Chapter 725: Cocks

Chapter 725 Cocks

Ilea visited the Vultures on the way, finding most of them asleep or busy. She did manage to tell Walter a few ludicrous stories but was on her way before long. His understanding of high level threats was a little more extensive than Dale’s but they quickly reached his limits as well.

Simple humans, level two hundred dark magic sorcerers living in a hidden necromancer hideout. “Downright mundane really,” Ilea mused as she moved her wings, flying through the darkness. The night remained clear, her visibility allowing for quick traversal between target cities.

Nipha was a territory she hadn’t exactly stopped to visit but the process of letter delivery was largely the same. Soon enough she was flying into prior Baralia territory, now independent cities or more likely vassals of Lys. Yinnahall received a letter and invitation similar to Riverwatch. Ilea assumed it had to do with her personal involvement in their seclusion of Baralia. Just as much as with her many assets that Claire surely increased over time. The officials were more than happy to agree to the creation of a gate outside their city walls, they pretty much immediately started planning a defensible position where such a contraption could be inlaid with relative safety.

The suns were tinting the horizon in a yellowish glow when Ilea flew past cities she had cleared out with Hector, the Destroyer. They showed activity, efforts of resettlement and rebuilding quite obvious. Alyris wasn’t letting these places fall into ruin. Ilea soon reached the first cities in Asila, repeating her letter delivery with the last few copies in her domain until she reached the capital.

No letter for the royals. Just Nero, she wondered, looking at the high walls in the distance. She stood atop an overgrown mountain ridge, the ocean far beyond the vicinity visible to her enhanced eyes. The cities in Asila were built to be defensible more than anything, thick walls with impressive enchantments protecting even smaller settlements that stood amidst the more rocky landscape, their location chosen with the same principles in mind. Or perhaps they were the only cities that still remained after centuries of monster and human incursions.

With nature mages and dozens of other magics at their disposal, humans hardly had to build cities in bountiful lands. Of course the likes of Virilya still had farms nearby, the demand growing in tandem with the city. Ilea wondered what was more difficult to obtain in the human Plains, an education in farming or a nature mage Class and respective training. She jumped off the ridge and spread her wings.

The flight was short, Ilea landing on the comparatively small road that led to the massive gates of the ancient looking city. Downright carved into a rocky outcrop, she thought as she looked down the road at the imposing walls. The terrain was decidedly difficult to navigate. For people without wings that was. Anyone attacking this city, both monster and awakened would have a difficult time even getting to the first line of defense.

Few travelers were around this early in the morning. A group of injured and spent adventurers suddenly perked up when their wounds closed instantly, their minds refreshed in turn. Ilea winked at one of their mages, the woman looking at her with confusion before her eyes opened wide.

They didn’t get a chance to introduce each other. Six level two hundred warriors and mages closed the distance from the city to the single traveler and stopped in a vague half circle ahead of her, three of them standing atop large overgrown boulders. One of them approached on the road and bowed. “Lady Lilith. Welcome to Arkamp.”

The group was clad in dark blue and gray armor, faces covered by masks or helmets.

Ilea had met them before, in Baralia. They were sent to support the small group Velamyr had gathered as an elite force to get into the war torn territory. “Greetings. I’ve come to deliver a letter. To Nero Skorn.”

“Certainly. Would you be opposed to us accompanying you to your destination?” the mage asked.

“If that gets me there faster,” Ilea said and glanced to the rising suns. She wanted to get in a session in Iz today. At least I managed all the letters. If this one doesn’t cause any major issues.

“That should be the case, yes. Please follow me,” the man said and started flying.

Ilea waved to the adventurers as she spread her wings. The members of the Dawn Company followed silently, all of them flying in one way or the other, all keeping a respectful distance. That or a distance they deemed safe in case she engaged them in battle. She couldn’t help but smile at their caution. I need to spend some time with the Meadow after this. To keep me grounded. Though I suppose the variety is what makes this all so interesting. Yesterday I felt like a somewhat powerful human in the world of monsters. Today it’s the opposite.

They flew over the city streets until they came up on the highest point of the settlement. A large stone palace reinforced to the brim with several walls, magical siege weapons, and two dozen manned towers. Salutes and gestures were exchanged as their group passed, landing on a terrace overlooking the valley below the city and a large part of its bustling streets and squares.

This place is probably more defensible than Virilya or even Ravenhall. Granted they seem to have fewer resources and their elite is likely at a lower level. She landed herself and glanced at the waiting figures in blue.

“Please wait for a moment. I will ask for an unannounced audience,” the same mage said and bowed to her before he vanished.

Ilea walked over to the edge of the terrace and leaned against it, the formation of warriors around her adjusting to her movements. It’s not gonna do you any good, lads, I’m a space mage. And you’re at level two hundred.

She remembered when that had been high. The famed Shadows Hand, only accepting recruits at such a ludicrous level.

“Nero Skorn is ready to receive you,” the mage said after he had reappeared.

“That was quick,” Ilea answered and walked past him, the man gesturing her to enter the building. Her dominion was cut off at the wall. Inside it spread out once more. Oh. Well.

The Dawn Company didn’t follow her inside but she could tell they stayed close. A single hallway opened up into a lavish room, more a hall really. Every piece of furniture would’ve bankrupted her back on Earth, every piece of art hung on the walls a statement of wealth. A third of the hall was occupied by a single bed, fifteen people in various state of undress either engaged or now turning their attention to the newcomer with interest in their eyes. Two of them left for a side room, laughing as they went.

It smelled of sex, alcohol, and a variety of burnt herbs she couldn’t quite place. Opposite her stood a man with bronze skin, currently filing two glasses with wine. He had full hair, black with gray streaks and a short beard. He looked to be in his fifties and wore a loin guard made of a dark blue metal and the fur of a beast, the two expertly interlinked. A courtesy, she assumed, for the guest. He wore nothing besides.

“Welcome, Lilith,” he spoke and turned with the two glasses in hand, offering one to her. “I am aware that you prefer ale, but you have to try this creation. A technique from a northern tribe was employed in its making. It’s quite… special.” Gray eyes took her in, a slight smile on his face.

“And you must be Nero Skorn?” Ilea asked, a little distracted by the moans and smells.

“Indeed. Are my guests disturbing you? I hadn’t expected your coming this morning, and I find it rude to send them away for someone unannounced. If you wish, we could talk on the terrace?” he said.

Ilea checked them to see if there was any indication of them being slaves. She didn’t find anything. “I would prefer that, yes.”

He chuckled and handed her the glass, walking to another door in the hall with a more private terrace and the same view she had seen before. Lavish couches were set up outside. A bar stood to the side, a well dressed employee bowing lightly when they passed.

“It does get a little stuffy inside, but I find such quite enticing,” Nero said as he sat down on one of the couches. He glanced at the view and sighed. “Wonderful, isn’t it?”

“You’ve carved out your piece of the world,” Ilea said and decided to lean against the stone railing instead of sitting down. She wouldn’t even trust the fires of creation to deep clean the present seating arrangement.

“Indeed. I hadn’t taken you for someone quite as conservative. Maro has told me much but someone with your power… know that you are welcome in my halls at any time you wish. I’m sure you would find my friends more than accommodating,” the man spoke.

“Excuse me… Maro?” Ilea asked.

“Yes. The former King of Rhyvor. He resides somewhere below, though he does visit from time to time. A man of exquisite taste, though his organizational skills are questionable. I’ll have you know he spent eighty seven pieces of gold in a single night. Not with rare wines and elixirs, but with the common people, within their restaurants, houses, and halls. Remarkable,” the man explained and looked into the distance with a wistful expression.

Ilea smiled. “Makes sense. You don’t quite match my expectations,” she said.

[Dust Mage – lvl 313]

“I enjoy surprising my guests, though I had no time to prepare for you. I assure you the festivities would have been spectacular. Before you ask, Lilith of Ravenhall, there are no slaves here. We believe that man and woman carves their own path, their minds and labor their own,” he said. “I am glad that we finally get the chance to meet. Long has it been that I have watched your exploits with interest.”

“You never reached out,” Ilea said.

“You are terribly busy. I tend to keep my focus on Asila, Lilith. It is where I was born and where I shall remain. Helena has suggested a meeting long ago, but I believed fate would bring you to our halls regardless. And here you are. What, may I ask, has brought you here?”

Ilea summoned the letter and moved it towards him on a bed of ash. “You don’t happen to be open for some Dust Magic Resistance training.”

He raised a brow and received the letter. “If it involves seeing a little more… of you. I’m sure it could be arranged, though I myself rarely mix magic with pleasures.”

“I don’t think we’re at that level of intimacy quite yet,” Ilea mused.

The man opened the letter and smiled. “Ready to shed mutual blood within the homes of her allies but sexuality is reserved for the few and far between. Some things from you southerners will never quite make sense to me.” He skimmed through the letter and nodded to himself, adding a few ahs and ohs in between. “Teleportation gates would be quite welcome. This deserves my full attention. I will have to bother the Queen. Thank you, for sharing this gift with the world.”

“It’s not my creation,” Ilea answered.

“So modest. I am certain your influence and power has shaped this opportunity, in one way or the other. But I will not press, it is honor enough for you to come and visit, and to deliver this letter in person,” the man spoke.

Ilea drank from the wine. “It does… taste special. I like the sparkles.”

He smirked. “Indeed. I failed to mention the light vear snake poison but I hear Helena has invited you for cake. And you remain among the living.”

“I didn’t notice,” Ilea said honestly. The poison hadn’t even registered. Which means I won’t even be informed about low level poisoning attempts? That’s both concerning and funny.

“A tournament in Morhill. Ah it will be cold,” the man said, scratching his brow. “I’ll have to find my winter gear. It’s been a long while since I ventured to such places.”

“Here you are. I brought the group I mentioned,” an entirely naked Maro said as he walked out onto the terrace, a woman in one arm and a man in the other.

“Not what I hoped to see today,” Ilea said. She did have a look. Maybe if I didn’t know him, and if he was gagged.

“Oh,” the king said and spread his arms with a charming smile. “Welcome to Arkamp. Skorn did mention he expected you at some point. Did you know he’s related to Walter? A funny coincidence that was. You did suggest I stay with them but this is close enough, I suppose,” he said and walked to the bar, gesturing to the waiter who started making drinks a moment later, unfazed by the happenings.

Ilea raised her brows. She stopped the naked woman walking towards her with a bit of gentle space magic. The two old men weren’t exactly helping the mood. She sipped on her wine and let the woman go.

Maro handed the drinks off to the two people he had brought and ushered them back inside, himself sipping from a small glass with an amber liquid. “You didn’t tell me to put on pants yet.”

“I don’t want to come off as rude. This is Arkamp after all. I have no authority to question your state of undress,” Ilea answered.

The man laughed before pants appeared on him. They were still rather tight. “How have you been?”

“Good. Busy,” Ilea answered. “Reached level five hundred. Got some new magic,” she added with telepathy.

The man didn’t visibly react. “That does sound like you. Probably fought more unimaginable beasts. I told you she reminds me of myself, in my younger days,” Maro said as he glanced to Skorn.

“I remember my days of blood quite well, ancient King,” Nero said with a thoughtful expression. “Though time settles even the most vengeful minds.”

“I’d call it a hobby more than vengeance,” Ilea said.

“Then you are lucky,” Nero answered. “Here,” he said and handed the letter to Maro.

“You have been busy,” he murmured. “I suppose Elana is going to be there too?”

Ilea nodded. “You don’t have to come.”

He sighed, the look in his eyes changing for a moment. To something more, gentle. Hurt. “No. I will be there. Just need to… prepare. Sober up.”

“I doubt many drugs have an effect on you,” Ilea said.

“It’s less the physical, and more the lifestyle. She can tell,” Maro said.

Hmm. I suppose it makes sense, Ilea thought. “Well, both of you are welcome. To participate in the tournament too of course.”

Skorn waved her off. “Leave the fighting to the young. We have proven ourselves on the battlefield, there is no further need.”

Ilea raised a brow to him but didn’t comment on his ridiculous views. There is always reason to have a good brawl.

“Well, I’ll see you then. Enjoy your… orgy, I suppose,” Ilea said.

“We will,” Maro answered and raised his glass while the other man just laughed. At least he had the decency not to invite her as well.

Ilea jumped off the terrace and flew away. Knowing Maro was staying with Skorn alleviated some of her concerns about the man. She remembered Hector didn’t think highly of him, but then the man wasn’t exactly the best judge of morality. What she thought of morals at the very least.

She found a secluded spot and teleported north. She had reset her gate marks during the battle below Virilya but her cooldowns were ready either way.

“Letters delivered,” she sent to her friend and joined the group of working people. The space had expanded, more tables and boards set up with various teams working together on organization and planning.

“Welcome back. I appreciate it. You mentioned the Empress?” Claire said with a slight smile.

“The elf has been bothering me. He’s bored,” the Meadow sent.

“Tell him I’ll be there soon. Back to Iz. Can you ask Kyrian too if he wants to join again?” Ilea sent back.

“Will do. You have… a scent about you, Ilea,” the being said.

“Ah, right,” She spread and heated up her mantle, getting rid of the permeating mark of Skorn’s hall.

Ilea quickly told her team about what happened in Virilya, Trian especially quite impressed with what she had managed.

“You somehow always end your fights with more allies,” the man said while shaking his head.

“Friendship fists,” Ilea answered, both of them raised. “But seriously most of the things I punch just burst into a mess of gore.”

“Yes. I know,” he replied.

“I’ll probably visit the Foundation too. There’s a Taleen artifact that might be there,” she said.

“You did mention those. Did you find out more about Iz?” Claire asked.

Ilea addressed her three team members only. “Well. Probably. Yes. You know how the Ascended somehow took one of the suns from this realm? I’m pretty sure it’s there.”

Claire sighed.

“This is beyond me,” Trian bowed out.

“I trust you to know what you’re doing,” Claire said. “Does anybody else know?”

“Not yet. But I owe an explanation to Feyrair,” Ilea answered. “I’m aware of how important this is. The Ascended invaded this realm to get that thing. I don’t know if anybody is supposed to have it. And I don’t think destroying it is possible or at all a good idea.”

“It may be best to leave it with the Meadow. Or with the Cerithil Hunters, if you trust them that far,” Claire suggested.

“You’re a few steps ahead. I don’t even know if we can get it in the first place. There are still a few keys missing,” Ilea said. “But I suppose if it’s been used to power the One without Form, maybe even all of the Taleen machines, the Meadow could think of something similarly impressive. Its plan of world domination might just come to fruition after all.”

“What now?” Claire asked before she nodded. “Sorry. Long day. The Awakened aren’t as prone to sarcasm as you are.”