“Ahhhh!!!” I screamed, falling through the dark abyss. I could hear my fellow exorcists’ terrified cries as well. Thanks to that musclebound moron, and ultimately Cira, we were all going to die as soon as we hit the ground. The worst part was not knowing where the ground really was. It was just too dark, so all I could do was scream and await the end.
Except it never came, and a soft golden light enveloped me.
“Will you all relax?” One of our two new inductees’ gentle voice pierced through the darkness.
“Kris…?” I heard Triton’s shaky words. “Did you do this?”
She chuckled, “Of course. It’s the least I can do to make up for my colleague’s reckless mistakes.”
“Hey.” I saw all the exorcists in their own bubble of holy light, while the eerie Holiest Witch’s white hair and clothes seemed to glow. Peugolo, however, shined the brightest, “How was I supposed to know the floor would break like that?”
The witch held him aloft, but his own holy light engulfing him was so pure you would think we has powering up for an attack.
“Accidents happen, right?!” Triton shouted, “Maybe we could talk about this later. On the ground!”
I couldn’t blame him. It was hard not to feel high up when you couldn’t see the floor. Powerless as we were, floating like this was scary.
“Lomp, if it’s gonna be like this every day,” Kate glared at me, “Then I quit.”
“Can we just calm down, everyone?” It had only been twenty seconds or so since we fell through the floor Peugolo smashed, but that was still way too fast for it to devolve into such an argument. Luckily, Kris started lowering us all. “We are likely in the Dark Stratum, so we need to keep our wits about us. Argue when we get back to Uru, if you must, but… but just…”
I felt a tingling sensation and noticed my fellows’ gazes also pointed in the same direction. Down, of course, but a little ahead. They surely felt the same presence I did through the ‘divine relics’ we wore, but this felt like it was on another level from spirits who inhabit the Last Steps.
“What… what is that?” Lant asked, looking hopelessly helpless, dangling in the air with a spiked buckler on each hand.
“Ahahah!” Peugolo roared, hyping himself up by smacking his knuckles together, “Let me down there! Quickly now, Witch!”
“No, wait!” I shouted in somewhat of a panic. “The Saint was very specific that we should not act recklessly here. No offense… but I trust her words over yours in this case. We cannot engage anything without first identifying it, and if you punch it away, we don’t get any aetherium. Remember why we are here.”
Shit, did I really just talk like that to a witch and an enforcer?
“Aha!” Peugolo declared, “I love it! A wise one you are, Mr. Lomp. We must heed the Saint’s words.”
“Okay, where is the goddamn ground though—guh!” Triton exclaimed over the thud I heard from his ass hitting salt.
“Exorcists, group up.” I ordered, “Kris, can you illuminate the area?”
“Of course.” She grinned at me as the darkness receded. Dusty white walls surrounded us, and everyone eagerly watched the hallway beyond light up, waiting to see that inexplicable spirit we all felt. “But it’s just an ordinary wraith. Nothing to be alarmed over.”
With a glance, we collectively remembered Cira telling us all about wraiths. That Yl’Gad guy was supposedly some kind of wraith… They were bad news, no matter how one looked at it. Before long, its vile form could be seen. Burning eyes bored into us and waves of dread flooded the cave. I felt my blood turn cold as the hallway got even brighter.
“See?” Kris’ voice accompanied the wraith’s screams as holy light burned it away. “No problem—”
“Hey!” A mechanical click sounded, and a crossbow bolt flew through the air, lodging into the spirit’s chest. “If you’re gonna waste the aetherium, then you can just head back up the Boreal.”
Jules was pissed—understandably so. We were here for one specific reason, after all. We needed aetherium to cure the plague.
“My mistake,” the witch giggled like a carefree child, “I just didn’t want any of you to feel unsafe.”
There was a considerable amount of blue powder that got sucked up into a storage pouch—so much so that I started wondering why we weren’t down here in the first place. They died in one shot, as did one as powerful as Yl’Gad. We could shave a year off our hunting schedule if there were more down here.
“All is forgiven under the Saint’s cold gaze.” Triton kissed his palm and released it to the sky in ridicule of Cira. “Sounds like we get to go home early tonight, so let’s see where this hallway takes us.”
Us exorcists were in high spirits at watching half a day’s worth of aetherium come out of just the second wraith. It was moderately concerning that we found it faster than we did the strays above, though. Despite that, they had never left the Dark Stratum themselves, so it seemed fine.
“Careful though, Dear.” The striking young holy woman who must have been secretly very old put a hand on Triton’s shoulder, “Let me take the front. Something strange exists ahead… That much is certain.”
“No, let me lead the way!” Peugolo jumped ahead as we rounded a corner and was startled by a shrieking wraith. He reflexively swung his fist, and it disappeared from existence entirely, “—oops… Sorry guys.”
It was quickly settled that Kris would take lead, and we continued down the bleak hallway as it gradually descended. I could feel a stark pressure bearing down on me, like a weight on my soul almost as bad as the spring chamber when I tried to stop Cira. All of us with the so-called sacred relics on could feel it, and that only got stronger as we progressed. Peugolo was reassuring in a pinch, but he was the only one who complained about the Witch leading the way.
“Wh-what is this?” I couldn’t help but ask as my knees popped. There was a large archway with no door, but I couldn’t help feeling more hopeless the closer we got.
“Yeah, pop up one o’ those barriers like the Saint had.” Triton mused, “I’m sure she had one for ancient hatred.”
I thought his description was apt. That was how it felt in a nutshell.
“Did she now? I truly cannot wait to meet her.” Kris’ lips curled up even further, “Unfortunately I only have power over that which I understand. Once I see it, I’m certain I can protect you from it.”
Damn… Not even Cira said something that weird. It sounds too pretentious to come from the sorcerer, but somehow this witch stated it all too casually.
“Don’t worry, little one.” Peugolo patted Kate on the head as she physically recoiled, “I will keep you safe.”
We passed through the archway in a cloud of holy light—it was the best Kris could muster apparently, but it did help a little—just not enough. Dread and hatred seeped through our skin, muscles, blood, and mind. It throbbed like a burning migraine, and I could tell the others felt the same. All of us exorcists slowed or stopped, instantly thrown into a state of panic as we passed the threshold.
“Fascinating…” The witch almost sounded like Cira here, demolishing another wraith as a small and hazy golden sun rose to the ceiling, “I’ve never met a creature which gives birth to wraiths. What could its purpose be, I wonder? No, I’m more curious about its origin.”
Her light soon revealed an entire wall made of blackened flesh. Rotted far past the point of decomposition, somehow held together with such severe degrees of tangible hatred.
That’s how it felt anyway. I was no expert. But this bleeding flesh wall wailed a thousand anguished whispers while countless incisions or tears formed the vague shapes of mouths or eyes. I could already tell this was something which should have never seen the light, and absolutely should never be gazed upon.
“What… is that—” My voice trailed off as the other exorcists similarly looked on in horror, stumbling on their words with tears forming in their uncertain eyes.
“We—we gotta get outta here!” Triton turned around to run but was held in place with a holy shield.
“Not so fast, Boy.” Kris spat, strangely serious. “What was all that talk earlier? I thought you wanted the plentiful aetherium these wraiths have to offer? Look, there’s one now.”
An engorged eye socket expanded until a shredded mass of aether was expelled, which quickly took on vengeful eyes—staring straight at Triton front and center.
“Hyah!” A boomerang cut through the wraith in a flash of light, “Get it together! You know how much aetherium we can get from this thing?! Delilah will have a stroke—we’ll be outta here in a year!”
Kate was so excited she caught her boomerang and immediately sliced through the next wraith. “If you’re just gonna stand there, at least open your pouch!” She yelled at Triton, but it really applied to us all.
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We had many more adventures with the two new exorcists, but most of them took place in the Dark Stratum. I almost felt bad for disobeying some of Cira’s rare earnest advice, but then I thought of all the trouble she brought me, and clearly intended to bring me in the future. The Dark Stratum was a story or ten for another day, but today… Let’s just say I was not happy with Cira.
___
“Mr. Lomp!” My new secretary, Lyrainne, fell through the double doors, “The—the regulatory council is here to see you!”
“What?!” My blood pressure exceeded rates previously known to mankind, “What are you talking abou—WHY HELLO Regulator Hale, Sir!” I stood up and gave my most forthright bow, “To what do I owe this visit?”
“I think you know what.” Brindle was not present, but ten mages stacked up on either side of him to fill my office. They didn’t wield staves, but each held a single gauntlet, seemingly made of cloudy glass that resonated with mana. It seemed they could conjure with each finger should they so chose, but the sight of all these people in my office gave me pause.
Things have been going great in the Last Steps! We’re way ahead of schedule! What could possibly be wrong? “I can only imagine that damned Saint has roped me into further trouble.” I pounded my fist on the desk and threw my back into the chair. It rolled all the way to the wall as my fist clenched.
She saved everyone! How can I be mad?! I wanted to do it for years, so I can’t complain about the workload after she accomplished everything else in my stead. How could I?!
“What?!” I threw both my hands up in outburst, “What could possibly merit this appearance?!”
“Mr. Lomp, please calm down!” Lyrainne placed a firm hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to reality, “I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding!” She looked at Hale speechless, putting on her best dumbfounded face, as it was her natural reaction.
Regulator Hale watched us both for a few minutes while his enforcers each held a glass-clad palm outstretched toward me. After a very long silence during which I took Lyrainne’s words to heart, I was glad to see Hale let out a long breath and sit down across from me.
“Mr. Lomp… We did not grant you the title of Omniseer on a whim.” The Underseer never even existed until Cira felt like building a city and carving my name on the main government office. I would be glad to tell her I spent a full mithril coin paying a mage to remove it just to spite her, but the damage was done. I was the Underseer. It wasn’t until Hale arrived and brought the hammer down on old Pappy that he merged Overseer and my own position into one—thus, I became the Omniseer.
To be fair, I governed more of the Boreal than anyone except the Gandeux Group as a whole as long as you measured by land mass. This was of course only including land within the Boreal, for many of the top members of the Gandeux were highly influential in their own neighboring skies.
“Of course… I’ve never lied to you about the time I spent with the Hidden Witch, nor the Saint.” In truth, I never directly claimed they were different people. Just, depending on the story, I referred to her differently. This had blown way out of proportion, and I couldn’t believe my ramshackle crew of messengers had woven such convincing stories of different people that it had become like this. Perhaps there really was merit to paying everyone in mithril. “The day she left was the day I knew I could possibly one day die in peace. If there have been any developments regarding the Saint or whoever she consorts with, it can only be bad news for me. Now please, Regulator Hale… could you tell me what has brought you here today?”
He sighed deeply, and eventually leaned back, “Honestly… That is the impression I got. It seems the Saint has her own sense of what is right and wrong. There are rumors that Merlin X instated a certain guideline of ethics for those with certain sorcerous capabilities, but that’s all smoke on the wind. The reason I am here is because of a certain message the Council received the other day. Are you familiar with Blackwood Trading Company?”
Fount Salt only grew vegetation in the planters, and only that which could be eaten. Veggies, worms, and salt. Wood was outside my purview, “No… I can’t say that I have. I was born on Fount Salt and have never involved myself in politics.”
“Blackwood belongs to the Gandeux Decadin. In terms of profit and employment metrics, they are almost as influential as Earth Vein. Top five to be certain. It turns out that the third member of the Saint’s faction has finally stood her ground in these skies… You said you only met Captain Dreadheart once, correct?”
“That’s right.” I claimed, “She turned a handful of drunkards at the bar into and army of pirates fit enough to overthrow Black Scourge Don over the course of a few drinks. I met her in line at Mephisto’s.”
“Right…” Hale placed his chin in his hand and gazed out over Uren and Silver Lake through the window, “But you see… Dreadheart has been making big moves.”
“No…” I meant this from the bottom of my heart, “That… troubles me greatly.”
“I feel the same,” It seemed Hale and I could understand each other if given the chance. “As I mentioned, the Blackwood family is one of the highest ranking members of the Gandeux. Considered decadin, one of the top ten families. And it appears Captain Dreadheart has taken the family’s heir hostage…”
My heart skipped a beat.
“And I wish it ended there…” He continued to tell me the story John Blackwood recounted, along with a very specific message Cira apparently left. “Naturally… I have come here to discern the nature of Mobile Fortress Fount Salt, and the veracity of Dreadheart’s claims. If anyone had insight… The Regulatory Council has agreed that person might be you.”
“An armed group of mages sounds like a little overkill if you’re after insight…” I frowned, and Hale seemed to mirror my exasperation. “But if that’s what your after, I can give you my opinion. Just don’t be trying to make me an accomplice, okay? I just want the people on this rock to survive, Council be damned.”
“I understand, Mr. Lomp… Anything you can offer will surely be of help, and I am well aware of your circumstances. I will personally vouch for you if it comes down to it.”
Well… where do I start? It sounds out of character for Cira, but to be honest, it also sounds exactly like something Cira would do.
“If Captain Dreadheart has truly Deposed Pirate King Wick, is that not a good thing? If Don was selling deritium, it stands for reason Wick made profit from it.” I tried to give neutral opinions on the matter, and it came surprisingly easy, “Dreadheart removed this island’s deritium deposits and cut of the local illicit supply chain. Regardless of her future misdeeds, we can only be grateful that the plague will not spread through the Boreal.”
Hale and I had come to an understanding previously about the Saint’s intentions in regard to deritium and the plague. It was clear that the threat to human existence should not be, and it was hard to deny the Saint took great measures to make it so. Though apparently, Dreadheart’s recent coup stirred up worries that she had plans for the deritium herself. I didn’t want to appear as though I knew too much, or I would have told them she destroyed it.
One night after a few drinks on his first visit, Hale even confided in me that he wished the Saint wasn’t so quick to disappear. Turns out, the Gandeux respect power, and those with good intentions were often let off in lieu of potential cooperation. I already knew though, that Cira would never have wanted to join the Gandeux.
“What is most vexing,” Hale continued, “is that I cannot read this faction’s intentions. For one… why would such a pure-hearted saint join up with a pirate of such loose ambition? Are they perhaps related? Where does the Hidden Witch fit into all this? It’s impossible not to think she has ties to the Third Order, but nothing else adds up. Those people never act on such scale, at least that we can see.”
“The Hidden Witch…” I let my words drag, “She told me once… that her primary goal was to surpass her father. Such small worries like political interests and the profits of old men are inconsequential to her. She granted us reprieve from our woes like she may burn the mites hiding beneath a passing gull’s feathers.”
“Merlin X…” Hale’s bitter voice trilled, “Do you think that’s her father?”
“Perhaps… It’s hard to say.” I didn’t know how else to respond. “But there’s one thing I can say for certain. It doesn’t matter if this island moves or not. Mobile Fortress Fount Salt is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. But make no mistake…” I cast heavy eyes upon Regulator Hale. He had to understand the weight of my words, and that no matter the lies he guessed I told, that this was the absolute brunt of my feelings on the matter, “Even if she is bluffing, it doesn’t matter if Fount Salt can fly. The Saint is probably on her way to you now, and the Hidden Witch follows her gaze. No news on the illustrious Captain Dreadheart likely means that she’s very busy. My loose lips don’t even concern her. She specifically told me that if it would endanger the people of Fount Salt, I could tell you anything I knew.”
“Hold on… Where were you two when she said this—”
Hale seemed to be missing the point, so I exaggerated a little, “Do you see this scar?” I pointed to my forehead where my brother threw a fork at my head as a baby.
“The spring chamber.” I lied to a degree, “Despite her good intentions, the Saint nearly destroyed me. Many people on Fount Salt were displaced, some almost died, and Earth Vein was all but forced out. Despite the fact that she fixed the floods of this island… I tried to stop her. I didn’t think she could do it at first. And as a result, I almost died. She sent you a warning through this Blackwood fellow as a courtesy… but I promise you will have to face her if you don’t take her intentions seriously. I don’t think she would say something as lofty as ‘act of war’ lightly. Even if she were alone, I don’t think anyone up the Boreal would enjoy a war with her. Not after what I’ve seen.
After what happened here, who knows what Cira’s capable of, but I guarantee she wouldn’t be easy to deal with.
“She wouldn’t need an island of any size to attack Porta Bora if she felt like it. Worst case scenario if you win, the Gandeux will probably lose a great deal. I don’t know what advice to offer… but I hope you have the wit to avoid this eventuality. Friend is better than foe, I promise, when it comes to someone as absurd as her… or any one of them…”
If you split her deeds into three… It’s still more than I want to deal with.
“You mean to say…” Hale started, looking a little worse for wear after hearing my rant. “That the Mobile Fortress of Fount Salt was a mere bluff… but her threat of war was very real?”
“Yeah. Think about it.” I leaned back in my seat and took a sigh, “I doubt you could ever kill her, so she would just fly away if it came down to it. Unless you intend to use your own citizens as hostage, she has nothing to lose from opposing you in order to see her will come to fruition.”
“My gods…” Hale took a deep breath, and it was clear his mages were rattled, “Would you say… that the Saint is the ringleader here, or is it Captain Dreadheart after all?”
“No… From what I understand, they each follow a very particular code…”
Regulator Hale knit is hands together, resting his chin on them. He was lost in thought, trying to figure out what to make of all this, when a window suddenly shattered.
“An ambush!” One of the mages shouted, and half of them turned to the window when some kind of projectile burst through. The other half charged up mana trained on my various vital organs. “Protect the regulator!”
He was first of five to fire an array of elements from his gauntlet. Meanwhile, I was completely lost. Why would I be getting ambushed right now? It’s… coming right for me.
A menagerie of spells assaulted whatever it was and I felt a moment of relief when Hale threw out his hand, “No, stop!”
A barrier formed around the projectile and his mage’s spells diffused. They each stayed their hand, looking to Hale with shock as the object gently floated towards my desk and landed on it.
“Wait… what?” It was paper folded in the shape of a ship.
“Unfold it.” Hale urged on with curiosity. I quickly glanced at the broken glass on my floor before unfolding the paper only to discover writing on it. “Read it aloud, if you would.”
Dear Lomp,
I hope this letter finds you well.
It has come to my attention that the sudden influx of Gandeux nobles has been making life difficult for the residents of Fount Salt. I would sincerely appreciate if you could do something about that. For if I must step in myself, it is certain to turn into a larger deal than it needs to be. Many thanks in advance.
Warm regards,
Eternal Empress Dreadheart
Regulator Hale peered at me over his knit hands, and I felt a scrutinizing gaze.
Dammit… Why now? Why would you do this?
“Captain Dreadheart…” I tried to hide my grimace as I looked him in the eyes, “Does raise some legitimate concerns.”
Next time I see that girl… she owes me more mithril.