Book 5: Chapter 66: Need to know

Book 5: Chapter 66: Need to know

Was it your goal to shock your mother like that? Blackbast asked as they walked down a hall of Gwens castle. It was nearly an hour since the fiery confrontation, and Gwen was insistent the wedding would happen. However, she was not prepared for her daughter to suggest she might be entering into a poly relationship. The news seemed to break the woman who bid Heather to go while she did some thinking. Frank and Quinny returned to the tower, both feeling uncomfortable in the castle after that little display.

She needed to know, Heather replied and stopped to look out a window that gazed down on the gardens. But truth be told, I am not sure what I am doing. I know I want to marry Frank, but the rest of it just fell on me, and I worry I am being impulsive again.

If you are asking for my opinion, I would say you are being impulsive, but in a good way, Blackbast said as she put an arm around Heather's waist. You are embracing the idea of enjoying your life here and allowing yourself to be loved. How could there be any fault in that?

Heather leaned to the side with a sigh and rested her head on Blackbasts shoulder.

You promise you will help me through all this and wont let me do anything stupid? Heather asked.

Of course, I will, Blackbast replied. You are my slave-girl, after all. I will keep a tight leash on you and guide your steps. But trust me, you will be grateful you did this in a few months.

I feel you're right, but I also feel guilty about this. I mean, aren't poly relationships bad? Heather asked.

Oh, you are having that conflict, Blackbast said with a nod. First, you should understand that those rules do not apply here. Second, women outnumber men in this world by over two to one. It is very common for a man to have two or even three women. It is also common for groups to be made up entirely of women.

I couldnt do this without Frank, Heather said as she considered the latter option.

You are a woman who builds her relationships around a man, Blackbast agreed. So marry your Frank and sort the rest out afterward. She stroked Heathers waist as the two looked at the garden decorated with flowers and ribbon for the impending wedding.

They returned to the garden using the tunnels under the castle to avoid being seen. Heather went directly to her tower, intent on returning to the other side, when she ran across Legeis and a dozen goblins carrying metal parts through the halls.

Whats all this? Heather asked.

That palanquin you asked me to build, Legeis replied. I got Umtha to lend me some of her engineers to help carry the parts over and assemble it.

Did you get anything more out of her about what was going on? Heather asked as she fell in at his side to follow the line of goblins.

Eh, nothing she hasnt already said, Legeis said. But she is very excited about your wedding. She says she has been waiting for it for a long time.

She has been waiting for me to marry Frank? Heather asked.

I know, it doesnt make any sense, but when does anything she says make sense? Legeis asked.

You have a point there, Heather agreed as they passed through the kitchen to find Quinny in the magic fridge stealing the cookies. Aha! Heather shouted and pointed at the offending zombie. I caught you red-handed!

I wasnt doing nothing, Quinny replied as s cookie fell from her mouth.

You were stealing them all again, Heather protested and then looked her up and down. And are you wearing my green dress?

You said I could wear your dresses, Quinny protested as she tried to hide a hand full of cookies.

Heather wanted to be mad, but too much was going on to be upset over cookies. She hooked Quinny's arm as they went by and followed Legeis down the hall.

So Umtha has been waiting for my wedding day for a while now, Heather said as she picked up the conversation they had left off.

She is very excited about it, Legeis sighed. All she does is chatter about it being the right time and place. Something about you going north with the egg and your title in place.

My title? Heather repeated.

She must mean your title as a princess, Quinny suggested.

I don't think that's what she meant, Legeis replied. She's got something else in mind, but pinning her down on what that is, is impossible.

She is a master of evading a straight answer, Heather agreed. But we are about to prove once and for all if she is a player or an NPC.

Oh, right, the whole witness thing, Quinny said before nibbling on a cookie. What are you going to do if shes a player?

Ring her scrawny little neck, Heather answered as they turned a corner and headed down the hall to where the magic door was hidden.

Hey, I know she's a pain in the ass, but you might want to consider something, Legeis interjected.

And whats that? Heather asked.

She's doing all this for you, he said as he looked over his shoulder. That mountain base, the heavy defenses, the goblin army massing inside. That's all to protect you because you mean everything to her.

Heather blinked as she considered the point. Umtha did say that base was to shelter in when some attack finally came. Why an attack was coming and how the goblins could stop it remained to be seen, but she was doing it to protect Heather.

What good will that base do me if I am not inside when the attack comes? Heather asked.

Maybe we will get an early warning, Legeis said with a shrug. I know for a fact she has goblins watching the whole swamp. She is building a network of defenses, and a means to go on the offensive if necessary.

She has to be a player, Quinny insisted. An NPC cant build this fast or on this scale. She is even uniting other goblin tribes under her banner.

Not her banner; it's Heathers, Legeis corrected.

What do you mean its my banner? Heather asked in shock. I have nothing to do with this.

Eh, I dont know what it means, but I know its you the goblins are gathering for. Umtha is just telling them where to meet, Legeis explained as they reached the door and the goblins started to cross over.

As if I needed more to worry about, Heather groaned and leaned into Quinny. Please tell me you're not hiding some deep dark secret that's about to come out?

I am wearing your underwear, Quinny admitted as Legeis laughed.

Great, Heather retorted and pulled her through the magical door. They arrived in the room where Umtha and several goblin engineers were still watching the egg. Heather noticed a chill in the air, and that frost had spread across a small section of the floor. It was just like in the cave where the egg sat for years, slowly freezing the space like a glacier.

I wonder why its so cold, Heather said as she paused to consider it.

One of the goblin engineers barked something in response, and Legeis stopped in his tracks to bark back. The two had an animated discussion as Umtha joined in, pointing to the egg as if whatever they were talking about was obvious.

I should have played an orc, Legeis groaned when they were finished.

What did they say? Quinny asked.

The egg is cold because the process makes a large amount of heat, and it will damage the stone if it can't be kept below a certain temperature.

What does any of that mean? Heather asked.

Eh, I have no idea. I asked what the process and stone are, and they just insisted it was important.

Heather rolled her eyes at the non-answer and noticed green eyes of fire watching her. Her bone champion stood silently in the corner, the eternal guardian of the magical link between her home and the distant world. She hadn't used him in days for fear that his presence would give away what she was. When Jaina and the others saw him, Heather explained him away as one of Frank's minions, but that wouldn't work on people who knew better. She hated lying to them, and a sense of guilt was beginning to grow in the pit of her stomach. It was another problem to deal with, but right now, she wanted to get back and be normal for a little bit. She reached out her thoughts to discover Webster was in the gardens outside her tower. She asked him to come to her side, and he said he would be there soon.

It was too much to worry about, especially in light of the threat from Kevin's nobility. That they considered Gwen a rogue kingdom and wanted to put a noose around Heather's neck didn't sit well. They stepped through the other side and into the distant wilderness where Roric was talking to Frank, the two sitting around a campfire. Gisley, Jaina, and Evalynn were sitting together by the tent, discussing something Heather couldn't quite hear. Breanne was with Chandice, the two talking about shadow spells as Breanne cast something that produced chains out of black smoke.

Oh, I dont know that one, Chandice sighed. What was it called?

Chains of darkness, Breanne replied.

Heather clung to Quinny's arm as she looked at Breanne with a certain wonder. Breanne was wearing a black leather top that clung to her chest and left her arms and shoulder bare. It also exposed her stomach but around her waist was a skirt of leather straps with metal studs. It dropped just short of her knees, revealing a pair of lacy sandals.

Why is she dressed like that? Heather asked as they approached the elven woman.

I dont know, but I approve of it, Quinny replied as she went to take a bite out of her cookie. Heather snatched the cookie from her hand and nibbled it herself, causing Quinny to laugh and get another.

Hello, ladies, Quinny said as they got close enough. What are you doing?

Comparing spells, Breanne answered and then stared at Quinny. Are you wearing Heathers green dress?

Thats not all I am wearing of Heathers, Quinny replied as Heather blushed in alarm.

Anyway, Heather interjected. What exactly are you wearing?

What? Breanne asked and looked down at her outfit. This is my archery garb.

Since when did you have a tiny leather corset and skirt? Heather asked the confused woman.

I have always had this, Breanne remarked and folded her arms. Are you upset by my choice of clothing? I seem to recall you like to sun in less than your underwear.

I do that on my balcony where nobody can see me, Heather countered.

Except Frank, Quinny teased. But then you don't care what he sees.

Are we going to make little quips at my expense all day? Heather asked.

I am just playing with you, Quinny sighed and took her hand. I get nervous around you sometimes, and I make jokes to lighten the tension.

Why would you get nervous around me? Heather asked. Youre one of the bravest people I know.

Aw, Chandice cooed. Seems like you three are working things out nicely.

Yeah, Heather agreed with a slow tone. Honestly, I am trying to ignore all the chaos and focus on the wedding.

Probably a wise move, Chandice agreed and looked over to where the goblins were now banging on metal plates. Whats up with the goblins?

Thats your palanquin, Heather replied. Legeis got them to help him move the parts over because it wouldnt fit through the door assembled. I think they are going to help him put it all together here.

Thats very nice of him. I should get Jaina to thank him, Chandice said with a wry smile.

I dont need to know what that entails, Heather said and cleared her throat.

Ha, youre still uptight, Quinny teased. But then the wedding is probably getting under your skin.

The wedding, the goblin doom fortress, Umthas mysterious gift, and now we have drawn unwanted attention from King Kevin, Heather explained.

What was that? Breanne asked in a serious tone. What do you mean by unwanted attention?

Heather explained the encounter in the castle and how members of Kevins nobility had arrived to ensure Gwen was going to be compliant. They even wanted Heather to join one of their orders and become an undead hunter.

You should have seen Gwen, Quinny added as Heather explained how she used Frank and Quinny to upset their delegation. She got so angry she ordered them out of her kingdom and threatened to go to war.

And you think this was a good idea? Breanne asked in alarm. They aren't just going to go away. If they are insulted by Gwen's actions, they will take measures to bring her to heel.

What else was I supposed to do? Heather asked as she squeezed Quinnys hand. I was going to be forced to join an order that destroys undead and potentially have to live where they could keep me as a hostage.

Yeah, at least this way they think she turned them down because Frank is a carrion knight, Quinny said.

And what did they think you were? Breanne asked. Do you both realize that the south was where many undead players fled? If they think undead are massing again, they might decide to send men to purge the land.

Why would they go to all that trouble? Quinny protested.

Because its what they do, Breanne insisted. Look at what they did to Lydia and her group.

Heather thought back to the vampire woman and how she was a prisoner in her own kingdom, being reset whenever her levels got too high. She was just a means to train new soldiers and was kept in a state of weakness so she could neither escape or become a threat.

I see your point, Heather admitted. But I had to find a way to make them want nothing to do with me. I didnt expect my mother to go mad with rage and chase them out.

Im sorry, Breanne said as she put a hand to her head. I just worry about you.

Dont, Heather said and came to her side. The swamp is our home, and my mother will take care of us.

None, Heather replied and then went into detail about finding the magical staff and the letter. She told them how the staff was attuned so only she could use it, and the letter hinted that Heather was helping her. She was also responsible for breaking the sun and other world-changing events.

You broke the sun? Gisley asked in surprise.

No, she isnt that Heather or Hathlisora, Frank insisted. She just happens to look like her.

Frank, Heather sighed and looked up to meet his gaze. I spawn where the statue of me is near Umthas village. That has to mean something.

It means you randomly spawned there, Frank insisted.

What about the statue? Jaina asked.

It was Umtha's turn to explain, and she told the story about how fleeing necromancers brought the statue and placed it in a hidden temple. They told the goblins to protect it while they drew the enemy away. Umtha explained how it was part of a magical plan to bring the dead Hathlisora back, causing her to spawn nearby.

That temple is where the crown was hidden, Heather said as she took it off again. Behind a door that only I could open.

This is creepy, Jaina agreed. That would mean you have lived a previous life, and somehow your memory got erased.

No, it hasn't, Frank urged as he gently held Heather in his massive ghoul hands. She's been caught up in this by accident.

I wish I could agree with you, Blackbast said. But when we questioned the woman in the crown, she looked right at you and said you were chosen to be Heather's protector.

So you have lost your memories too, Jaina said.

No, none of that happened, Frank replied as he shifted nervously. For all we know, the voice in the crown was lying.

But what if it wasnt? Evalynn asked. What if you two are part of some grand plan to fix something?

Do you remember what the harem girl said about the necromancer war? Jaina asked as she turned to Evalynn. She said they necromancers found a way to raise players as proper undead, but when they died again, they didn't respawn. Maybe this is what happened to Hathlisora.

They did find a way to raise players as proper undead, Breanne cut in. I was there to see some of that horrible fighting. It was the only way to stem the onslaught.

What do you mean? Roric asked.

The necromancers were building something, Breanne explained. Kevin was determined to destroy it before they could complete it, and how do you stop an army whose soldiers respawn four hours after they die? They just kept coming in endless waves, and even with their undead, the necromancers were outnumbered. So they twisted one of their projects and used it to turn the enemy soldiers into allies. Nobody had the faintest clue that if those undead were slain, they would cease to respawn.

I just had a chill run up my spine, Jaina said as she shuddered. I can't imagine the thought of dying for good.

Do we know what they were building? Roric asked.

I am afraid I was a citizen of their empire, but I was not particularly in the know, Breanne admitted. All I know is they had huge crews of undead digging and cutting stone. They were also building magical circles that could enhance their power. We have one of those in our home and hidden behind a wall in the magic room.

So that magic room must have been related to them, Evalynn surmised.

I am afraid it must have been, Breanne agreed. But we also have reason to believe that this particular room belonged to Hathlisora.

It all keeps coming back to her, Jaina said as she looked at Heather. Do you ever wonder who you are?

All the time, Heather replied. If not for Frank and my friends, I would have had a breakdown by now.

The goblins worship Hathlisora as a savior of sorts, Blackbast filled in. That is why Heather commands their loyalty.

This explains a lot, Jaina said.

Does it? Chandice asked as she shook her head. I am more confused than ever. Is she Hathisora or Heather? And if shes Heather, is she a new Heather or the one from the past?

And how could she have lost her memory? Gisley asked.

If shes a new Heather, then why does all the stuff left for the old one work for her? Jaina added.

I dont know! Heather cried and broke into tears as Breanne and Quinny rushed to join Frank in trying to comfort her.

Oh, this is awful, Gisley said as she felt terrible for Heather. No wonder they were afraid to tell us any of this.

I would be afraid to leave my lair, Jaina added.

This is why they all wear my collars, Blackbast explained. It isnt safe for any of them to travel as who they really are.

And that explains that, Roric sighed. But I must admit, there is some very serious danger in being associated with her.

A necromancer who is also potentially the most hated enemy of King Kevin, Jaina laughed. How could it possibly be more dangerous?

And people know she exists, Chandice added. They destroyed one of her homes already. This Moon woman is going to keep hunting her like Alexandria does us. She is going to find her sooner or later, and then all hell will break loose.

Im sorry, Heather sobbed.

Hey, Gisley said and shook one of Heather's hands. It isn't your fault. You didn't choose to come here or play this class. All of this was forced on you, and you did your best with what you had.

But it's never enough, Heather sobbed. I put everyone around me in danger. She spun around and looked at Frank, Quinny, and Breanne. I love all of you, and I am so sorry that I make your lives so hard.

Heather, Quinny replied and wrapped her in a full hug. We love you too, and none of us thinks you make our lives hard. Crazy, but not hard.

She is right, Breanne added. You saved Frank and I from our loneliness, and you refused to harm Quinny when it would have been to your advantage. You are a wonderful person put in very unfortunate circumstances. I have never known anyone as brave as you. To stand up to all that pressure and worry more about your friends than yourself.

Yeah, Quinny urged as she pressed her hug. You never once let the pressure beat you down. You always fought to defend us, and being a necromancer suites you.

Thank you, Heather sniffed and wrapped her arms around Quinny. You are all my heart. I cant face this without you at my side.

None of us are ever going to leave you, Frank replied as he drew Breanne in and hugged all three of them together. You will never have to face any of this alone.

Aww, Chandice said. Their love is so beautiful.

But dangerous, Roric replied. Alexandria is bad, but the curse that followers her is like a volcano threatening to burst.

It is dangerous, Blackbast agreed. But Heather has grown fond of you. She trusts you to know her secrets before you choose to make a home near her.

Roric nodded as Jaina chewed on her lower lip. This was a story too fantastic to believe, but it was clear Heather wasn't lying. Something big was following in her shadow, and one day that thing might jump out and lay waste to everything around it.

We cant abandon her, Gisley insisted. It isnt her fault this happened.

It may not be her fault, but it still happened, Roric countered. We must consider what it might cost us if we build close to them and her past catches up.

We could lose everything, Jaina sighed.

But we can always make it back, Evalynn insisted. We have a knack for making large sums of money, and Rajeen would gladly user her contacts to pave the way for us.

Rajeen? Blackbast said as her eyes went wide. You know her?

She is one of our dearest friends, Roric replied. Do you know her?

Know her, Blackbast laughed. She and I came to New Eden together. Rajeen and I used to be lovers, but now we are very good friends, with occasional benefits.

She gives us benefits as well, Jaina said with a wry smile. I was in her harem for a bit.

You were in her harem? Blackbast said as her tail twitched.

Oh, indeed I was, Jaina cooed. She is rather fond of collecting girls.

How funny, Chandice laughed. Rajeen mentioned she had a friend that she came in with. I can't believe we met her.

We did more than meet her, Jaina reminded. Had I known she was a friend of Rajeen's, I would have tormented that body longer.

You went on long enough, Blackbast replied with a smirk. But now I am torn. It has been several years since I last saw her.

Would you like to see her again? Gisley asked as her wings unfolded and she fluttered into the air.

I could see her? Blackbast asked.

Why dont we take them all to see her, Jaina suggested. We could center the dream on Rajeens inn, and they could all meet her. Heather could use a little time away from her worries anyway.

I think we could arrange that, Roric agreed and turned to Gisley. We will take them tonight.

Wait, what are we doing? Heather asked as she turned from Quinnys embrace while wiping her eyes.

Gisley's race gives her power over dreams, Roric explained. She can link people's dreams over a great distance, and we use it to keep in contact with our friends.

So you want us to enter this dream with you? Heather asked.

Its very simple to do, Roric insisted. But for now, I want to see this land you have available, Roric replied. Then tonight, you are all sleeping in my tent as we share a dream.

Yay, we all get to sleep together, Quinny exclaimed before Breanne swatted the back of her head.

He didnt mean in the same bed, Breanne scolded.

Aw, why not? Quinny asked.

Heather looked at Frank to see he was horrified. She realized it was the sleeping together comment and quickly pulled Quinny into his arms.

Because you belong here, Heather said as Frank curled his arm around Quinny. She turned to Roric and smiled with red-ringed eyes. You still want to consider staying after what I told you?

Gisley is right. All of this was forced on you, Roric replied. I am aware of how people feel about necromancers, but you are not the monster the rumors say they are. I wont turn away from building our home near you because of it, but that doesnt mean the land is right for us.

Oh, you will love it, Jaina insisted as she took his hand. Lets go look at it now so we can get back to share the dream.

Roric nodded, and Heather led the way, showing Roric how the magic doors worked. His girls were excited to see the land, especially Gisley, who hadn't come over yet. An hour later, Heather left them to wander the road alone as Frank and others stood at her side, watching them go.

I hope they like it, Heather said after they were a few minutes away.

What's not to like? Quinny asked as she held one of Frank's fingers. It's plenty wide; they can build into the hills and stretch out for miles.

It is a lot of land, Frank agreed as he put a hand around Heathers waist. But I am worried about you.

Why? Heather asked as she folded her hands over two of his massive fingers.

Because you are dealing with a lot of emotional pressure and change, Frank insisted.

I am fine, Heather replied as she stared into the distance. I finally feel like I belong.

Speaking of belonging, do you really mean what you said? Breanne asked. You love us all?

I dont say things like that lightly, Heather replied without looking back. I am Heather the Necromancer, and I want you all at my side forever.

Breanne and Quinny joined her side as Frank adjusted his arms, so he was hugging all three of them at once.

Then we promise to stay, Breanne replied. No matter what challenges come our way.

Yeah, together forever, Quinny added. A family of undead united under a necromancer.

Heather smiled to consider the strange idea, but it was a moment of happiness she would forever treasure. She put her arms around the waists of her friends, and as a group wrapped in Frank's arms, they watched Roric and family vanish over the horizon.