In the early hours before the actual dawn on the day when they were about to depart on the invasion of the Hellinger Castle, Carol Summers went for a quick visit to Emilia Corin, who was still in the healer’s room and in a coma. After confirming that Emilia Corin’s condition was stable and her progress of recovery was on track and there was no signs of her extremely rare gift being lost due to her excess use of it and injuries, Carol Summers went back to a secret room under her mansion, with a glass jar containing thick dark liquid inside in her hands.
Inside this secret room, there was an altar made of dark red amber at the center of the room, and in the four corners, there were four small statues of claws, also made of the same dark red amber pointing at the altar. Beneath the altar, there was a giant circle drawn with a kind of dark green ink.
Carol Summers knelt on both knees before the altar, and slowly and carefully placed the glass jar onto the top of the altar. When she started chanting a spell, the altar started glowing in an unsettling crimson color, the dark thick liquid in the glass jar started getting slowly consumed. Lighted spots of different colors of energy appeared on the top of the altar, then flowed down along the exterior of the altar and along some of the linings on the ground connecting the base of the altar to the statues in the corner. As the glowing energy spots moved towards the statues, the statues lit up in the same crimson glow as well.
When the glass jar became almost completely empty, dark flames and smoke came up from the upper surface of the altar. From the smoke, a vague shadow of a creature with two glowing eyes, a long and winding neck and a long face and wide mouth appeared.
“This better be important.” the creature said.
“Your mightiness, I requested this meeting to inquire help from you, and for it I have payment already prepared. I really believe you will like it.” Carol Summers said while still kneeling down.
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“Speak. And remember the terms.”
“Of course, your mightiness.” Carol Summers sat up straight and said: “I would like to purchase a shed scale or claw from you. And I make this request with the utmost respect - I would like to make a shield - it would not be a long-living one, I just need it for an upcoming fight. If I survive it, I will personally see to it getting properly disposed of.”
“That would be permissible.” the shadow said: “And from what are you attempting to defend?”
“A human, with the name Lucias Vyn.” Carol Summers said: “She’s a member of the once very powerful and influential Hellinger family...”
“... and now she’s conspiring with the followers of Hoztang, I know.” The shadow said: “You shall have what you asked for. And IF you win this fight against them, I want her head on this very altar, along with the heads of that coven that follow Hoztang. Bring this with you, you will know how to use it.” After a slow nod, a piece of thick scale surrounded by dark energy smoke flew out from the dark smoke, along with a small dagger with a stone handle and a curved black blade that had a lot of forged patterns on both sides and even the edge.
When Carol Summers held the curved black dagger in her hand, a short visual message flashed before her eyes and she instantly knew how to use this dagger properly, and what she needed to do if she was to use it - she needed to inflict tremendous pain on the believers of Hoztang, then kill them with one shot through a jab at the back of their necks.
“May I know what their heads are good for?” Carol Summers placed the dagger into her pocket and asked.
“I don’t think as you are now you are able to endure the weight of the knowledge.” the shadow said: “But to put it simply - if you ever make it to Hoztang’s, or even my level, don’t recruit followers or believers if you can’t brainwash them.”
“... understood.” Carol Summers nodded: “My sincerest gratitude, your mightiness.”
“If that’s everything, I shall go back to my slumber.” the shadow said: “You’ve been a good client, Beverly Winters. The heads you bring back will be great installments for getting your name back.”
“Thank you very much, your mightiness.” Carol Summers nodded and stood up: “And, congratulations on your recovery. ”
The dark shadow let out a hoarse laughter, then it said: “That’s why I like you, young Ms. Winters, which is why I gave you a fresh scale. Just another reminder that you remain your good will when trading with me, two eyes do see much, much more than one.”