Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Eight

Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Eight

It takes Teemo about a day to get to Leo, which gives him about a day to prep him for the two refugees. Sure, prisoners, but I dont see much point in pretending theyre anything else at this point. Yvonne and company have already undone Merriks hand binds. I think the two young adults are a bit too marveled by the stories of the surface to try anything.

It also helps that Lechula is likable. I wouldnt go so far as to call her adorkable, but there is a bit of that thirst for knowledge combined with a bit of awkward innocence. Shes mostly interested in getting defense advice from Ragnar, though shell answer questions for Aelara or Yvonne when they ask.

Merrik is a lot more subdued than Lechula, but theres an intense hunger for knowledge in him, too. He tends to alternate between asking Aelara about magic and asking Yvonne about ranged attacks. Lechula let it slip that hes a Steelmage, and after a deep sigh and a shake of his head, he agreed to give a little demonstration. I was expecting him to be very similar to Berdol, but aside from sharing an affinity, they seem to work a lot differently.

Berdol needs metal around to control, but Merrik basically summons it. He says he technically can manipulate metal that already exists, but its much easier for him to summon it. I dont know if that makes him a summoner or what, but whatever he technically is, his techniques sure look effective to me. He has a couple simple attacks that call a short-lived weapon that appears near his target, swings (or stabs), then vanishes. He also has what I like to think of as a blender attack that fills an area with slashing metal. He calls it a bladewall, Id probably call it an unbound blender, but the effect is the same: dont go in.

Ragnar, of course, waded in with a wide smile. Aelara just gave him an oh you look, and Yvonne just shook her head at him. Lechula and Merrik about panicked, but after he dismissed the wall, they saw his beard wasnt even trimmed from the damage. Im not sure if that makes Lechula and Merrik low level, or Ragnar and crew high. Possibly a bit of both, even.

Im feeling confident in them being refugees after that. If they were spies, theyd probably be a bit nervous after that show, even if only for themselves. The two, instead, seem to be even more relaxed. Im pretty sure they feel like they have some actual protection from the Maw now. Nova has been noticing them sleeping better, at least.

As for Lechulas class, Ragnar says shes a pretty standard Shieldbearer, without her even saying so. Her look of surprise and his laugh pretty much confirmed it. Its a bit different from his class, in that it relies on heavier armor to not take damage in the first place, instead of regenerating a lot of it like Ragnar does. She even asked him about it, though he was pretty sparse on the details.

I get the feeling its less that he doesnt want to help her, and more that he doesnt want to inflict his particular fighting style on anyone else. It sure seems effective, just as it seems like he takes at least a bit of a beating with each fight. It must be sustainable somehow, but I probably shouldnt be surprised if the guy who works to take all the hits doesnt want to see someone else shoulder all that pain.

I relay all of that to Teemo once he gets to Leo, which takes a good chunk of the night for him to do. Honey takes notes, because of course she does, and Teemo meets Leo's eyes once he finishes regaling him with all the info.

So, what do you think?

Leo stands and paces, his ears flicking as he thinks. After a few minutes, Honey buzzes and seems to pull him from his thoughts, and he gives a tired growl.

Yeah, complicated is about how the Boss feels, too. Lets break it down to be less complicated, yeah? First I guess is does it change any of the plans for dealing with the Maw?

Honey does a little mocking dance and Leo grins and wuffs. Teemo snorts before translating.

They say there needs to be a plan in the first place before it can change. Leo gives a grumble, looking a bit more serious with his reply.

Still not enough for a real plan yet, hmm? Well, just be careful and dont get caught, but you already know that. Anything in specific you want to ask the two when they get here?

This time its mostly Honey who answers, giving a dance and pointing at a sheaf of papers that Im certain already have a ton of questions. Teemo smirks at my reply and relays it.

The Boss says to ease up, or else theyll be wanting to seek refuge from us, too. What do you two think of taking them in?

Leo tilts his head and Honey buzzes in a questionmark.

I mean, not literally. The Boss isnt going to make residents of strangers, no matter how upstanding they seem to be.

We can ask. I dont think Hullbreak or Violet would be ready for that right now. Hullbreak would only be able to send the Quartermaster, who also isnt exactly built like solid snake. Violet might send Onyx, but thatd be a long way from home. She hasnt shown much interest in this fight, either, so I think shes wanting to focus on growing and securing what she has, instead of trying to get a Conduit.

Who were you thinking for us to try for it, Boss?

Probably you or Nova. I dont know how sneaky someone would have to be to get all the way to the Maws core, or if its even an option. Honestly, if anyone gets the chance, they should take it. Anyone could use the power boost, and I just want to have that dungeon dealt with. Its probably going to be too much of a fight for us to be able to actually decide for ourselves who gets to do it.

Me?! exclaims Teemo, missing the rest of what I said. Leo and Honey nod a third time, and he gives them a glare. Dont pretend like thats your plan, too! Leo just grins as Honey digs out a scrap of paper with a list of likely Conduits. She even has Teemo at the top, followed by Nova.

I pat the bond with Honey, glad to have a second opinion for who will likely be the one to take the core. Did you catch the rest of what I said, Teemo?

Yeah, I got it. Hopefully Nova will be the one to get it, but it makes sense that whoever gets a good chance should just take it. The Maw probably wont make it easy on us.

Does that include me? asks the Stag as he enters the little clearing Leo and Honey have been using as their operating base, and Teemo smiles and nods.

If youre gonna be there, yeah! The Boss was even considering trying to sneak you in.

The Stag looks a bit surprised at that, and tilts his head as he listens to the Southwood. He doesnt look too happy about what hes hearing, but he relays it anyway. My Lord says I should remain here, in case this Maw manages to sneak something through. Id rather go and fight but my Lord is not wrong. I am ill suited for fighting in caves, especially if theyre as tight as youve indicated they could be. Hes considered making a second scion for the task, but the mana Hed need to spend to raise it to a decent level would be considerable.

Yeah probably even by my standards.

Teemo gives an understanding nod. Still, you want to send some of your illusion foxes along at least? They wont be as quick as a scion, but having extra sneakiness wouldnt be a bad thing. Maybe theyll even meet the requirement for a Conduit if you make them a scion after they drain the Maw.

The Stag smiles. My Lord is willing to help, and will happily take what He can from the Maw, but He expects it will be one of yours to finish the Maw. Whatever forces you may wish, my Lord is willing to commit, within reason.

Cool. Right now, I dont think we have anything set in stone, but the bears and the foxes will probably have good uses in there.

Leo nods at that, earning another smile from the Stag. Then I shall return to my duties, though my Lord would request I be present at the interrogation of the prisoners. He may have His own insights and questions.

Probably a good idea, yeah. We could even practice a technique the Boss knows.

Oh? asks the Stag, looking interested as my Voice grins.

It probably wont be too necessary for these two, but good cop/bad cop is supposed to be a good way to get info out of someone. Youd make a good bad cop.

The Stag frowns at that for a moment, before his ear flicks and he sighs. Explain. My Lord is interested, though the term makes little sense.

Teemos smile widens and he hops onto the Stags head. This is going to be great, just you wait.