Book Two Chapter Five: CT_Questboard_Accessed

Book Two Chapter Five: CT_Questboard_Accessed

I think perhaps Sewer Bard should accompany you to the Royal Treasury, Qube said, now that they had decided not to even attempt to rescue the incognito rulers of the kingdom.

The Chosen One looked astounded.

You dont want to come with me to the Royal Treasury? he asked, gobsmacked.

No, Chosen One, Qube said. I have been very selfish, and I think you should get to know your other companions. I think it would be good for Sewer Bard and you to have some bonding one on one time.

Idly Qube wondered if this counted as a date. Or maybe that was only if there were love interrogations during it? Either way, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was pouting and Sewer Bard was looking profoundly uncomfortable. Qubes mind raced to find a solution before either of them exploded.

And Definitely Bad Guy too.

Qube tried to look at her own mouth in horror at that suggestion. She couldnt imagine a more volatile group. There was no way they were going to agree to this! Her whole plan to make money was ruined!

Sexy Screamy Spider Lady slapped her claws against her cheeks and gave a high pitched squeal. Squiggles reared up on her tentacles, the Chosen One pulled out his sword and Qube spun around, trying to find the threat.

Girls Night!

The tension drained out of Sewer Bard and he startled to chuckle. Ah, and this shall be a night with the lads, as they say? He followed this up by giving the Chosen One and Definitely Bad Guy a wink that would have counted as public indecency in most places. Many a bawdy verse has been written about the events of a group of gentlemen painting the town red. He froze, and glared at Definitely Bad Guy, who had perked up.

With paint, not with blood, he added sternly. Definitely Bad Guy resumed his disinterested attitude. It is generally seen as a step forwards in a mans romantic life, too, he continued. The tips of Definitely Bad Guys ears slowly started matching his red hair for hue. Oh yes, many an experience can be experienced on a night on the town!

Qube hadnt heard any of these tales. What stories was he talking about? She would have to get him to tell her them later for now she was far too pleased that her plan seemed to be working.

And my darling little squish has never been to the city, so of course she would need to go out and get made up! Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was practically dancing on the spot, which, when there were that many legs involved, was always a sight to see. She picked up Squiggles and nuzzled her face into the sandpaper-like skin that made up the top half of the sharktopus. Lightening fast, Squiggles tentacles clamped around Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys neck and wrenched the Hunter closer.

Such strong cuddles! Qube cooed lovingly.

Every girl should have such strength, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said approvingly from the nest of tentacles enclosing her head.

The Chosen One, however, did not seem enamoured with this plan. He continued to look at Qube.

You... dont want to make sure that I dont steal anything? he asked, sounding almost hurt. Its a Royal Treasury. Probably full of gold. They told me not to take anything.

I know, Chosen One.

And you dont want to keep an eye on me?

Of course not. I know you wont steal anything, Qube said calmly.

The Hero frowned. Qube looked her best friend directly in the eyes and smiled at him.

I trust you, she said, with the simple honesty of absolute truth.

The Chosen One gave her a look of deep betrayal.

Thats not fair! he complained. Thats cheating!

Qube reached out and squeezed his hands.

Of course, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said, caressing Qubes face with a claw. Dont worry, my sweet, we will find a way around it. I promise you. Being sensual is more than just a style, its a way of life.

Qube smiled politely to hide the fact that she had no idea what Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was talking about.

Ill meet up with you at the destroyed inn, she repeated. Please dont take too long!

As soon as all sixteen legs disappeared around a corner, Qube started racing towards the giant telescope poking out of the roof of a marble dome sitting on top of a hill. Her robes flapped around her legs until she hitched them up and tucked them into her belt.

As she flashed past the main plaza she saw the Adventurers Board. She skidded to a stop. Of course! She could just take a small, easy job, like delivering a letter, and make some money that way! No danger, or even leaving the city walls required!

She quickly scanned the board. Killing ten wolves no. Capturing a golden slime that had escaped warning, very slippery customer gross, no. Debt collector no, she was invisible; how could she talk to them about it?

Please return my stolen goods from the thieves guild

Qube snatched at the yellowed parchment.

To any soul brave enough to do the right thing, it read in fancy swirly lettering. My beloved family sword has been purloined by the most awful of thieves guild. Please, if there is any honour left in this world, find my familys heirloom, and I shall reward you with gold! You shall know my sword by the crown embossed on the hilt.

Warmest regards,

Charmange

Qubes heart was pounding in her chest. This was it. Her chance to earn gold. Even at his most outrageous, there was no chance that Mr. Igma would charge gold for a simple book. She might even have enough left over to buy some body paint!

She quickly memorised the contents of the note. It would take her almost no time to pick up the wings, then she could dash into the sewers and grab the sword. Like a shot she was off again, running towards the hill.

Qube burst into the observatory, her lungs and legs burning from the effort. As she stood in the doorway gasping, she saw about half a dozen figures in large white coats and thick glasses. Several of them had large, mechanical wings that looked like they were made out of dull blades.

Hello, she breathed heavily. I would like the Royal Wings please.

None of the people looked at her.

Oh. Right. She was invisible.

Well, then could she just take the Royal Wings? Shed been given authority to take them, after all. But then they might worry that they had been stolen, and think that they were going to get in trouble. And its not like they could go and ask the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess about what had occurred either.

It was times like this Qube really hated being cursed.

Fine. Fine. She would go get the sword, find where Sexy Screamy Spider Lady and Squiggles were shopping, get them to come to the Royal Observatory, grab the wings, get Sexy Screamy Spider Lady to hand in the reward, then buy the book for her to avoid another awkward situation, and be back at the inn before the Chosen One.

Or she could just [Heal] one of the people here.

Maybe that was how she infected people with her specialness? No, there were plenty of other Healers. If healing alone did it, then everyone would be special. Unless it was some weird combination of being cursed and her healing people that did it? That would explain their abnormal reactions when first exposed to her healing. When she had [Heal]ed the Dryad Queen, the ability to see through her curse had been bestowed upon the Queen.

But shed never [Heal]ed Sewer Bard, yet the magic of the Forest Temple, being so intertwined with the Dryad Queens domain, had allowed him to pierce the veil of her curse. His increased ability to see through her curse may have been kicked off by that initial interaction.

But it still didnt feel right, to go about [Heal]ing people just because she wanted something from them. It went against her Healer instincts and just felt selfish. Sexy Screamy Spider Lady had been an experiment, but all others had been a reaction to an immediate threat either their life or her own.

No. They couldnt agree to her [Heal]ing them and, with no way to communicate, she couldnt ask for their permission. And there were few things worse than having your free will taken away from you.

So, with a sigh, Qube turned away from the glittering technology of the Royal Observatory, and headed off for the sewers.