Azrug was a man who took his job seriously. While he was absent from the Newt and Demon, he’d been working on a project. Theo felt pride flash through his chest when he saw the Karatan-drawn carriages, 2 in all. These creatures were unlike those being milked at Miana’s ranch. They were thinner and more muscular. Even their insect-like faces seemed sharper, meant for distance hauling and speed rather than milk or meat production. The carts they drew were open-topped, their wheels spiked with treads. It was hard to miss the glowing purple scribbles running along the side of the carts. They’d been enchanted.

While the arrangements were made suddenly, Theo hardly minded. His inventory was loaded with copper, [Drogramathi Iron Containment Cores], and various potions and constructs. He had already dismissed every golem besides his 3 [Lesser Stone Golems], and a single [Lesser Plant Golem]. When they were deactivated, they melted into puddles before their containment cores exploded into purple fire. The alchemist went to check with Miana for the fourth time before departing Broken Tusk for the first time.

“Take care of her,” Theo said, feeling the pain of leaving a member behind. A mantra played through his mind. This was the best thing for her. The safest option.

“I think they’ll sort out her safety,” Miana said, pointing at the 5 [Lesser Copper Golems] prowling around the ranch. “Or them.”

Theo placed a contract in the morning, spending several gold to wrangle everyone who wasn’t on guard duty. Zarali and Xol’sa offered their services to defend the gosling, but were redirected to be the town’s commanders for the day. The ranch’s position near the eastern wall afforded it more defenses than most places in town, decreasing the chances that the little goose would be attacked. None of this put the alchemist’s mind at ease. Unless Alex was with him, he wouldn’t consider her safe. Even if she’d be safer here.

“I’ll ensure her safety,” Khahar said, appearing behind Theo to offer his comforting warmth.

“That’ll do it,” Theo said, turning around to grin at his old friend.

Khahar merely shrugged.

“Alright, folks!” Azrug shouted, clapping his hands. “My Karatan can’t jump through dimensions, so we gotta get moving.”

Tresk accompanied Theo to the rearmost carriage. They climbed inside and cast puzzled looks at the series of leather straps littering the benches. Azrug took charge in the lead cart, providing a demonstration on how things would work.

“One strap isn’t enough,” Azrug said, holding up a single strap. “Two isn’t, either. You need to use all three straps. Over each shoulder, and around your belly. If you’re not strapped in when I give the word, you’re gonna tumble out the back.”

Theo felt a sudden need to master the straps. He got the shoulder ones on without issue, but the one meant for his waist was being difficult. Tresk had hers done in moments, and leaned over to help the alchemist. They had it sorted before the call to head off was issued. No one else in the caravan had trouble with their straps. Before the young merchant’s command came, he drank a [Strength Potion] for good measure. His muscles swelled with power, suddenly tossing him into a new realm of power. Gripping the bench, he braced himself for the call.

“Off to Rivers and Daub!”

The caravan shot off like a bolt. Each cart had a team of only 2 beasts. But between those 2 creatures, they generated an impossible amount of force. Theo’s head bobbed from side to side, Alise and Gwyn in the lead carriage faring far worse. They shouted as the carts took off, an unending scream that echoed over the hills even after they jumped the bridge.

“I’ll take Fenian’s carriage next time, thank you,” Tresk said, gritting her teeth.

Don’t talk, you’ll bite your tongue, Theo said.

Cheep, Alex said.

Azrug undersold the power of the Karatan. From his occasional shouts of surprise, it was clear he even didn’t expect this. How long the trip to Rivers took was beyond Theo. It was a blur, but by the time they reached the town straddling the river, his [Strength Potion] had expired.

Rivers and Daub was a different town in person. The Dreamwalk did little to convey how sprawling it was, and how weak the walls looked. People of all races walked over the paved roads, sharing confused looks at the arriving caravan. Theo’s teeth chattered after he dismounted the cart, his butt numb from the ride. It took a few moments to appreciate the town.

The south-facing gate of the town was adorned with a single defensive artifices. Even worse, it was a [Fireball Tower], not the more powerful [Chain Lightning Tower] version. The alchemist studied the skyline as he assembled 5 [Lesser Copper Golems], bringing them to life right outside of the gates of their new potential ally. The copper ingots half-melted, forming into rough shapes. With the new [Drogramathi Iron Containment Cores], he hardly felt a strain on his mind, even if his connection to the lodestone network was too distant to sense.

Azrug spoke with a guard who directed him to bring the carriages inside the town, then directed the others to their meeting place. The party shuffled into the town, heads swiveling around to inspect the buildings.

“These are mostly hand-built,” Luras said, his brow knitting tight.

“Not a good sign,” Theo mumbled.

“Scouting time!” Tresk said, vanishing from the spot.

Theo ordered 2 metal golems to trail Alise and Gwyn, keeping 3 to defend himself. They walked the streets, getting odd looks from each citizen. The minder directing them where to go went through great effort to avoid the less-affluent parts of the town. These were places that the alchemist had seen in the Dreamwalk, and he made a note of the show. They looped around the circular town, crossing over the river and finding their way to the noble’s district. Each building in this area was massive, often containing well-maintained gardens out front. The people here were friendly, offering their greetings to the delegation. It felt like too much of a facade.

Their journey didn’t last long. Rivers and Daub wasn’t massive, and the guard picked a quick path to the town’s administration building. This was a seed core [Town Hall], that looked nothing like the one in Broken Tusk. It was an all stone construction with columns and wide steps out front. Massive stained-glass windows covered the front, and the door was made of etched copper-like metal that bore detailed images.

Just updating my memory of this place. Not much has changed, Tresk said. The party from Gronro is waiting at the north end of town.

Theo sent his acknowledgement without words, trying to hold back his laughter from the interior of the town hall. Twin pillars lined the atrium, the floor a sleek polished marble. By each pillar stood a plinth with a sculpture, each wall adorned with detailed paintings or tapestries. Groups of silk-clad administrators moved around the place like they had somewhere to be, casting the delegation from Broken Tusk in a dirty light.

“Fancy shit,” Aarok grunted.

“Mayor Spencer,” a voice called from across the hall. Theo’s golems stomped in behind him, turning their faceless gaze over the room. “If you’d join me, we’re ready to start.”

“What about us?” Alise asked.

“This is a meeting between leaders,” the administrator said, trying and failing to hold back the impatience in their voice. “Follow me.”

“I’m bringing my pets. No worries,” Theo said, waving them off.

Aarok and Luras weren’t alright with this, but they had no choice. Theo kept his mind on his [Tara’hek Dreampassage] ability, ready to get the hell out of there at a moment’s notice. He was led down a series of halls that gave his enhanced memory a workout. The golems kept pace, and they soon found themselves in a massive meeting room. Two men were standing inside, discussing something. When Theo entered the room, they fell into an uncomfortable silence.

“Introducing Mayor Theo Spencer,” the administrator said, bowing. “And his creatures.”

Theo entered the room, ordering his 3 golems to cover his flanks. The first man was Alran Cherman. On paper, he was the trade representative of Rivers and Daub, one of many mercantile chairs the town held. The reality of it was clear, though. The employer of assassins—failed assassins—ran the show. He was portly, draped in fine green silks with a head of greasy, thinning hair slicked back. The next man was a Dwarf. Even by Dwarven standards, he was short. He had a head of well-oiled long, black hair and a beard to match. The Dwarf wore chain armor layered over padded cloth with a sword at his hip. His face carried the scars and pits from years of conflict, his gray eyes maintaining the same edge.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Theo, so nice to see you,” Alran said, holding his arms wide. He gestured at the table. “Allow me to make introductions—”

“Grot Stormfist,” the dwarf said, waving the formalities away. “Let’s get on with it.”

“As long as there aren’t assassins waiting in the dark,” Theo said, approaching the table and taking a seat.

“A lapse of judgment,” Alran said, wincing.

Each man took their seats, Grot near the massive windows, Alran on the far side of the room, and Theo nearest the door. The alchemist ordered 2 golems to defend the door, and one to protect him.

“Not that you’re lacking in defense, Dronon,” Grot said, gesturing to the golems. “Didn’t know we could bring friends.”

“You’re free to drop your sword out of the window,” Theo said.

“Point taken.”

“I don’t know about you, but administrators do gabble on,” Alran said, sighing. “While I’m certain your staff will be upset, I’d prefer to do this between the genuine leaders of each town.”

“How oddly wise,” Theo said, leaning in.

“I have my moments,” Alran said. “So, the assassins I sent. We won’t make progress until we deal with that topic.”

“I’m here in good faith,” Theo said.

“And armed to the teeth,” Grot laughed.

“More than you realize,” Theo said.

“Right,” Alran said, clearing his throat. “We can head out into the courtyard and fight it out like savages, if you like. Run me through in front of my people. Would that please you?”

“Not even a little,” Theo said, letting out a sigh.

The assassins were a distant memory by now. That play was a desperate attempt to seize power, played by a man who underestimated his enemy. While Broken Tusk could take Rivers and Daub for themselves, declare some kind of civil war, it wasn’t the right move. This idea of an alliance was about more than just a single town. It was about building something that could rival Qavell in the north, even after whatever disaster befell it.

“Business,” Grot said. “We’re all screwed if we don’t come together.

“Exactly,” Alran said.

“Tactically, you could ignore Gronro in your little ‘everything is so great’ southlands deal. But we are the rock the tide will break against,” Grot said.

“You’re more than that,” Theo said. “You’re the sword and the shield. When the hordes come south, we need you in fighting form.”

“Wow, someone who agrees with me,” Grot said, staring at Alran. “Should’ve just been the Tusk-Gronro alliance.”

“Rivers has plenty to offer,” Alran said, chuckling nervously.

“Yeah, whatever,” Grot said, waving the merchant away. “Undead from Gardreth. That’s what we’re dealing with.”

Theo gasped for dramatic effect. He’d already put the pieces together, though. Alran clutched his chest in shock. The merchant stammered, his eyes darting between the alchemist and the Dwarf.

“They’ve never crossed the sea,” Alran whispered.

“Now they have,” Grot said, nodding. “You know how the crown has gone silent? Yeah, they’re too busy dealing with the wave of undeath spreading across the eastern reaches of the kingdom.”

Theo fell into his thoughts. Fenian knew the undead were coming—how did he know that? None of it seemed to matter at that moment. Because of the Elven merchant’s scheming, the alchemist now stood with a bargaining chip. This entire council would now play to whatever tune he set, unable to deny the usefulness of the potions resting in his inventory. The best way to approach this was to play it cool.

“You’re well informed, Grot,” Theo said, nodding to the Dwarven representative.

“Doesn’t take much,” Grot said, sighing. “My first report came in yesterday, from a migrant train. Then more reports came in, claiming to see strange magic rolling onto the shore. Some amount of undeath touches the eastern shores, but no one lives there. It’s moving inland.”

“What are we going to do?” Alran asked. His face looked gaunt.

“We form our alliance,” Theo said. “Not equal partners, not part of the same nation… Independent partners with the same interest. We can let our administrative staff work the details out, but Broken Tusk is eager to aid the people of Gronro-Dir.”

Grot raised a brow, saying something as Theo withdrew a [Hallow Ground Bomb] from his inventory. He set it on the table, silencing the dwarf before he could continue. The other men took a moment to inspect the bomb, turning their attention to the alchemist.

“This is the worst of my weapons for fighting undead,” Theo said, withdrawing the more powerful [Hallow Ground Potion] modified with [Web]. He let the men look it over.

“You’re offering us weapons to fight the undead a day after I learned that’s what we face,” Grot said, narrowing his eyes at Theo. The golem behind Theo moved to the side, but stopped when commanded. “Pardon me if I’m suspicious.”

Theo leaned in, smiling. “Then die. I don’t care what you think. You’re not here to think. I’m not just offering you access to these weapons, which I might say are worth more than you can afford. I’m offering you access to my dungeons and my potions.”

“Lots of hard talk for a Dronon,” Grot growled. “You think you can take over Broken Tusk, and a season later rule the south? My family has stood strong at Murder Passage for generations.”

“You have two options. Accept, or die,” Theo said.

Alran seemed like a scared mouse. He tried to make himself look as small as possible as the two other men leaned in over the desk. Theo’s golem grumbled while Tresk’s murderous intent spiked in the alchemist’s mind.

Grot leaned back in his chair, letting out a heavy breath. After a moment, he laughed. “Damn, the Humans in Gronro have softened me. Been too long since I’ve knocked heads with another true Dwarf, let alone with a Dronon. The sword and the shield, huh?”

“Exactly,” Theo said. “Broken Tusk is happy to sharpen your edge, and bolster your defenses for the tide.”

“As is Rivers and Daub,” Alran said, his voice breaking.

“Boil it down. We’ve all got treason on the mind,” Grot said, relaxing after a moment. Theo’s golem backed off, and the tension dropped from the room. “Qavell has been an absent father for too long. Even before they dropped out of sight, they were rubbing me the wrong way. You can count me as the rock in our arrangement, but King Karasan? He’s up to something.”

“Agreed,” Theo said with a nod. “The war with Veosta is nonsense.”

“It doesn’t help matters that Tarantham is backing Veosta for the war,” Alran said, studying the faces of his peers. After a moment, confusion washing over Theo, the merchant grinned. “Oh, for once, I don’t feel like a drowning rat in this conversation. Veosta is now allied with the Tarantham Empire. Unless we actively cut ties with Qavell, we’ll be swept up in the storm.”

“You’re joking,” Theo said, blinking away his confusion. That seemed like important information Fenian should have delivered. “How long before they reach Qavell proper?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Grot said. “There’s a reason no one goes to Gardreth. A reason Glanthier split it from the continent. It would take a miracle to stop the undead from laying waste to the heartland of the Kingdom of Qavell. The Elves will find only ruin.”

“Unless the kingdom had access to an alchemist’s potions,” Alran said, tapping his chin.

“Absolutely not,” Theo said, glaring at the merchant. “There’s no way I’m jumping to save the kingdom. They wouldn’t afford us the same luxury.”

“Agreed,” Grot said.

“It never hurts to ask,” Alran said. “Then this is it. Three small towns against the world. What do you think our chances are?”

“Excellent. If we work together, we’ll be fine,” Theo said. “As far as I’m concerned, the alliance is formed. We’ll let the administrators work the details out, but feel free to amend whatever agreement they come up with.”

“Agreed,” Grot said. “I want to see this in writing before I commit.”

“We should distribute communication crystals,” Alran said. “Between the members of the alliance.”

“Good luck finding those,” Grot laughed.

“I know a guy,” Theo said.

Everything is clear out here. I guess they’re finally on the level, Tresk said. I feel the meeting went well. Nice job putting your foot down.

The group allowed their conversation to fall into logistics. Theo offered Azrug’s race Karatan to run supplies for the time being, something the young merchant likely had in mind anyway. If he didn’t have that in mind, he would. It would be important for transferring both goods and messages between the towns until they got a hold of long-range communications. Letting his rough edges fall away, Grot was excited about the alliance. Gronro stood alone for so long, her people had forgotten what it was like to have someone at their back.

The sun was setting by the time their meeting ended. Administrators from all 3 towns were hammering out the details of the alliance. Theo trusted them to do the right thing, joining with Tresk on the streets of Rivers and Daub. They stood on the bridge, watching as people passed by. It would be nice to think of every citizen of the town as an enemy. Someone to stand in their way. But even the nobles of the town were just people. Some were insufferable, but they were still people.

It’s hard not to worry about the people in the north, Theo said, keeping his concerns in the Tara’hek.

Can’t save everyone, Tresk said.

Theo just nodded. He instructed Tresk to take a poke around Gronro while they were in the region. She claimed that between the [Elemental Wind] enhanced [Potions of Retreat] and her [Shadowdance] ability, she could make the trip in an hour. The alchemist didn’t doubt it, looking over toward the towering crags. She vanished on the spot, and he waited there for her to give the signal.

The sun was setting by the time Tresk reported, and they both activated their [Tara’hek Dreampassage] ability. Even with the Marshling being further north, their realm was strong enough to carry them back to Broken Tusk without an issue. They fell through the winding path of dreams, arriving in Miana’s stables. Alex was there, chirping happily.