Chapter 96: Sanctum XXI

Chapter 96: Sanctum XXI

Bacchus looked different. It was hard to tell from if lines around his eyes were from growth general exhaustion. Id seen him once after bringing him back to the enclave, then hed entered the sanctum ahead of me. He carried himself differently now. When Id approached him at the bookshopbefore he knew who I washe had a hunched, aloof manner about him. Now his shoulders were squared, his manner cautious but more confident as a whole.

What were those things? I asked.

Soul sprites. They feast on the essence of the anima blossoms. He pointed to the crumpled flower Id stepped on. Carnivorous flora that collect lesser soul-fragments from smaller sanctum residents that venture too close. Bacchus frowned. Normally the sprites are docile.

They didnt seem docile.

Yes, well. You did step on their food.

I shrugged. I take it you were harvesting them? You were a bit too prepared for what happened.

I was. Once theyve fed on the flowers the sprites yield a potent potion that is key for soul restoration and extending life within the sanctum itself. Not exactly the sort of thing I was expecting to do down here, but hardly the first time reality diverged from stories.

Let me guess. You met a master you wanted to learn from, and were given arbitrary chores to complete and prove yourself.

Bacchus laughed. I see youre familiar with the premise. But really, I shouldnt complain. Master Veldani does important work, keeping the other masters alive, and shes old enough that her mobility is limited. More importantly He raised an eyebrow. You certainly arrived with fanfare.

I suppressed a groan. Going to try to kill me too?

No. Bacchus smiled. I still have plenty of remaining tenure. And even if I had the stones to try it, my mother had a strange level of faith in you. Thats rare, for her. We do not always agree, but it stands to reason if you managed to earn her confidence, you are worthy of mine. Not to mention, I owe you.

I was just the messenger.

Bacchus stopped. No, I dont think you were.

The hair on my arm stood up. I turned back to face him. What do you mean?

Call it a feeling, Bacchuss voice was as distant as his eyes.

I dropped Ralakoss name at the gate, and they let me right in. But no one looked at me twice. Gossip hadnt circulated about me, about my magic. I always figured as soon as it did it would spread like wildfire. My mother had no idea I was coming. And when I met with Ralakos and asked what his plans were for me, he didnt have anything definitive. Like he hadnt really had time to think about it.

He watched me for a reaction. I felt a growing sense of concern.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

We had only found out about you recently.

See, I dont think there was a we. I think you found out about me. You rode out to see me, to see what I was likebeing the son of a criminal and all. He took a step closer until he was a foot from my face.

I had my reasons for playing it close, I admitted.

Well, like I said. Thanks. Im glad you made the decision you did. The intensity vanished and he stepped away, rubbing his neck sheepishly. You basically doubled our chances of being able to open the dimension gate, and Im glad the pressure isnt all on me.

Same, I said, surprised to find that it was true. And maybe once the barrier at the entrance is down well be able to train together. Assuming we can find a suitable master.

Bacchus smiled. Oh? Looks like you owe me after all.

My mouth dropped open. Master Veldani?

Shes magnificent. Old. Ancient even. But has full mastery of the fourth stage. Bacchus said.

Wait, fourth stage? I found myself excited about the prospect. The only ones I know of are Spark and Control. I have no clue what the third is, let alone the fourth.

His shoulders drooped. Yeah. Neither do I. Shes only demonstrated the third stage, and I still dont understand it.

I found myself excited and disappointed in equal measure. Part of me was relieved that at least there was a Dantalion master alive and well enough to teach. But the disappointment was thatGiven what had happened to Saladius, we really couldnt afford to linger here.

Hes a flowery one, isnt he? Veldani said to Bacchus, who shrugged. Says almost less with more than you.

Again, I felt my cheeks growing red. Was every master of the sanctum this irreverent when showed the proper respect?

Relax, child, I meant no harm. Veldani sighed. The sanctum has been growing more inhospitable by the day, and were overbooked and understaffed. We lost a few while Bacchus was gathering ingredients.

What exactly is this place? Maya asked. Shed taken her place at my side, and her tail shifted from side to side.

A place where the damned come to die. Veldani sighed. Mostly those of our ilk who have lived too longfully expended their souls. Some who have left the sanctum and returned. All sick. All living on borrowed time. Speaking of which

Veldani held out a hand towards Bacchus. He handed her the bag. She only examined it for a moment before her eyes widened. This is too much!

Isnt that a good thing? Bacchus asked.

Theres a reason I gave you exact numbers, child. Theres only so much I can process. Pity. Veldani stared at the bag grimly. More than half of this will go to waste.

Is it alchemy? Cairn can help. Hes good at alchemy. Bell looked between me and the master.

I inwardly groaned. Id sensed the opportunity myself, but was trying to prevent this from going the way things had with Saladius.

Youre an alchemist, too? Veldani raised an eyebrow towards me.

I nodded. Middling, Master Veldani.

How middling? Name the most complex potion youve brewed without oversight. The question was rapid fire, barely giving me time to think.

Um. I believe that would be the Iron Lung Potion. Though even that took more than a few tries to get right.

Middling, is it? Master Veldanis eyebrow rose higher. False modesty will get you no credit here, young prince. An alchemist capable of brewing Iron Lung will be more than suitable as an assistant for my purposes.

Unsure what to say, I inclined my head towards her. That was not my intent. However, Im not certain if that is wise. We are being hunted. The last thing I wish to do is place innocents in the crossfire.

Most of the innocents you see before you, there was a chill mockery in her voice, could snuff you out in a second. It would not be an exaggeration to say that most of them half awakened three elements, and mastered two. All that to say, I am not overly concerned about the capabilities of a magician foolish enough to try to breach this place.

An entire ward tower filled with pinnacle magicians. The whole presentation of the tower was recontextualized in my mind. The tower and the surrounding spell wasnt designed to protect the residents from would-be invaders. It was designed this way to protect would-be invaders from the inhabitants themselves.

Maya stepped up beside me, made a cursory bow, then spoke. There is something else to be considered. This rogue magician is capable of transforming living beings into monsters. She untied the damp sack at her waist and pulled the head of the abomination from it until its face barely showed, keeping the appendage concealed from anyone else who might be watching.

Veldanis mouth dropped. Lord below. She seemed to remember herself, then shook her head. No. This only reinforces things, but complicates the timeline.

You know what they are? How theyre made? I asked.

I have an idea. It is not my area of expertise, nor my place to explain. Veldani clapped twice. A few heads around us turned. An older infernal with a slow lumbering gait and lines in his face so deep they cast shadows walked over towards us. Veldani continued speaking, distracting me from him. You will stay here for a night. Help me process the surplus. Once weve finished, Master Morthus will give you the answers you seek.

Morthus?

After searching for his whereabouts and finding nothing, Id almost resigned the idea of finding the infernal who had come to me in the isolation chamber so long ago and promised me answers about the Metamorphosis cult, the tattoo on Thoths wrist, and why she was apparently turning against them.

But now he was here. Or so she said. There was no one resembling the man in the room. The old, confused infernal that had wandered over now towered over me. Then the pieces began to shift. Something about his posture, the way he smiled.

I see you escaped your cell, Morthus said. It was undoubtedly him. His kind face and over-long spiral horns, everything was the same. But it was also unbelievably different. His jowls sagged. His eyes took me in sluggishly, sclera slightly off-white. And the lines on his face were more numerous than the stars.

What happened But Veldani was already pulling me away towards the back room.

Thats not how this deal works, my future master said. Work first. Talk later.

My mouth firmed as I followed, lips drawing together. So many answers were right around the corner.