Book 3 Prologue

Book 3 Prologue

Brox Thastus was having a good time.

After all, hed just won a battle. Hed saved a city that he was rather fond of - and now they were throwing a festival in his honor.

Again.

He looked up from the high table spread with what passed for delicacies in the city-state of Itonia. The grand hall was built with fluted columns and delicate tapestries, designed to impress supplicants. But right now the noise from a thousand throats was mangling the carefully planned acoustics.

This is probably more fun than anything that usually happens here.

Dozens of partiers had their attention fixed on Brox, gazes filled with various combinations of greed, lust and worship. Brox noted a few who showed stronger signs of lust.

I can handle greed, but real worship is a turn-off. I am feeling a good orgy though. Itll help me feel properly victorious. Gotta do the speech first.

Brox rose, picking up a gourd filled with shimmering liquid that was probably an ancient and priceless vintage of some local fruit or another. The motion cut off whatever notable had been attempting to speak over the roar of the crowd. Brox didnt recognize the man, but it wasnt like he kept track of the well-fed oligarchs who ran the city - he found their bowing and scraping blurred together. Instead, Brox raised his drink to the warriors who likely hadnt been allowed inside this building before.

Siblings of Itonia!

A roar greeted his words as the lithe warriors scattered throughout the room cheered. Many of them raised weapons towards the ceiling, reveling in their victory.

I think this was the first battle for most of them. I envy them that. I love fighting, but to confront your own mortality for the first time and then survive the experience - it never feels the same way again.

But that thought spawned another one, and Broxs lips quirked as he looked over the crowd that was eagerly expecting his words.

I wish it hadnt been their first battle. They need to be more self-reliant. I know its my turn on the Questor roster for Itonia, but I dont want to have to come save them every other year. But Im not about to sit down and waste a decade training them up.

It was with that thought in mind that he continued his speech. We have won a great victory today! Defeated the encroaching blight of the undead, and smashed the source of that foul magic. It was an honor to fight by your side!

I should count how many times Ive said that phrase on Davrar. Probably hundreds?

The hall shook with cheers, but Brox held out a calming hand. They quieted quickly, and Brox shivered at the feeling of hundreds of people obeying his will.

I could have done a strategist build if I really wanted that. But I adventure for the blood in my teeth, not puzzles and responsibility.

Itonia is a land of prophecy, of seers! You are renowned for your foresight, and the guidance of those who dwell in the cave. It steers your rulers well, and guides your people.

Only about half of that was a lie. Maybe a bit more. But trying to fix a society gets really messy. And not the fun kind. The kind of messy where lovers stab you in the genitals.

He paused again, leaving his audience hanging on his words. But guidance and foresight have their limits! The wisest mind can do nothing without a strong arm to carry out its will. You must train yourself, hone the blades of your bodies. The next time your city is threatened, break the danger like a decorative pot!

There was some confused blinking, and Brox let out a small sigh. Hed never been great at rousing speeches, which is why he was trying to get in the habit of giving speeches after victory.

When next I return, I will test you! And I pray that I find peers among you!

Yeah, as if thats a likely outcome.

As the crowd realized he was done, they cheered once more and returned to their revelry. Brox eyed those hed marked for invitations to his private celebration later, and was speculating on a likely source of oil when a bejeweled man stepped forward to speak to him.

You mean to leave soon, Lord Brox? nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.

Swiveling to look at the annoying oligarch, Brox considered hanging him from the chandelier by his underwear - that was always worth a laugh. Then he paused to consider the question. It was time to consider his next move.

Then they rose, and the women spoke again. Three questions. That is all we can muster, for what you will ask.

Maybe I should have thought through my questions in more detail. Eh, whatever.

If I go to Gemore, will it be interesting?

Several of the seers winced at the broadness of his question, but they joined their hands together and closed their eyes as one. Nothing happened for a moment, then the ambient magic in the chamber was sucked into the kneeling seers, who shivered under the strain of conducting so much magic.

Maybe we should give them some more magic Insights. I dont have any, but Im sure Saryas got a half-dozen that would help them withstand this much mana.

Then the seers opened their eyes and spoke as one. You will decide the fate of Gemore and Giantsrest both.

Broxs eyebrows vaulted towards his hairline. He hadnt been expecting that. He blinked a few times and reevaluated his further questions. Hed been planning on asking one question about Gemore, one question about Sarya, and one question about wandering on his own. But

Its worth being sure. I dont like any ambiguity in this.

Do you mean that I will kill Badud and raze Giantsrest?

The seers showed some relief at the straightforward question, and once more closed their eyes as the magic writhed. But the prognostication was clearly more difficult than they expected. Magic drained into the seers for a solid minute, and they moaned and shivered as they looked into the future.

Eventually the group of mages slumped to the ground, panting. The oldest seer spoke again, her voice thick.

We saw the Ascendent Academy shattered, Badud slain. But it was not you that did it. Something beyond fate, somebody prophecy cannot see. But you will make that outcome possible, if you go to Gemore within the week.

Brox rubbed his chin, considering the answer carefully.

Not just Giantsrest, but Badud killed? Damn, thatd be a first. And not me that does it, but something beyond fate? This is definitely worth my time. Lets be sure its not just a weird edge case they got stuck on.

How do I ensure Giantsrests fall?

The seers sighed as one, wiping blood from noses and bracing themselves to work their magic once more. The old woman held up her hands. I will answer this question alone. You all must think upon this experience, and level.

The other seers didnt argue, and the woman stood, floating into the air as she channeled what magic remained in the cavern. The cave darkened as every trace of power was used to answer Broxs final question.

She spoke from midair, her form revealed to Broxs skill-enhanced eyes. When armies clash, you must fight Badud in open combat. To the death.

Then she crumpled to the stone floor, and Brox turned to leave.

The Questor stepped out of the cave. He frowned as he looked down at the city of Itonia far below.

Seems like going to Gemore is going to be a real adventure. I wonder if I should call anybody else? Ushias not available, but I might be able to tempt Sarya with this, or some others from the local grid.

With a shrug, Brox flashed down the mountain path, quickly passing the pilgrims hed displaced from the cave and entering the city.

No. If I invite more Questors in, so will Badud. And that would probably invalidate the prophecy. Besides, just think of the glory, to announce I destroyed one of their terrible slave-empires on my own. Well, at least caused it through whomever is immune to prophecy over there.

Brox licked his lips as he glanced around Itonia, stepping toward one of the lounges in this part of town. Even though he preferred Gemores martial spirit to that of Itonia, Gemore didnt have nearly the level of culture surrounding the arts of cuisine and pleasure.

I have a week, right? Ill stay here for at least a few more days before heading to Gemore.