Chapter 18: Gemore once more

Chapter 18: Gemore once more

It was late afternoon by the time the Heirs made it to Gemore. The gate guards had been warned what to expect with Harthi, and theyd finally worked out an efficient way to screen that Nathan was free of Soul Stealer influence. They just zapped him with a wand. If it didnt do anything, he was free to pass.

It wasnt a perfect solution, but it was good enough given that most Talents didnt stick around after a person was taken over. The exact rules werent known - it wasnt like theyd done experiments! But it was probably better than just asking Nathan a bunch of questions.

Though it does spread the knowledge of my magic-resistance further. But my enemies already know about it and I demonstrated it in front of all of the Adventurers at the Solstice, so I dont see the value in trying to keep its very existence close, I just dont want people to figure out the details. The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

Regardless, after entering the city the Heirs beelined for the Adventurers guild. Harthi had pulled up her hood, but was still very much wearing a Giantsrest Mage robe, albeit a student version. The purple apparently meant an advanced student, but the cut was distinctive enough that Nathan was pretty sure a few people on the street noticed.

The Adventurers inside the guild definitely noticed, and a wave of silence spread across the hall as they entered. The void was soon filled with whispers and pointed looks, while Harthi tried to hide from everybody at once. Nathan looked around warily for Eldred or Simla, but didnt see either of them. A clerk scurried out from behind the desk, and Nathan recognized the short man.

It was Velek, who had taught him to read. He beckoned. Come. The Guildmistress wants to see you before the embers cool. He gestured at Harthi. You too. Follow, please.

They walked up the back stairs, headed to Sudraiels office. Harthi wanted to hesitate, seeming to sense that her fate was about to be decided. But she was boxed in between Khachi and Nathan, and Nathan prodded her forward when she tried to slow down.

They climbed to the top floor, to the waiting room in front of Sudraiels office. It was manned by Siltul, Sudraiels old Knuld secretary. He fixed Harthi with a gimlet eye and spoke in a scratchy voice. Sit. The Guildmistress will see you in a moment.

The massive battle-scarred door opened at Siltuls wave, and the Heirs entered the Guildmistresses office. It was just as Nathan remembered it. Weapons on the wall that belonged to her dead family, and a recently-repaired window looking over the front of the Guild, and the walls of Gemore beyond. Sudraiel sat behind the battleship of a desk, her wizened fingers clasped on its surface as she examined them.

There were five chairs facing the desk, and the Heirs took their seats as the door swung closed behind them with a ponderous thud.

Sudraiel stared at the Heirs as if they were a puzzle to solve. Nathan was pretty sure she wasnt mad at them. But they did present a problem for her. She voiced it aloud, You have an Archmage of Giantsrest hoping to eat your livers. He can teleport himself and others, and has been ordered to capture Nathan by no less than a returned founder of Giantsrest. Somebody Faline believes is a Questor. Somebody who may take action on their own. You might have a Questor after you.

At least Sudraiel wasnt sugarcoating things. Nathan furrowed his brow. Hed heard that term more than a few times since hed arrived in Gemore, but hed assumed it meant Adventurers from beyond Gemore who traveled around taking on Quests. So asked what seemed like a pertinent question. What is a Questor?

The Guildmistress leaned back in her throne-like chair, rubbing at a chip in the wood from when shed thrown it out the window. Much detail about Questors is unknown, and we do not spread what is known broadly. But. You have need to know.

Questors themselves say they come from a place called the Distal Expansion. We dont know where it is, and even the travelled traders of Litcliff are blind to this question. I believe it is a place that has survived at least one Ending - perhaps more. Perhaps it lives above our heads.

She started ticking points off on her fingers. Through some dimensional Talent, enchantment or other ability, Questors can Travel immense distances instantly, without [Teleport]. Even non-mage Questors can do this. Theyre all inordinately capable fighters, often with multiple classes, impeccable builds and extraordinary levels. I consider the Guardians of Gemore, all together and prepared, an even match against a single Questor. And some of the more powerful Questors could likely defeat them regardless.

Sudraiel continued, ticking down another finger as she spoke. A Questor can discern hidden secrets and powerful Insights with the barest effort. This is probably through powerful skills from the Distal Expansion. Be careful of your secrets, for a Questor will learn them with the barest hint, and involve themselves without your request. She ticked town with her last finger. And last. They are very hard to kill, because they Travel away when in danger. The only Questors we have ever seen die were killed by other Questors.

Shit. Scary bastards. And I was worried about [Teleport] being strategically dangerous. These guys sound much worse. And Badud is probably one? At least hes a mage, and so less dangerous to me personally. Though he could probably just throw a mountain at me, and theres not much I could do about that.

She leaned forward, placing both hands on the desk and conveying utmost seriousness with her words. A Questor is a person you hope never to fight. They can appear from anywhere, at any time, with any purpose. They have their own games and politics on a level above our own. They usually match off against one another whenever conflict flares between cities. If Badud moves against Gemore directly, I expect a Questor will appear in Gemore to face him.

Sudraiel sighed deeply and rubbed her forehead, which was creased with worry. Itll probably be Brox Thastus, hes the Questor who comes most commonly to Gemore. And to Old Gemore, according to some murals weve found. Or it might just be a look-alike, but he doesnt appear to age so.

She shook her head, still massaging her temples. Regardless, it would be a disaster if Badud pushes the conflict and comes to blows with Brox, but we have no voice in the arguments of Questors. Ive alerted the guard and all Adventurers to be on the lookout for Brox or another stranger who could be a Questor.

If one does appear, it will be up to me, the elites and the other councilors to manage them. Under no circumstances are you to involve yourself with even a potentially friendly Questor other than to point them to me. People around Questors tend to die. Quickly. Broxs sense of humor is unfortunate at best.

The old Guildmistress looked up, a small grin on her face. Do you know, I believed Faline a Questor for some years. She managed to discourage me of the idea. Mostly by being too slow. And too emotional. Questors solve problems in days, usually by leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. Then they Travel away as quickly and as mysteriously as they arrived. Faline is strong, and strange. But she is not a Questor.

She waved her hand to encompass the Heirs. The only way to deal with a hostile Questor is to not be found, and if you stay in Gemore to avoid Taeol, Badud might decide to take over. We must avoid a Questor trying to challenge Gemores defenses, unless we wish our wall pulled down and our guard slain.

It is a good thing that Stella has learned [Message], for tomorrow morning you will be leaving Gemore, and you should not return for some time. Gemore is where they will look for you.

The Heirs shot confused glances at each other. Stella asked the question. Where will we go?

Sudraiel shook her head to dispel the miscommunication. I do not think you should leave the region around Gemore. You should continue with the Adventurers duty, protect the villages from the threats which ail them. Fulfill your Oath. She snorted with amusement. Those words carry more weight for you than for most.

Then she grew serious once more. But we will not give you instructions, merely inform you of the threats. You will have to use your own judgment to avoid traps like the one that Taeol set for you yesterday. Above all, you must level, and quickly. You should take tonight to see your families, and stock up on anything you will need for an extended trip into the wilds. Any questions?

Sarah spoke quickly. When can we return?

The guildmistress shrugged expressively. When something changes. Or when you become powerful enough to ward off a Questor. She snorted again. That would seem an impossibility for any other group. But your achievements are impossible to ignore.

Her eyes softened, and she looked at them with a measure of pity. I am sorry. I hope you will be able to return soon. But this exile may last years. We will certainly allow you to return whenever, but know that every time will be risky.

Then the door flew open, and Nathan saw the familiar figure of Herdin bustle in. The short womans cascade of white hair seemed alive as she stormed into the room, taking in Nathan looking over Beatreds display. Poppy came in behind her and hurried to lock the door.

Herdin had caught the last words, and spoke up. Let me handle this, niece. Then she pivoted to Nathan. When we swore that Oath, did we think about what would happen if you died? We didnt, did we?

She pointed at Beatred. My niece was as pleased as a Muckgrabber in the sewer. So excited that she Developed her class to focus on gunsmithing. Without thinking of the consequences. If you died, her new class would be charred in the forge.

Herdin stayed focused on Nathan, jabbing at him with two fingers on her hand. These weapons could change how Gemore fights! Imagine a Ranger in the woods, hidden in a bush. Shooting at mages a half-mile away. Nathan, see the light in your eyes!

According to Sudraiel, you have fought three fights of life and death since last we spoke. Do not smother our fire Nathan, not when we can truly see its potential. She waved expansively at the arsenal of firearms arrayed on the table.

Hear me, but I understand your desire to control the Insights you have brought to Davrar. We understand the weight of them. But we want you to yield your control of these Insights. Allow the three of us to manage the Insights of guns. Let us decide who to teach, who to sell to.

She spoke beseechingly. We are natives of Gemore. We will hold these Insights tighter than a Dragons egg, hide them from our foes. But I beg you, do not let these weapons die with you, or make us wait for you to return to approve any new agenda. Allow these weapons to become an Insight of the Bho.

Well. Shit.

Status of Nathan Lark:

Permanent Talent 1: Magic Absorption 8

Permanent Talent 2: Perfected Body 1

Talent 3: High-tier Slow Fall 5

Class: Spellbreaker Juggernaut level 72

Stamina: 756/820

Juggernaut's Wrath

Antimagic Momentum

Raging Thrill

Juggernaut's Inertia

Unarmored Resilience

Utility skills:

Battle Meditation 1

High-tier Earnestness 6

Mid-tier Sprinting 7

High-tier Spellsense 5

Mid-tier Notice 10

Mid-tier Identify 8

Mid-tier Dodging Footwork 6

High-tier Enhanced Memory 5

Mid-tier Lecturing 5

Mid-tier Tumbling 3