The scouting team reported back after a few hours of eerie silence. The path from the tunnel’s entrance, to the walled city was completely clear of monsters. Zan’kir had gone along with them to ensure the friendly nature of the rock-folk along the way. They had found the stony people tending crops of rock-like mushrooms near the city’s exterior and were welcomed with open arms. Igor was true to his word, and welcomed Khahari, Dronon, and their friends with hearty greetings and bone-crushing hugs.

Theo had time to consider this underground place. His senses told him they were far deeper than they should have been. He suspected a planar pivot between the place above ground and this underground world. It wasn’t as stark of a difference as the realms, but he could feel it. Someone held domain over this place, and he couldn’t determine who that was.

Ziz and his boys worked with Throk to construct Drogramathi Iron gates at the tunnel’s entrance. Before the group left for the city, Theo warded them and assigned several combat golems near the passage. But all their caution was unnecessary. This wasn’t the world he expected to find here, but he was happy to have found it. The alchemist found himself in a meeting with Alran Cherman near the newly constructed gate.

“Did someone ask for spies?” he asked, rubbing his hands together. “This is a great honor, archduke. I really must say that a few more times.”

“How does your spying power work?” Theo asked. “Do you need a willing participant?”

“While I have willing spies throughout the world, they don’t need to agree with me. Don’t worry about it.”

Alran was all too eager to brave the darkness of the underground world. Theo shrugged it off, happy to get more information about the strange people by whatever means necessary.

“Oh, you guys are going to love the mushrooms we grow down here,” Igor said as the group departed. “You’re an alchemist, right?”

“I am,” Theo said.

Igor rattled off the mushrooms they had cultivated. Theo was happy to look around, eyes lingering on all the strange flora and fauna. Plants and animals had adapted to the underground conditions. There must have been monsters that lived here, but the only things he saw were small, insect-like creatures. Nothing threatened them on their way to the city. As the walls came into closer view, the alchemist realized just how large they were.

The walls of the rock-people city were at least twice as tall as Broken Tusk. They bristled with artifice tower weapons, putting off faint fields of magical energy that stung Theo’s nerves. The gates swung open as the group approached, revealing a bustling city within. That’s when Theo realized it wasn’t just rock-folk within the town. Eyes seated in fleshy heads turned their way as they passed through the streets. The alchemist spotted analogs of the surface races down here, all with lighter tones to their skin, often bordering on stark white.

“Welcome to Oz,” Tresk said with a chuckle. “How freaking weird is this?”

“All under our noses.” Theo’s mind spun out of control as they walked through the city. The place was massive, marked by towering structures made of stone. People ran around the streets, bathed in magical lights that hung in mid-air. He recognized the importance of an alliance with these people, especially when they crossed into a bazaar. Vendors shouted in strange languages, selling their wares for the day. All under the ominous presence of a town-sized slumbering dragon.

The city was designed as a large square. The landscape rose the closer they got to the center. In the middle of the city was a massive platform made of decorated stone. Igor performed several warding gestures as he approached the massive form of the dragon. Everyone stared up at it, in awe of the scale. Broken Tusk would have trouble housing the creature. Even considering the expanded districts.

“Pogosophoro, binder of kin!” Igor shouted. He turned to Theo, his rocky face shifting to something of a smile. “We call her Pogo.”

The dragon stirred slightly, giving the alchemist a better view. The scales on the creature’s skin were larger than he was tall. She was the color of brushed bronze, glittering where the light hit her scales. Four-legged with a set of massive wings, she struck an imposing image. When her head turned slightly, the group was washed with a torrent of hot air issuing from her nostrils.

Pogo didn’t open her eyes, but she spoke. The voice came from everywhere at once, almost as though she were speaking into their minds.

“You have brought them,” she said. “Finally.”

It was difficult to understand the enormity of the dragon. Theo searched Tresk’s feelings, finding a similar awe. Around him, his people stood with mouths agape, desperate to wrap their heads around Pogo. From afar, she looked more like a massive bronze statue. Those rock-people and under-versions of the surface races lingered near the massive dais. The alchemist got the impression that they respected the dragon, but did not treat her as a god.

Tresk nudged him in the ribs and whispered, “say something while I study her. I’m gonna have a perfect recreation for the Dreamwalk.”

“This is unexpected,” Theo said, trying to hype himself up. “We were led here through strange circumstances, and I’m afraid I don’t have the words.”

The massive dragon snorted something like a laugh. She didn’t raise her head, but her amber eyes searched through the crowd. “I put it plainly, then. In the Third Era, I made a deal with a Khahari. One who refused to ascend. I was to guard this cavern. In exchange, he didn’t exterminate me.”

“Sounds like a crappy deal,” Tresk muttered.

“There are worse fates,” Pogo said. “I welcome you to the Nameless City. The rock-folk were never ones for naming things, so they never bothered.”

If Khahar put the dragon here, there was a reason. Theo couldn’t wrap his mind around why he would put a dragon in an underground cavern, but Yuri was never one to explain his actions. Well, why not ask the source?

“Do you know what Khahar’s intentions were?” Theo asked.

“These caverns stretch throughout the world. He was worried you would come under attack from the unsavory races that call this place home. None have passed my protection. All have died.”

“Oh, sweet. Another shield,” Tresk said, clapping her hands.

“So, uh… wanna join a nation?”

“No. But I’m happy to forge trade deals with your people. So long as you keep your spy from weaving his fetid magic.” Pogo’s eyes shifted, locking onto Alran.

“Right. No spying, Alran,” Theo said, pointing a finger. The man’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he moved to the back of the group. “I’m sure we have much to offer your people.”

“Indeed. Your entourage is free to roam the city while we work out the details. Off with you, little ones.”

Those that had accompanied Theo to the underground world were sent off to explore the Nameless City. It really needed a name, but none of the rock people seemed eager to give it one. The alchemist stayed with the dragon, pulling a chair out of the Tara’hek inventory and having a seat. Pogo was interested in a few things that Broken Tusk had on offer. Especially the Drogramathi Iron. Everyone loved that stuff. The underground world had a bounty of reagents to offer, as well as a rare metal that wasn’t available in surface mines.

Pogo claimed that Tworgnothi Copper was the best for making artifices, and Theo believed her. Several hours later, they had both signed a balanced trade deal. That left the alchemist free to explore the city on his own. It was a sprawling thing, housed in a massive cavern. The ceiling glittered with glowing fungus, while the lamps on the street cast eerie lights. He met with Fenian, Tresk, and Alex in a local tavern.

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“Well, that was unexpected,” Fenian said, gesturing for Theo to take a seat.

The chairs were horribly uncomfortable. Theo lowered himself into the stone chair and grimaced. It seemed everything was made of stone around here. The patrons of the tavern were a hodgepodge of races. While the rock-folk were the dominant race, there were those surface analogs. Elves with impossibly white skin. Dwarves with the complexion of knapped onyx. There were even lizard-folk that glowed in the darkness. But each of them had a hard edge to them, as though living down here was a daily trial.

“The good news is they accept surface money,” Tresk said, gesturing to the pale white Elf woman serving them beer. The Marshling tossed her a gold coin. “Thanks, lady.”

The Elf bowed, then walked away. Theo tipped a [Potion of Limited Foresight] into his mouth before tasting the beer. It wasn’t great. But it wasn’t horrible, either. It was a standard, unsweetened ale that was a bit too hoppy for him. Still, it was wet and he was thirsty. The eyes of the patrons within the tavern never strayed from the group for long. But it was unsurprising that all attention was on them. The one man within the place that kept the alchemist’s attention was an Elf wearing a black mask with a single hole for his right eye.

“I don’t know what I expected to find here,” Theo said, sipping his drink. “But it wasn’t this.”

“Right?” Fenian asked, chuckling. “Khahar should have told me about this. No idea why it was kept from me like some big secret.”

“You got a bad feeling about it?” Tresk asked.

“No! That’s the strange part,” Fenian said. “My cores are singing this place’s praises. Both Uz’Xulven and Parantheir have whispered to me. They like it.”

Theo felt nothing from Drogramath. As always. The Dronon god seemed uninterested in the place, but that might have been a feint. He always liked to pretend to be uninterested, no matter what. There were things down here that would interest any alchemist, though. A new range of reagents to test. Not that there was much time for that. The alchemist had to wrap his mind around Fenian’s plan first.

“How long will it take you to trap Karasan in Balkor’s dead realm?” Theo asked.

“I’m not sure. It should have worked last time, but the gates were closed.”

“Why would the gates be open?” Tresk asked. She drained the last of her beer. “What changed?”

“My patrons told me as much.”

That was questionable, but Theo didn’t know how to question it. He didn’t have a sense for how the realms in the high heavens were doing. He had certainly never pressed himself up against a dead realm. But he was aware of the gate-like quality that realms had. Benton used one to get into Tero’gal.

“Maybe we should go to Tero’gal. Poke around to see,” Theo said.

“You’re the experts. I don’t care how you get me there,” Fenian shrugged.

Theo turned to Tresk, asking her opinion without opening his mouth.

“Yeah. I think I can take an inventory of dead realms. Poke around a bit.”

“Just don’t enter Balkor’s realm,” Fenian warned. “Karasan will know someone is there, and he’ll act too soon. We don’t want him dropping a city on Broken Tusk. Not yet.”

Theo narrowed his eyes for a moment, then shook his head. “I need to bring a letter to Belgar, anyway. Check on the spirits. You know how it is. God stuff.”

“Strictly speaking…” Fenian started.

“We know we’re not gods,” Tresk interrupted. “Jeeze, why are you so literal lately?”

“I’m on edge.”

Theo checked on his people before diving into Tero’gal. It was surprising to see that everything was going well. Things normally went wrong right about now. The only explanation was that things would go wrong soon enough. Their bad luck would accumulate, then burst forth in spectacular fashion. The alchemist planned on stopping by the Bridge to see if Uz’Xulven had any advice. As long as she thought it would work, they were in the clear.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Theo, Tresk, and Alex fell through reality, slipping into the place between places. As they passed over the Bridge of Shadows, the alchemist steered them to the dark expanse. They landed without issue, and it seemed as calm as ever. He had to shout a few times to get the master of the house’s attention. Shadows coiled around them, then the form of Uz’Xulven appeared. Hands on her hips, she tutted.

“No confidence in my champion? What a shame,” she said.

“Hey, Uz!” Tresk said, waving. Alex honked.

“Hello,” Uz’Xulven said, waving awkwardly. “Balkor’s realm is open again. My champion’s efforts were successful.”

“What happens after that?” Theo asked.

“What does he always say? Spoilers! No. Just kidding. I’m not certain, but there’s a chain of ownership for the Throne of the Herald. Karasan owns it, but does not sit on it. So, that’s causing some problems.”

“Wow, what a selfish jerk.” Tresk shook her head in disapproval.

“Right?” Uz’Xulven said. She shook her head, hiding whatever amusement played on her shadowy face. “Anyway, your plan should work. Now leave me alone.”

Theo and Tresk shared a look. The alchemist sent them along their way, deciding not to annoy the god any longer. They landed in the Tero’gal’s town and were met with excited cheers from the still-forming spirits. The alchemist found Belgar and handed over his note. As expected, Benton’s icy archway sprung up and the bear god stepped out.

“Tea?” he asked.

It was strange to see more than one building in Tero’gal at first. But Theo was warming up to the idea of the spirits constructing a town. They had expanded it even if no new spirits had arrived. Benton brought a new blend of tea today, something that was less sweet than what he normally liked. It was a mature taste. A flavor that the alchemist didn’t altogether enjoy. But the confections made up for that. Fried donut-like things and spongy cakes spread across the table. Tresk went wild with the powdered sugar he brought, covering everything she ate in a thick layer.

Benton came with news of his realm. They were inspired by the spirits within Tero’gal and had entered a boom of construction. The desolate landscape often made it so that the spirits there wanted to snuggle up, preserving their warmth. But with more buildings, the bear god was confident they could live a more enjoyable life. Theo had little advice for that. The spirits in his realm just did as they pleased. He never asked them to build a little town. He certainly didn’t ask for them to engage in artistic endeavors. Even if the sculptures they were creating were getting more realistic.

One thing that made Theo excited was the disposition of the souls in his realm. They didn’t treat him like a god. After finishing the tea, they toured the expanded town. People waved as they went past, but offered nothing more than a hearty greeting. There was no groveling, praying, or anything weird like that. They were just people living their lives. It was a reflection of Broken Tusk itself. Like a mirror image, rendered with vast artistic license. Until Tero’gal was exposed to the wider heavens, they were protected from attack. That’s what Benton said, anyway.

Alex wanted to stay back in the town to play in the spring while Theo and Tresk wandered off. They hiked through Tero’gal, finding places they hadn’t seen before. The entire time, they probed the edges of the heavens with their senses. It wasn’t an exact skill they were using. Like the ability to sense someone back on the mortal plane, it was more of a feeling. The Marshling was far better at it than him. It took several hours, but she had a decent sense for which realm was Balkor’s.

The duo had found their way to a rise right outside of town. It provided an excellent view of the place. Rolling hills below them, and a stiff breeze blown from a mountain range provided a pleasant environment.

“There are hundreds of thousands of dead realms,” Tresk said. “Yeah, I can feel it. Some are shuttered. Like, there’s no way anyone could ever get there. But a few are open. And one stinks.”

“Stinks like what?” Theo asked, plucking a blade of grass from the ground. He tried to clasp it between his thumbs and whistle, but it didn’t work.

“Like death.”

“Yeah, that’s our realm. Remember that one. How far is it?”

“Distance is relative. That’s the strange thing, though. I feel as though I have some authority over Balkor’s dead realm.”

That made little sense. From what Theo understood, authority over realms came from two things. The first one was absolute authority, which they both had over Tero’gal. Then there was self-authority, which represented itself when they were visiting another realm. Absolute authority gave them permission to do whatever they wanted, while self-authority made it so no one could hold them in a realm they didn’t want to be in. He dismissed the matter, assuming the authority she felt was just her actualized will in the other realm.

“We’ll toss him across the void tomorrow,” Theo said.

“Yeah. I can’t feel him on the mortal plane when he’s too close to that dragon.”

“Let’s leave Alex with him tomorrow. That way, we have something to focus on as we interdict him.”

A calm silence set in on the hillside. The Tara’hek fell into thought as one. Worries bled together, mingling with excitement. Things were getting interesting in the heavenly realms, and their progress on the mortal plane was going well. Despite the army of undead beating down their door to the north, they were doing good.

“Did you hear about Sledge’s eggs?” Tresk asked.

Theo was aware that Sledge wanted to have kids, but didn’t know she would actually go through with it. “Really? We need to make sure that Bob has enough resources to handle more crazy Marshling kids.”

“Yeah. Good luck, you little Brogling.”