Chapter 30 All the world, for a drop of bane

“Nara, we need to talk.” Said Hattie.

Nara cocked her head, unsure of what her mistress was asking for. “You say that like it’s the end of the world. What’s wrong?”

Hattie nibbled her lip, attempting to collect her thoughts and failing miserably. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Then she stood, circumnavigating the table and sitting down next to Nara. Scooting so close to the older woman that their hips touched.

“Do you think… That Tantalus is telling the truth? Does he really want to kill the Leviathans?” Whispered Hattie.

“Hmmm.” Said Nara. Taking a few moments to enjoy her soup.

Steam wafted through the air, carrying scents of roasted pork and warm bread. Hattie’s stomach growled in protest, demanding she fill her mouth with food instead of words.

“Breakfast fist.” Ordered Nara.

Hattie needed no prompting and tore her loaf of bread in half. Holding it to her face and inhaling the steam. The food seemed to disappear as she stuffed her face. Bread and soup was simple fair, yet nothing had ever tasted so delicious.

Nara paused to watch Hattie devour the meal. With a mischievous grin she slipped her loaf of bread onto Hattie’s plate. Enjoying the look of pure glee that shone in Hattie’s eyes when she discovered additional food. Nara retrieved a second helping of bread and soup, wondering if this is what Nestor had wanted from her.

A half hour later they were sitting in silence. The warm soup and multiple loaves of bread putting them into a food coma.

“I think… Tantalus is weird. Dungeons don’t act like people, or strategize with humans.” Said Nara, picking her words carefully.

Hattie nodded. “Does that mean we can trust him?”

“It.” Corrected Nara. “Never forget that no matter how polite that thing is, it is a dungeon. What can it possibly gain by keeping it’s word?” Reasoned Nara.

“Nothing I can think of, unless it really does need my talent.” Offered Hattie.

“Tantalus is insane. It may as well be a blade of grass plotting to kill a bull. Make no mistake, when the Leviathan decides to eat it, Tantalus will die.” Countered Nara.

“We have to try Nara. This Leviathan, it ate my town, mom, dad… Everyone. I don’t care if I die, as long as I take it with me. I’ll do anything to kill it.”

Nara rubbed her face, trying to ward off the carb fueled desire for a nap.

“Look around us! Everyone here wants to kill the Leviathans. I watched my human mother grow old and die. In the blink of my eye, she withered away. She was still warm when the Leviathan took her.” Growled Nara, hands balling into fists.

Hattie swallowed. “I didn’t know…” She whimpered, more scared of offending Nara than of reliving her sorrow.

Nara heard the fear in her voice, and reached over to rub her back. “That was decades ago. Before I had seen the Corpse of Chattan and realized how hopeless it is. We’re stuck with the Leviathans until the elves get over themselves and help out.”

Hattie Leaned forward, thankful for Nara’s token of acceptance. She had heard of the Corpse of Chattan from Nestor. As the divine swordsman and highest ranked human alive he had visited the corpse. Using every talent and weapon at his disposal he had failed to damage the corpse in any meaningful way. He had been able to cut into the monster’s skin, but even a hundred of his strongest attacks could not pierce through the skin. Nor could any diviner, sage, or guru discover a weak point for humanity to exploit.

“How many level ups have you accepted?” Asked Nara, interrupting Hattie’s thoughts.

“Oh, uhm… None.” admitted Hattie sheepishly.

“Nestor said you were the key… We aren’t going back into Tantalus until you have accepted those level ups. Maybe then we can find a way to stick you into a leviathan.” Laughed Nara.

Earning a chortle from the orange haired girl. Hattie began accepting her level ups, gaining three attribute points per level. She allocated two into Intelligence, since that was the attribute governing mana regeneration and spellcraft. Then she spared a point for agility, the attribute that allowed one to move or evade, the primary attribute for archers and thieves.

She paused before accepting the level up, wondering if she should allocate anything into agility. Her old class levels were gone, she was no longer a support archer.

“Hey Nara, how did you split up your attribute points? I have three and I’m not sure how to split them…” Asked Hattie.

Nara glanced around them, making sure no one had taken an interest in their conversation.

“Three is a lot, put two into Intelligence. Any extra points you should probably throw into agility until you reach fifty, that’s more nimble than any human under level ten and most dungeon mobs.” Said Nara, thinking out loud.

Hattie accepted the level up, and then accepted twelve more. Her smile faded as she reached level five. Mouth twisting into a frown as she reached level ten, and by level fifteen she was scowling something evil.

“Stupid screen! Give me my freaking talent options.” Growled Hattie.

Nara was about to ask what she was talking about when Konrad reached their table. His large hands dropped a breastplate on the table, ending their previous conversation. He handed Nara a bow and removed two daggers from inside the breastplate, placing them between the women before sliding the breastplate towards Hattie.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

She leaned back in her chair at the sight of it. Unconsciously covering her neck as she realized where she had seen the breastplate last. On Eric’s torso, as he opened her throat and killed her. Instinctively she tucked herself behind Nara. Scooting her chair back to distance herself from the armor.

Konrad saw the look of terror on her face and misread it.

“Recovering relics from the fallen is a ghoulish part of our jobs Hattie. Something we all must do. Don’t let past experiences cloud your judgment. This is one of our finest armors, let it protect you like it has protected a dozen adventurers before you.” Said Konrad.

Frozen in place, Hattie could barely manage to shake her head. Nara stood, shielding the younger woman with her body.

“I’ll take it.” She said, giving Konrad a look that warned him not to push his luck.

A younger man would have tried his luck, but long years of experience told Konrad he might have misunderstood.

“Fine. I’m only trying to keep you safe. High King Agamenmon declared war-” Began Konrad, trying to keep his voice low.

“What?” Hissed Nara.

Konrad glanced around the room, wrinkles carving deep cracks across his scars. No one seemed to have overheard him.

“Keep your voice down!” He growled, leaning in to avoid eavesdroppers.

“I received the letter today. We are at war against an undead invasion. They have already conquered Fallbrook and we are preparing for a counterattack. Lord Crowell’s corps of healers have been deployed and I will have to post several recon and assassination missions. Mercenary quests, what a load of malakas.” Whispered Konrad.

Nara nodded, understanding his fury. Adventurers were not mercenaries at heart, the distinction between killing monsters and murdering humans was a moral line that should not be crossed.

“Undead… Can the targets be killed with arrows?” Asked Nara, knowing she would be Konrad’s first choice.

It was only logical, she had killed humans before. Had even enjoyed it. As Piper she had been able to justify the murders. Now…

“Don’t be ridiculous! I can’t risk Hattie.” Snapped Konrad. “Let the greenhorns do the recon, we need the information and so does the army. As for the murder missions, our contracts require that I post them, but i’ll burn in Hades before I post misinformation.” Said Konrad. Grinning like a devil.

“So what do you want us to do?” Asked Nara.

She had no intention of remaining idle while others fought a war to protect her, but she had Hattie to think about. Nara would not even consider leaving her.

“I was hoping our oracle had a prophecy… Or some divination to ease our path.” Said Konrad, turning to Hattie.

Hattie shook her head hard enough to whip her orange hair.

“Hmm… Do me a favor and accept those level ups Hattie. War is here, and somewhere in your talents is the power to spare or condemn thousands of souls.” Implored Konrad.

A man waved to Konrad, and he nodded. Returning to his duties as Guildmaster and leaving Hattie to consider his words.

“Spare or condemn thousands.” She whispered.

Hattie’s thoughts carried her through out of the guild, and through the terraces. Depositing her in front of Tantalus dungeon.

I couldn’t save grandpa.

Or Eric

Or mom or dad.

I can’t save anyone, what was Konrad thinking?

Blind to reality, Hattie began accepting the level ups, one after another she dumped everything into intelligence in a rush to get it over with. No options for spells or talents appeared, they were all preordained.

Stupid gods. Why give me a class without options! I have nothing left, no one to fight for. No one to live for.

Hattie touched the twin marble doors, channeling her mana into them. They ground open for her. Permitting her entrance into the dungeon as they always had. Tantalus’ illusionary form appeared, still wearing that odd black and white man dress he always wore.

“What can I- oh.” Said Tantalus, tone changing as he saw the look on Hattie’s face.

The wall to one side of the dungeon opened and a room formed in front of their eyes. Little more than two cubicles with a wicker wall between them. Cushions covered the two chairs, and Hattie plopped into one. Hugging one of the cushions to her chest. It was the warmest and softest and most delightfully squishable cushion she had ever felt.

“Where did a dungeon find these cushions?” Wondered Hattie.

“Oh, they’re mimics. Satharis said something about me needing to distract adventurers and suggested them. Glad they are working out.” Said Tantalus.

Hattie laughed at his joke. Laughter turned to sobs as she spilled her soul to Tantalus. She told him everything, from the day her parents died to the first delve into Tantalus to the present invasion.

She had no idea why she divulged every secret she had, no goal in telling the dungeon. She just needed to be heard, and Tantalus made for an excellent listener. Saying nothing except a few questions here and there, things that made her tell the story in a more complete way. When she finally finished he rubbed his chin. Scratching his neatly trimmed stubble.

“You have had some of the roughest weeks of your life. In all honesty, I’m impressed. Despite everything you have been through you are still trying to find a way forward.” Said Tantalus.

“But, I don’t know what to do next! People want me to save them, I haven’t met a thousand people and Konrad wants me to save their lives!” Exclaimed Hattie, squeezing the mimic cushion with all her juvenile might.

“This world is strange to me, but not this problem. Life doesn’t come with a manual. We must set our goals and trust in God… Ah… You don’t know my God. Hmm. I understand your gods used to walk among you, for thousands of years. Do you pray to one of them?” Asked Tantalus.

His odd way of speaking caught Hattie’s attention.

“You’re saying weird things… Uhm, mom prayed to Hera, and dad always supported her. Although I think he prayed to your god, Hephestus when he got stuck at work or wanted a project to go well.” Said Hattie.

“Hephestus is not my God.” Snapped Tantalus.

Hattie jerked back, alarmed by the change in tone. She lowered the pillow, realizing several eyes had opened on it.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to offend-”

“Relax, I know you didn’t. Hephestus imprisoned me in this dungeon. He is my jailor, not the lord of my soul. Mimic eighty four! If you ask for a nimble one more time I’m going to erase you from existence.” Warned Tantalus.

The pillow shut it’s eyes, becoming the fluffy cushion it had been only seconds earlier. Hattie gingerly set the pillow down. Suddenly very conscious of the dozens of pillows around her.

“Mimics are smart enough to obey my orders. They aren’t masochists like the goblins, though they are young. Honestly, the little guys remind me of four year olds. Smart enough to listen, but always testing you, pushing the boundaries when you aren’t looking.” Offered Tantalus.

“Thanks for looking out for me…” Said Hattie. Her voice dwindling as she added “It feels like bad things happen to those who watch over me.”

“Nara is fine. That bowstring snapping was a terrible accident, I hadn’t learned how to speak like a person and the spell… Well, i’m glad she is fine. The blonde couple seems to care for you as well. You are not alone. Do not let the worst weeks of your life, become your entire life.” Counseled Tantalus.

Hattie wasn’t alone. Nara was with her, would always be with her. The half elf would outlive her, and her children, and her grandchildren.

“I just feel so useless. My class is supposed to be special, unique, but I haven’t done anything at all!” Grumbled Hattie.

Tantalus chuckled, the soft chops of his laugh jarring Hattie.

“Not everyone can be the main character in a story. Some of us are meant to play supporting roles. You lent me your talent, and Satharis will kill this Leviathan with it. That is his purpose. That is why Hephestus sent him to us. Your power will allow him to fulfill his destiny, his greatest desire. Now it is time for you to decide your fate, who will you elevate next. What god will you choose to serve?” Asked Tantalus.

The mimic pillow crawled onto Hattie’s lap, smooshing itself against her like a puppy. She ran her fingers across the cushion, stroking the mimic with her fingertips.

“I don’t want to serve anyone.” Whispered Hattie.

Tantalus winced. A grimace he hid by covering his mouth.

“You spent your life training so you could support your grandfather. It doesn’t sound like you wanted fame, just to be with him. Pure companionship is what humanity is based on. The love of our fellow men and women is the foundation of all life and joy. Would you consider serving the ones who wish to stand alongside you?” Questioned Tantalus.

“I… What can I do?” Asked Hattie.

“War is a breeding ground for hardships. Feeding the poor is what I would have suggested, but you have actual power. You can heal the injured and protect others. Start there and I know you will be able to find your place.” Said Tantalus.

“Okay…” Said Hattie.

Her noncommittal response was something Tantalus was used to.

“Get to work Hattie. Go use your talents until you find how to best apply them. Whomever gave them to you must have had a plan. Trust them. Seek your destiny in war. Oh merde, the gardner snake gorgon found the spider eggs again and is trying to brood them again.” Cried Tantalus, standing abruptly and vanishing.

The mimic’s eyes opened once more, watching Hattie with dilating pupils.

She tossed the eyeball pillow and fled. Standing and jogging out of the dungeon as quickly as she dared. She would have run, but something in the back of her mind told her that prey ran.

Nara stood at the entrance to Tantalus Dungeon, just far enough from the stone confessional room that Hattie could not see her from within. The orange haired girl ran into the half elf, wrapping her arms around her waist and hiding her face in her chest.

“You aren’t alone.” Whispered Nara.