Chapter 48: Power Draws Power

Chapter 48: Power Draws Power

The Newt and Demons shop became a place cluttered with bodies. The lack of chairs didnt help things, but Theo cast his eyes over those assembled. There was a loose definition on what determined a mercantile seat, but it came down to who had influence and who had a seed core building within the town. Zankir stood, chatting with Azrug near the entrance. Throk stood with Banurub, Tresk, and Fenian near the wall of potions. Miana, Luras, Perg, Ziz, and Aarok stood near the counter. The mood was light, despite the alchemists expectations. He thought it would be a grim day.

Theo was happy to be wrong. While they faced down a difficult situation, things were already in motion. Any sense of disquiet washed away the moment he saw everyones smiling faces, greeting him as he descended the stairs. He held up a hand for silence, which he got without question.

What an odd bunch, Theo said, trying not to laugh. We carved something special here, havent we?

Yeah, we did! Tresk said, pumping her fist in the air.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.

Theres a long road stretching ahead of us, but Im trying to take it slow, Theo said. I have a lot of experimentation coming up, so my schedule is going to be tight.

Get to it, Miana said, flashing a roguish grin.

Fenian thinks were in for a battering, Theo said. Aarok can confirm that, with the research hes done. A worldwide monster wave is looking more likely by the day, but I imagine Qavell already knows that.

Knows it and wont tell a soul, Throk put in, nodding to himself.

The jerks! Tresk shouted.

Right. Fenian agreed to supply us with defensive platforms at cost, Theo said. 10 gold each, and I already have twothanks to his generous gift.

I have an interest in this town, Fenian said. His voice always had an air of authority. Qavell is small, relative to the other holdings. Their resources will run dry before long. Youll be on your own out here.

That doesnt change much, Aarok said with a scoff. They send us pocket change to defend the town.

Theyre doing their best, Perg said, shrugging. I cant imagine the cost of a war.

Its extremely expensive, Fenian said, grinning. But, theres money to be made. Potions are in demand, of course, but so is leather, food, and other goods.

What hes trying to say is we need to become a crafting town, Theo said. The resources around Broken Tusk are absurdly rich. Its amazing they havent been tapped before.

Well, there might be more to that than you think, Aarok said, withdrawing a notebook from his inventory. Ogres dont keep good records, and Half-Ogres arent much better. From what I gathered, it was never this rich. The fishermen have pulled in record hauls. Theres a record from a Qavelli surveyor about the mineral deposits. Poor quality marble. Thats what they said.

Our stone is of perfect quality, Ziz said, puffing his chest out.

Zankir cast Theo a look that made his heart beat faster. The alchemist long suspected the adventurer knew more than he was letting on.

There is a story among the Khaharispecifically the Khaharidulte, holders of the oasisabout a convergence, Zankir said. Portents of the apocalypse, or the harbinger of a new world. It is quite poetic, so no one knows how much is true.

A convergence, Theo said, feeling his heart skip a beat.

Whats your take on all this convergence talk? Tresk asked.

I think theyre right, Theo said.

Theo peered over the crenelations of the western gate, watching as a group of adventurers went out into the swamp. That marsh seemed like such a dangerous place to him, like everywhere outside the walls. The privilege of safety didnt come cheap, but it was a constantly evolving thing. There was a lot of work to be done, but today was a day of rest.

Do you think well survive? Tresk asked. She sounded vulnerable, for once.

Well be fine, Theo said. Theres no other option.

Well, were ahead of where we would be without you, Tresk said.

Theo continued his journey along the wall, starting his ascent to the north of town. He spotted Zankirs house in the distance, a steady stream of smoke rising from its chimney. Even at this distance, he could hear the voices of the mans children playing. It was a sound he never thought hed appreciate. It was the sign of a thriving town. He paused before the wall turned east.

Ive done a lot, but not alone, Theo said.

As the wall turned east, the path got dangerous. Theo slipped several times, caught only by Tresks deft hands. The rising hills to the north forced the wall to pitch at a tricky incline. From the northern gate, all of Broken Tusk was laid out for them to see. The people looked like ants from that vantage point.

Have you been to the [Hills Dungeon]? Theo asked.

Nope, Tresk said. Other adventurers have, but its still pretty low.

We should keep information on each dungeon, Theo said. Make sure were clearing the overflow.

Tresk didnt respond as they hooked along the bend, heading south. The sound of chisels against stone chased after them, fading into the distance as they went. Rushing water came next, the sound of the powerful eastern river. The water was a hundred paces from the wall, giving them a splendid view of the lowlands to the east. The alchemist perched atop the eastern gate, letting out a sigh.

The [River Dungeon] is also concerning, Theo said.

Maybe you can make a water breathing potion, Tresk said.

She was thinking more like him. Potions had been his solution to everything, but that was fading. He sat for a moment, reflecting on the encounter with Sulvan down by the river. There were beings that were impossible to overcome in this world. Things that could kill him on a whim. That kind of world didnt seem very inviting.

Theo and Tresk continued south, coming to the next bend. A rise of hills blocked any sight of the ocean in the distance. He knew it was there, even if hed never seen it before. The alchemist imagined the calls of seabirds and the rush of waves as he looked over the southern gate. He sat, dangling his legs over the inward ledge and smiled. The view from the southern gate was the worst, but it had its charms. The southern section of the town was mostly undeveloped thanks to Pergs tannery. Now that the smell was gone, that would be a different story.

Each stop on the wall was a milestone. A brick laid in the road of Broken Tusk. Every memory sat in a special place in his mind, bringing that webwork of stone tighter. It laid over that man he used to be. Theo Spencer died a long time ago, leaving Belgar in his place. Why he held onto that name was beyond himperhaps some vestigial piece of himself that his mind refused to let go of.

Gonna sit here for a while? Tresk asked, plopping down next to him.

Theo withdrew a journal hed only used for notes, a quill, and a pen. He smiled, looking over his town. For a while.

The sun rose over the proud Half-Ogre town of Broken Tusk. Theo pressed quill to paper and began to write his thoughts.