Book 4: Chapter 20: Into the void

Book 4: Chapter 20: Into the void

The room was quiet except for the muffled snores of a giant spider sleeping on a pillow. Heather stared at the ceiling, silently scolding herself for eating so many sweets before bed. She tried to convince herself the dream was just that a dream, but she knew it wasn't. Nothing that was happening was at random; instead, it seemed carefully crafted to draw her in. A puzzle teasing at her mind and daring her to solve it.

Her first instinct was to run away, deny all of it, and hide. Yet, someplace inside cried out and demanded she follow the clues. Something bigger than herself was going on, and somehow she was involved in it before she even set foot in the world.

Her eyes went to a nearby table where the letter still rested. It was addressed to her from Hathlisora and clearly indicated that Heather was a part of some plan. She had been here before and broken the sun to complete some goal. The letter mentioned Umtha's dress and the magic flowers painted on it. A dress Umtha said was given to her by Hathlisora. If a special song was sung, the flowers swayed and danced. Of course, the song was in goblin, but thankfully they had Legeis.

Now she knew the sun was broken to make an hour last three. There was some magic at play that was limited to a narrow time window, and this was her workaround. What was she working around, though, and why? Who was she trying to help? The song said the chosen, but Umtha said Hathlisora was working on a way to send the goblins home.

She briefly considered leaving and going someplace far away to start over. Just walk away from all this and forget it ever happened.

I cant, she sighed and put an arm over her eyes. But that doesnt mean I have to be consumed by this. I should make time to be still and enjoy things. Whatever was going on waited this long, it can wait a little longer.

She stepped onto the floor of the room, being careful not to disturb Webster as she got up. She went walk across the room but stopped to see the red lights of the bone champions eyes watching her.

What are you doing here? she demanded. I told you to stand outside the room.

The skeleton didn't move; its eyes wavering slightly under the darkness of its helm. She realized she wasn't dressed, and that staring glare suddenly made her uncomfortable.

Get out! she shouted. Stand in the hall like I told you!

It moved without any hesitation, exiting the room with little sound. She waited for the door to close behind it before moving to the wardrobe on the wall. Thankfully she brought additional dresses and had her skeletons carry them up. They now hung before her face as she wondered which to wear.

I need a bath, she said and nearly jumped when Webster tapped her leg. Dont scare me like that, she sighed and looked down at him. My shouting woke you up, didnt it?

The spider bobbed, and she reached down to pick him up. At least you listen to what I say. That skeleton likes to love around when I'm not looking. She listened to a tiny voice squeak in her head and smiled. No, I can't feed him to the lizard wolves in the lower tunnel. He might be odd sometimes, but I still value his protection.

She set the spider down and looked through the dresses, settling on a blue one with white trims. After quickly dressing, she slipped out of the room barefoot, determined to go straight to that room with the deep pool to wash.

After a cookie, she told herself as she passed the kitchen and dashed inside. Webster jumped to the table as she grabbed three cookies and made her way into the hall. A few minutes later, she had the last cookie in mouth as they entered what could only be described as a bathroom.

The pool had a wall as tall as Heather's waist, allowing her to lean over slightly to touch the surface. It was surprisingly warm and crystal clear, the surface dancing in waves as it poured from the fountain. In cabinets on the wall, she found thick towels, bars of soap, and jars of scented oils.

Two men lived here? she laughed as she smelled one of the very flowery scents. This is more suited to a lady. She carried it out of the cabinet with some towels and set them aside by the pool. After making Webster turn around, she quickly undressed and uses some steps by the wall to climb into the pool.

Alright, I do want to live here, she said as the warm water washed over her skin. She heard a squeak in her head and looked to the spider. Yes, you can turn around now. He hopped to a nearby table and settled into a ball as she washed her hair and body.

I need one of these for my tower, she said to him. I wonder how many points were spent to make this. Again a squeak in her mind made her pause. I guess it could have been made by hand, but that's even harder to imagine. I have no idea how to make skeletons smart enough to do such detailed work. She thought of the kingdom heart and the research notes, going over the idea of summoning a smarter NPC into a base skeleton. I suppose I do have a theory, but it would take a lot of work. She dunked her head in the water and came back up, wiping her hair back. I have too many paths to follow now. Do I take care of the egg next or go after this hand that the wizard mentioned? But then there is the mirror, and I want to get back to Gwen, to set up my book store. I also want to work on that idea Quinny had about making my own golem. Now that we have the success with Legeis's armor, I feel more confident I could make that work. She paused a moment as Webster chirped in her mind. You're right. I suppose we should also go back to the graveyard soon. Who knows what's happened while we were away.

Webster made a shrill whistle as she set the bar of soap on the side of the pool. He leaped from the table, landing on the bar only to slide across the rim a few paces and fall off.

Heather laughed and looked over the side. Are you alright? She smiled at his response. Silly spider, that isnt food, you should have eaten the cookie. Her face took on a shocked expression to hear his reply. What do you mean cookies are terrible? They are one of the five most important food groups. They are almost as vital as pizza, well, to me anyway. He leaped back to the table and resumed his curled position as she shook her head. Then what do you want to eat? I have no idea what a giant terror fly is, and I have no desire to find out. Aren't their plenty of big insects in the swamp?

He tapped a foot irritably as she laughed. It isn't my fault; there is so much water. Why can't you walk on it like those spiders the goblins were using? He fussed and thumped a leg as she leaned on the rim. Don't get angry with me because you can't do that. I bet they can't jump near as high as you can.

Heather? Frank called from somewhere outside the room, causing her to look over in alarm.

Im in here, but your not welcome to come in! she shouted.

What are you doing in there? he asked from someplace outside the door. I thought I heard talking.

I am taking a bath and talking to Webster, she replied, feeling very naked all of a sudden. It made her very nervous to know he was so close. With a sigh, she reached for a towel and motioned for Webster to turn his back before she got out. Once firmly wrapped, she went to a bench by the door and sat down with the oil.

Alright, I can hear you better, she said as she dipped some fingers in the silky substance. She began to rub it on her skin with a soothing sigh as he shuffled outside.

Are you feeling better? he asked.

I feel fine, she replied. What time is it? I cant tell from underground.

Its morning. Maybe halfway to noon.

Hmm, she said as she pondered what time it was when she went to bed. It was hard to say how long it took them to get Legeis into the workshop or find the notes needed to enchant his suit. She might have gone to bed at ten, midnight, two? Whatever the case, it felt like she slept too long, well into the morning and nearly noon. Could these dreams have something to do with that? They seemed to be more common when she was asleep for a long time. Maybe that was a clue?

Breanne wanted to know if you still wanted to play with the mirror?

Why wouldnt I want to do that? Heather asked.

I dunno, you might have changed your mind, he replied.

Hardly, she mused. The mirror fascinated her, and thus far, everything in Hathlisora's letter had turned out to be important. Logic told her the mirror was too and finding out how was now a driving motivation. Webster tapped at her foot as she rubbed a leg with oil reminding her he was here.

Should we go play with the mirror? she asked him as he bobbed in yes.

Webster says we're going to play with the mirror. I will be in the workshop in ten minutes or so, she said to the door.

I will let everyone know, Frank replied.

She listened to hear him shuffle off and leaned back against the wall. I guess my bath is over, she said and looked down at Webster. He let out a shrill purr as she pet him with a foot. Well, let's get ready.

She wrung out her hair with a towel and wrapped it up before slipping back into her dress. She walked barefoot down the hall, heading for her room, but made a quick stop in the kitchen first. With a cookie in mouth and four more in hand, she arrived at her room to collect her bone champion and scythe. She also grabbed the letter and quickly headed down to the workshop.

She found her friends standing by as she walked in, her hair still up in a towel. Legeis was already in his armor suit as he stepped a few paces, walking near perfectly. Breanne was in her elvish form, wearing a dark green gown belted in light tan. She looked like a woman of refined nobility, with a haughty expression on her face. Umtha stood in a corner with a very different face. She looked unhappy and watched Heather with a frown.

Are you ready? Breanne asked as she noted the towel.

I was taking a bath, Heather remarked as she walked across the room. I dont want to wait any longer. I have too many tasks to take care of, and a promise to Gwen to keep.

As you wish, Breanne said and stepped aside.

Heather noted the concern on her face. She always looked so young in this form, a girl her age at most, yet Breanne was four times older. Knowing didn't change her opinion at all. To her, Breanne was just another young woman. She realized that was more of her judging people by looks, something that came so easy and natural. Her eyes glanced to Frank, and she saw a friend, but also the monster he played. With a sigh, she led her bone champion to the room with the mirror.

What do we think will happen? Quinny asked.

I am hoping it will show us something important, Heather replied as she studied the sequence in the letter. A clue to what is going on and how I am involved in it.

I still think this could all be the visitors creating some kind of grand adventure for you, Frank insisted.

Maybe, Heather replied as she lowered the paper and looked at the dark surface before her. It still seemed to move, like clouds reflecting in the water of a still pond, but nothing of importance could be seen.

Push the buttons already, Quinny said excitedly. I want to see if ghosts will come out like your book.

With a laugh, Heather began to push the buttons, causing them to glow with their respective colors. When she pushed the red button a second time, there was a sound like breaking glass that filled the room. She hesitated on the last button and took a deep breath before pushing it.

The mirror was changed, but it wasn't. The surface rippled like water, but inside it was the same, gray mist-like clouds that slowly moved. Now and then, they saw a blue flash but couldn't make out what it was.

Its moving, Quinny said.

Heather dared to dip the point of the scythe into the glass to watch it vanish into the surface.

Its like water, Quinny said.

It must be a portal, Breanne said. Another door to someplace else.

But is it safe to go to the other side? Frank asked.

The world isnt that old, and theres no weather here to decay it, Frank replied.

Maybe the darkness eats clothing, Quinny offered.

Dont be ridiculous, Breanne scolded but didnt sound at all convinced.

Wait, I see something else, Frank said and pointed. They turned to look, and way out in the distance to the right was a blue flash from another pole.

That one doesnt reach us, Heather said as she peered into the blackness.

There is another one to our left, Breanne added, drawing their attention to a second pole too far away to reach.

So, this is some kind of crossroads? Heather asked.

But two of the paths are blocked, Breanne said. We can only go back or continue straight ahead unless we want to risk crossing into the darkness.

I will pass, Quinny said. Going back sounds like the best option.

Go back, Umtha agreed.

We cant go back now, Frank said. This body got here from someplace, and we might be near the destination of this path.

Or we could be a week's worth of walking away, Quinny insisted. Besides that, humming noise is driving me crazy.

It is a little disturbing, Breanne agreed. Its almost alien.

Let's move on, Heather replied. We walk for one more hour, then turn around. The landscape was featureless dusty gravel that made thin clouds as they walked. The only alteration it made was the slow undulations of dunes, rolling like some bleak desert. The dust trailed in their wake, their passing the only disturbance to the air. They discussed the letter and who the man and woman she shouldn't trust were as they walked. The letter said she would know who it was referring to, but she had no idea.

Frank was particularly interested in the suggestion about changing resets, so no progress was lost. Breanne agreed that it would be very useful in a world where resetting monster players was considered a sport. Heather was more interested in the references to the buffer as the key. What was being hidden in the buffer, and how was it retrieved?

As they talked, a distant light appeared as did more objects on the ground. Approaching carefully, they discovered more bodies, but this time they had equipment. Swords, armor plates, worn packs, and cloaks were on every body. The skin was gone, and some of them looked to be burned as they lay in the dust. Heather leaned over one to see it had a gold chain. She pulled at it, dislodging the head from a neck, and lifted the chain to reveal a sword dividing a sun.

What is this? she asked, holding up the necklace.

Frank look alarmed as Breanne leaned closer in wonder.

Allamure, the god of justice, she said.

What does that mean? Heather asked as Frank pulled another amulet up to reveal it was the same.

They all have them, he said, pulling up a third.

Then they must be the same, Breanne agreed.

Could somebody fill me in on what they are all the same of? Heather asked, growing annoyed.

Paladins, Frank said. These are dead paladins.

What? Heather asked and looked about. Why are they here?

And why havent they respawned? Legeis asked.

Nobody had an answer, so Heather sighed and suggested they move on to examine the light. She pocketed an amulet, and Quinny helped herself to an ornate sword with a curving blade. She gave it a few swings as it began to glow with a soft light.

Yay, a magical sword, she exclaimed and held it up. I will name you box cutter.

Why box cutter? Frank asked.

Quinny shrugged. I cant think of anything better.

Heather smiled and moved on, grateful for the moment's respite. The bleakness of the world and the pulsing hums were draining away the last of her sanity. As the light they approached came closer, she was relieved to see it was another mirror. Two more armored bodies lay just before the oval disk of the great mirror. They could see a dark room beyond, made of gray stone.

It took us to another place, Heather said. Maybe another lair.

But where? Quinny asked as she leaned closer. Why are there no lights in it?

And why are there more bodies outside it? Breanne asked, drawing attention to three more skeletons on the floor just beyond the mirror.

Hmm, Heather said and looked at the two in the dust. Let's test something. She stepped back and spoke with a clear voice. Rise and serve. The skeletons lay motionless in the dust, her command to make them undead having no effect. What? she asked and tried again to little avail.

You cant make them undead? Frank asked in shock.

It should work, Heather insisted and tried once more. I feel the spell working, but nothing is happening.

Lets get out of this place, Quinny insisted. I dont want to be here any longer than we have to.

Heather nodded and stepped to the mirror. She reached out to touch it with her scythe. The surface rippled like water allowing the scythe to pass through. She crossed over into the dark room with a bold step and waited as the others came through one at a time. Just as Umtha stepped through, there was a sound like breaking glass, and the mirror went opaque, its surface nothing but dark clouds.

Did we cause that? Heather asked.

I don't know, Breanne said. I wonder if we can be trapped on the other side?

Heather looked around the dusty space as Legeis held up a flashlight and began to inspect the mirror from their side. It looked identical in every way to the one they stepped through, but the room was smaller. Frank examined the three skeletons to find more holy symbols confirming they were paladins.

This is strange, Heather remarked as she looked around. There are no doors.

Or tunnels, Quinny said.

I can dig us a tunnel, Frank offered as he approached a brick wall. It was covered with the dust and cobwebs of disuse as he put a hand to it.

Let me see if I can find a passage, Breanne said as she went spectral. She floated through a wall and was gone several moments as they others waited around.

Where do you think this is? Legeis asked.

It could be anywhere, Heather replied. She had been wondering the same thing and hoped Breanne would return soon. For now, she was grateful they were out of that void and away from the pulsing hum. Something about the sound they made was tortured and unsettling, and exposure to it was grating.

So that's like a magical tunnel, Frank said, looking back to the mirror.

I thought magical tunnels were supposed to be instant, Quinny asked.

Heather looked back to the mirror and noted the buttons on each side. She guessed it was operated the same way, and they could go back if needs be. As the minutes ticked by, Breanne finally came out of the wall two dozen paced further down.

Did you find anything? Quinny asked.

I found more than enough, Breanne said in a dour tone. You will never guess where this is.

Heather shook her head. I have no idea.

Breanne smirked and floated to the wall, pushing a brick that caused the wall to slide away. Carefully they looked into the room beyond as Heather squinted to see in the dim light.

Why does this look familiar? Frank asked.

I cant believe it, Heather said. Were home.