Sniffing the remaining residue, his eyes grew as he turned back to the others.

He reached into his satchel, removed a violet and a blue orb. He quickly created discs and held them together and viewed the area around them. The readings were a cavalcade of colors, letters and numbers. Markings coming to life, feasting on others, writhing and dissipating in mere moments. Turning the discs to the middle of the outpost building, he saw a pair of eyes looking back at him with an almost circular smile.

He ended the discs and threw the rocks back into the satchel, closing it up tightly.

“Doc,” said Maeryn, “You’re getting me worried.”

“Someone performed a demonic ritual here,” he said dimly.

“What?” Jeanne asked, dismounting her horse.

“Someone made contact with a demon here. This … this explains so much. The creatures, the energy readings. This explains why none of the main magical elements were being picked up.”

“Wouldn’t this be picked up on the discs eventually as well?” Maeryn asked.

Leonidas shook his head. “Unless it leaves a physical mark, then no. Demonic energies dissolve rather quickly, since it’s from a whole other plane entirely. So, for it to linger you need a permanently opened portal to the other side. Plus, this could explain how people who should’ve been dead for centuries are still around.”

“I thought magic naturally extended people’s lives,” said Maeryn, “And Belthory and Callanband were both well known to dabble in that.”

“It can only go so far,” said Jeanne. “Mostly it slows the process down. Sort like giving muscles, bones and nerves the chance to regain energy that wouldn’t be there otherwise.”

“How does demonic magic differ the results then?” Kveldulf asked.

“It stops the process entirely,” said Leonidas. “But it also begins to alter your physiology in the process. You’re introducing an element from one plane of existence and meshing it together with another. There’s no way you can do that without having some form of a reaction.”

“That would explain Belthory’s lovely complexion,” said Kveldulf.

“I thought it was because she bathed in the blood of other people,” said Maeryn.

“No,” said Jeanne, “That was because she was a sick bitch. But it wouldn’t change her body. It would be combining fire and flesh. They can exist together, but it greatly changes both by the end of the process.”

“But now we know the magic used for the murmeks,” Leonidas replied.

“You’re certain it was that, Doc?” Maeryn asked.

“Almost without a doubt.”

“Almost?” Kveldulf asked.

“An academic always leaves room for new facts and data to alter conclusions when needed,” Leonidas replied. “But to get a better idea as to what the hell happened here, we’re going to have to go inside the main building.”

“Is it too late to leave?” Kveldulf asked.

“If it’s too late for me, it’s more than that for you,” said Maeryn.

“I’d get weapons out, just in case,” said Leonidas. “You never what demons are lurking in the shadows.”

Jeanne and Kveldulf entered the building first, with Leonidas and Maeryn following shortly behind. There was hardly any light coming into the compound. The windows were boarded shut and only slim beams of the sun could breach inside. The floors creaked as they stepped, and puffs of smoke floated around aimlessly. Most of the furniture inside was turned over, many with their legs and other parts broken off.

There was a humming sound from upstairs. This was coupled with a gurgling noise occasionally joining the symphony. The scent of sulfuric brimstone and rotted flesh created a putrid scent, causing everyone to wrap their noses with fabric.

“This is just filling me with comfort and delight,” said Jeanne.

“I can barely take the smell,” Maeryn said, her eyes watering up.

“That’s sulfur,” said Leonidas. “One of the big tell-tale signs something wicked is going on.”

“I guess it was too much to ask for them to smell something more appealing,” Maeryn said.

“Holy men say it’s a result of their unholy nature,” said Leonidas.

“Do you believe that?” Kveldulf asked.

“Couldn’t tell you,” Leonidas replied, “I made it a point to avoid talking to them.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah,” Leonidas replied strongly, “Half of what they say filled with loopholes to make your existence miserable, and the other half is just complete lies.”

“Good to know,” Kveldulf replied.

“But I thought you said you lived with a djinn?” Jeanne followed.

“First, I didn’t live with him; he was the village leader. And second, he claimed he was a djinn. Though I have my doubts.”

“You sound a little defensive, Doc,” said Jeanne.

“That man was weird, and not in the good way.”

“Should we ask?”

“Let’s just say he desperately needed to touch some grass. For a few weeks, minimum.”

“You certainly ran across a few interesting characters, Doc,” said Maeryn.

“Some were interesting,” he said to Maeryn. “A few were just … odd.”

“I’ll take your word for it, then.”

A loud thump, coming from the upper floor, caused them to look up. “Oh gods,” said Leonidas.

“I’m not even asking at this point,” said Jeanne.

The humming grew as the gurgling took on a different quality. It was no longer random, it was regular, methodic even.

Jeanne to get the others’ attention. What the hell is up there?

Leonidas and Maeryn turned their ears up and listened carefully.

It sounds like a giant fly, Maeryn gestured.

Yeah, Leonidas gestured, his face souring, that’s what I was thinking.

Maeryn took point moving up the stairs. Kveldulf behind her with Jeanne and Leonidas covering the back. Entering the second level there was more broken furniture and several rotted limbs of humans laying through the room. The severed body parts had a thick liquid on them, dissolving the flesh.

“Ah shit,” Leonidas said as a monstrous creature dropped from the rafters and onto the wooden floor.

It had six sets of wings, fluttering quickly to make the humming noise they heard earlier. The wings were connected to a torso covered in animated pustules expanding and contracting as the creature breathed. It had two sets of legs with claws cutting through its feet, its blood oozing from the wounds and light green liquid covering the rim of the talons. Its thin elongated arms carried flat blades, with holes and cracks throughout.

On the creature’s head was a singular protrusion of with four tentacles dripping liquid continuously. And there were not two, or even a dozen eyes, but hundred, wrapping around the spherical parts of its head. Without hesitation, Maeryn sent two arrows into the creature’s eyes. As they struck it screamed and writhed in pain.

“Can’t see us now,” she said.

“It has hundreds of eyes, Maeryn,” Leonidas replied.

Maeryn, stunned turned to Kveldulf. “Kill it, kill it, kill it!” she repeated frantically as he raced over and with his halberd raise on high smote the foe squarely deep into its cranium. It fell deathly still. Only twitching slightly as it laid there.

Kveldulf removed the blade and walked back to the others. “Doc … what is that?”

“It’s a Beelik,” Leonidas replied.

“It wasn’t terribly hard,” said Jeanne.

“They usually aren’t,” said Leonidas. “For the most part, they’re about the same as a vulture or hyena. They wait for the bigger predators to have their fill and then move into the feed off of the leavings.”

“Do they normally cross over into here?” Kveldulf asked.

“Not often, usually there’s more going on here than to their liking. Meaning something was going on here for a while before the gate was closed.”

“That is not making me feel better,” said Kveldulf.

As he spoke, the Beelkin made a gurgling noise, raising back to its feet. It lunged towards Kveldulf, the force of an arrow into its heart changing its trajectory as it struck the wall and was unmoving. Everyone turned to Maeryn, who had a shocked face as the rest. “Can we please leave?” she asked bluntly.