The climb back to the surface was quiet, with most people too exhausted to make small talk, let alone the betrayal of Tobias Godfrey. The repercussions of something so significant were beyond anything Hump could guess. It meant that the Order of Ancients was even more powerful than anyone had guessed, and that the Pantheon were even less capable of dealing with it than Hump expected. If the Lady Light did not even intervene when her most powerful Chosen turned against her, then it was no longer a question of whether they were paying attention, but what was preventing them from interfering.
In the past, Hump could overlook their inaction. It was delegation, or unimportant matters in relation to their ‘big picture’ plan. But now… something more was going on. Something that even Samuel Durain hadn’t included in the Book of Infinite Pages before passing it down to his disciples.
They trudged up the winding passages, their footsteps echoing in the silence, eventually emerging into a basement. They walked past rows of flour sacks and shelves filled with dried goods, the ordinary surroundings at odds with the power hidden below. Exiting into the upstairs, Hump found himself in a simple bakery. Hump almost laughed at the irony—the warlocks needed no grand scheme to lure in recruits, all it took was some free bread, and they would come all by themselves.
I should have guessed as much, Hump thought. He remembered Mister Borton, the baker that appeared in the memory from when he had looked into the Imp Lord’s mirror in the dungeon node, and how he used to give out day-old bread to hungry children. Could it be that it was no gift of charity but the beginnings of this?
It felt cynical to even consider it. Mister Borton had been a kindly old man, there was no way he could have been a part of this, right?
“Hump, you okay?” Celaine asked. “You just stopped.”
It was only then that Hump realised he was holding up the door. Bud and Emilia were already outside, the two looking over the city together, while Celaine and Dylan waited on the doorstep for Hump to catch up.
Hump followed them outside, only to be momentarily caught up in the feel of the cool wind on his face, and even a glimpse of the sun behind grey clouds above.
“Well?” Celaine pressed.
Turning to Celaine. “It’s nothing really. Let’s not ruin the end of what has been one incredibly long battle.”
Celaine narrowed her eyes. “Now I really want to know.”
Hump sighed but relented. “There was a baker that used to give me bread when I was a kid. Being here, it made me wonder…” Hump trailed off. He wasn’t sure why it affected him so much.
Nisha bumped into his head reassuringly, wagging her tail as she looked outside. Hump sensed her contentment, happy to be breathing fresh air again, and to see the sky, even if it was cloudy.
“Wonder if he was just another warlock recruiter?” Celaine asked quietly.
Hump nodded. “But it’s more than that. That was the one act of kindness I experienced as a child—the one act of humanity. If that was a lie…” A knot twisted in Hump’s stomach. “It makes the world seem like it might be an even darker place than I thought.”
Celaine hummed as she considered his words. “It might just be.”
“Or you’re overthinking a kind act,” Dylan said, cutting in. “My advice is not to judge such an action based on what might have been that man’s intent. He fed you while you were hungry. That is what matters. Convincing yourself otherwise without proof has no merit, and does a disservice to the man’s kind actions.”
Hump smiled at his friend. “You’re right.”
Celaine thumped a fist into her palm. “You need proof.”
Dylan frowned at her. “That isn’t exactly what I meant.”
“It’s obvious,” Celaine said, excitedly. “We need to find this bakery and know the truth. Worst case scenario, we root out another warlock stronghold and do the city a favour.”
Hump gave her a quizzical look. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you so excited about anything that doesn’t involve shooting your bow.”
“I’m excited about things,” Celaine said. She nodded to Nisha. “I was excited about Nisha.”
The little dragon walked up to her at the mention of her name, chin extended up for scratches, to which Celaine obliged with a smile.
Dylan put an arm around Hump’s shoulder, dragging him close enough for the stale tang of body odour to reach him, as the druid whispering in his ear. “She’s interested in learning more about you. Gods, she just invited you to explore the city, just the two of you. Stop ruining a good thing.”
“Do you think I can’t hear you?” Celaine asked, raising an eyebrow.
“She’s got ears like a bat, Dylan,” Hump whispered back, ignoring Celaine’s comment. “You need to be careful what you say.”
“She does always put her nose into other people’s private business, doesn’t she?”
The two of them glared at Celaine as a united front. She rolled her eyes and waved a hand. “Whatever, forget I said anything.”
“Now look what you’ve done,” Hump hissed. “She’s mad at us.”
“I’m pretty sure she’s mad at you, my friend.”
“I thought we were in this together.”
“We were—but that was before she was angry,” Dylan nodded solemnly, then released Hump and stepped back with a hand over his heart. “I will pray for you.”
Hump glared at the traitor, his eyes burning with vengeance as he slowly shook his head. He glanced at Celaine, who looked somewhere between amusement and disappointment.
“If it really means that much to you, we can have a look when we get the chance,” Hump said. “I’m not sure it will go well. Elenvine’s a big city, and I don’t remember all that much.”
Celaine shrugged. “I’m sure it will be interesting either way. I’d like to see the city.”
The three of them joined Bud and Emilia, looking down the small hill at the streets of the neighbourhood. There was no smoke rising over the city, but signs of battle were evident wherever he looked. The damage didn’t appear as bad in this area as it had been in Sheercliff City, but there were houses with collapsed walls and rooftops, signs of fire, debris scattered across cobblestone walkways, and soldiers patrolling the nearby streets. Civilians worked together to start clearing up the mess. Others were walking around with carts of food and drinks.
The area looked poor. There were piles of rubbish in the alleyways between houses. Off the main road, the smaller lanes were covered in holes and in some places were little more than dirt. People sat on their doorsteps with a handful of children around them, selling goods from the doorway, hanging laundry, or simply glaring and pointing at the emerging Chosen, no doubt wondering how the filthy, armours soldiers emerging from the bakery were.
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It was difficult to tell the time of day with the sun partially hidden, but from the activity, Hump guessed it to be somewhere around midafternoon.
“Hello everyone.”
The group turned to find Lorissa arriving with the last of the force, the woman grinning at Dylan. Light freckles were scattered across her cheeks and nose. Dylan rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her, the two sharing an embrace.
“You stink,” Lorissa said, but she didn’t let go.
“I know,” Dylan said. “But I see that as more of a problem for you than for me.”
Lorissa laughed. “That’s just lovely.”
After a few more seconds Dylan released her and took her hand.
“I came to ask what your plans are now,” Lorissa said, looking over them all.
“I wanted to ask the same thing.” Hump’s eyes went to Marcela, waving as she approached, long black hair flicking over her face from the wind. “Will you be staying in the temple district?”
Lodgings had been arranged from them by Lady Isolde. Accommodations fit for Chosen, right in the centre of the temple district. It was a luxury Hump never imagined he might receive in Elenvine, one that money alone could not buy.
“Most likely not,” Bud said. “We are going to head over to the Rike estate first. Emilia’s family are residents, and she has offered us a place to stay there.”
Marcela turned to Emilia, giving her a gentle smile. “Good luck with your family, Emilia. If there’s anything you need, do not hesitate to come to me.”
Emilia returned the smile gratefully. “Thank you, Marcela. I appreciate it. I’m sure we will catch up soon.”
“Hopefully not too soon,” Dylan said. “I am ready to pass out for long time.” He looked at Lorissa. “What about you? I’m sure you would be welcome to stay.”
She gave him a sly grin and shook her head. “A valiant effort, but no. I will be staying in the temple district with the rest of my party.”
Dylan wrinkled his nose. “We’ll catch up soon then.” He gave her a peck on the lips, and then Lorissa joined the others of her party.
“You two look good together,” Celaine said.
“She’s doing the heavy lifting,” Dylan said, seeming even more cheerful than before. Of all of them, he had suffered the most in the Infernal Halls. Elenvine might not be a forest, but even Hump could sense how much lighter the air of their own world was.
Together, they left the force and followed Emilia through the streets of Elenvine. Hump took everything in. As tired as he was, curiosity won out. There was a familiarity to the place that felt eerie. It had been so long since he had been within these streets. It was all so much smaller than he remembered. He didn’t recognise specific buildings or landmarks, but something about the place tugged at old, half-buried memories.
“It’s weird being back here,” Hump said.
“Do you recognise anything?” Celaine asked.
“Not really,” Hump said. “But I recognise the feeling.”
Dylan gave him a curious look. “What do you mean? Like, the aura of the place? Feels like any other city I’ve been to.”
Hump shook his head. “No. The design of it, maybe—the way the streets are laid out, the shape of the buildings, those steep, triangular rooftops are very Elenvine. Even the accents feel like something I should remember.” He took a breath, catching the mix of city smells—baking bread, a hint of smoke, the underlying smell of grime. “Even the smell stirs memories.”
Celaine scrunched her nose and smirked. “I’m not surprised. Hard to forget the stink of your cities.”
Hump got his first glimpse of Emilia’s home over the walls that surrounded it. The Rike household was a sprawling estate in what appeared to be one of the wealthier areas of the city. A grand manor dominated the centre of the view, flanked by finely manicured gardens and hedges. Off to one side stood a second building—a well-equipped barracks.
Emilia nodded toward the barracks as they approached. “That’s where we train our students,” she explained. “There are dormitories for any who need them.”
As Hump drew nearer, Hump noticed repair workers scattered around the manor. The walls bore darkened streaks and charred wood, signs of a recent fire. Part of the roof had been hastily patched, and broken windows were being replaced. Emilia picked up the pace as they approached the main entrance. She was clearly on edge.
When they reached the main entrance, two guards stepped out of a small post, leaving one inside. They made no effort to hide their suspicion, but it was understandable—a group of ragged adventurers, filthy from days of travel and battle, with a dragon trailing at their heels, was hardly the usual sight. The guards both carried rapiers at their hip, a buckler strapped to the other and wore only a leather vest for protection.
“What is your business here?” asked the younger guard, a hint of wariness in his voice. “The grounds are closed after the—”
The older guard’s eyes went wide. “Lady Emilia, is that truly you?”
The younger guard instantly snapped his mouth shut and looked Emilia over, suddenly realising who she was. He bowed his head, face flushing. “Forgive me, my lady. I didn’t recognise you.”
“That’s quite alright,” Emilia said. “My friends and I have just arrived. Is my father in?”
The two guards exchanged a worried glance, and Emilia’s face paled.
“What happened?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
The older guard shifted uncomfortably. “I will take you to him, my lady,” he said, gesturing her inside. “Arny, see to her companions.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Shall I come?” Bud asked Emilia.
She gave a small nod, and together, the two of them followed the older guard into the estate.
Hump turned to the younger guard, offering a weary smile. “Arny, is it? I hate to be a bother, but it’s been far too long since we’ve slept or seen a bath. If the manor’s damaged, we’d be fine with lodging elsewhere.”
Arny shook his head quickly. “There’s plenty of space, sir. A friend of Lady Emilia’s is a friend of ours. This way, please. We’ll prepare everything you need. We may have taken some damage, but we are not defeated. You’ll have a place to stay.” He eyed Nishari. “Does your, erm… dragon require a stable?”
Hump glanced at Nisha who tilted her head. “Fancy a stable?” He imagined a horse in a stable and sent her an image.
She stamped the ground and huffed; smoke erupted from her nose.
Hump hissed in a breath. “I think she wants to stay with us.”
The guard’s eyes were wide. “Of course, sir,” he said, fear tinging his voice. “My apologies. Right this way.”
“That was mean,” Celaine whispered.
Hump’s face reddened, feeling suddenly ashamed at picking on the younger guard. “I couldn’t help myself.”
He led them to a guest house tucked into a quiet corner of the estate grounds. The structure was an elegant, cosy cottage with rooms for all of them. Hump had graciously asked the servants to draw a bath for Celaine first, but it was not long before his was prepared too. Not wanting to wait for them to heat it he placed a hand into the waters and called upon his fire. As the water reached a comfortable heat, he grinned—that was worth a little more essence overuse.
“You see Nisha,” Hump said as he sank into the steaming waters, “there are few things better than a hot bath after returning after an adventure.” He let out a satisfied sigh, exhaustion washing away, dirt and grime quickly clouding the water and turning it to a colour Hump didn’t want to think about.
Nisha padded up to the edge of the tub, her eyes fixed on the water, head tilted with interest.
Hump chuckled at her. “We’ll need to see if the Rike’s have a tub that can fit you. I’ve heard that some nobles have tubs big enough to swim in. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Nisha took a step closer, sniffing at the water, her nose twitching. Hump sensed her eagerness. Play. Want.
“Uh-oh,” Hump muttered, realising too late what was coming “Nisha, no. This is not your tub.”
Ignoring him, Nisha placed her paws on the edge, her eyes fixed on the water as she leaned in. “Nishari!” he shouted, but she was already climbing. She moved carefully to avoid scratching him with her claws, but not careful enough to avoid flopping straight on top of him. Water surged over the tub’s edge in a wave, drenching the floor.
Hump groaned under what must have been twice his weight, his sore muscles and aching bones crushed as she settled atop him, limbs and tail splayed out over the edge of the bath, her scales warm and slick from water. A deep, content rumble trembled through her like a giant cat purring.
As Hump lay there, questioning every decision leading to that moment, he thanked his dragon blooded strength for saving him from what would have been a very embarrassing death.
***
Celaine stepped out of bathroom feeling rejuvenated. The servants had drawn her bath first, much to Hump’s dismay, and she’d relished every moment of it. The mud-headed fool had it right—baths really were unmatched after far too many exhausting days. Emilia played in her mind, but she tried not to worry. All she could do was wait, and besides, Bud was with her.
She wasn’t one for luxury, but being surrounded by the fineries of the guesthouse brought a little joy to her. Even the towels were soft and plush enough that she’d happily take one as a blanket. She dried her hair leisurely, humming to herself as she caught her reflection in the mirror. The scar beneath her eye caught her attention, a faint line running across her cheek from where Karlac had pummelled her. While getting the scar had been unpleasant, Celaine thought it made her look a bit rakish. She decided she rather liked it.
Her reverie was interrupted by a loud splash from the other room, followed by Hump’s frantic shouting. She could clearly make out his voice. “Nisha! No!” There was a pause, then a great scream. “Nishari!”
A smile spread across her face. She picked up a fine hairbrush left by the servants, admiring the polished bone it was made from, before running it though her damp hair. The peace might not last long, but she would enjoy it while she had it.