Chapter 2.40: Through Any Means Necessary

Chapter 2.40: Through Any Means Necessary

Zarali didnt seem to suffer the same disorienting effects of the portal. Tresk and Theo fell to their knees, working to keep the contents of the stomachs from spilling onto Xolsas well-kept stone floor. The Dronon woman swept her senses over the tower, tutting immediately.

What a strange hodgepodge of power, she said, pursing her lips.

The towers wizard came down the winding stairs, eyes wide with surprise. He relaxed upon seeing the trio gathered, letting out a steady breath. Best not to sneak up on a mage like that, he said. Who is the priestess?

Belgars sister. Priestess of Drogramath, Zarali said, puffing with pride. She then said something Theo couldnt make out. The language wasnt familiar to him, and by the look on the mages face, he didnt know it either.

I dont think he knows what you said, Theo said, rising to his feet. His balance was still shaky, but he stood by bracing himself against the wall. She thinks youre part of a race called the Baratheir.

I wouldnt know, Xolsa said, descending the steps. And I dont believe shes really your sister. Although, Im willing to play along with a ruse, if thats what this is.

Zarali looked slightly offended, but Theo held up a silencing hand. Thats quite fine, he said. Its a very loose lie.

Very well, Xolsa said. Is there any reason for your visit?

Im interested in the power you sensed, Zarali said, brightening up again. My brother told me about your theory regarding different energies.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

Ive made some progress on that, Theo, Xolsa said, beckoning them up the stairs.

The roof was ablaze with the familiar symbols, dancing in a circle to trace the curve of the tower. Theo couldnt make out anything, even with his enhanced memory. Tresks eyes darted everywhere, as though she expected an ambush. The alchemist wouldnt think less of her for the vigilance. These were strange times.

I dont understand any of the arcane languages, not least one so foreign, Zarali said, turning her nose up at the display. She swiped her hand through the air once and a series of Drogramathi Sigils appeared. Those were things Theo could understand well.

Her webwork wasnt as thorough as the one displayed by Xolsa. It was a high-level assessment of the magical energies in the area with corresponding numbers in a unit the alchemist didnt understand. What he could glean from the display was that Drogramaths energy was the most prevalent. Zarali swiped her hand again and the symbols changed, displaying words that Theo could understand, but the content was mostly nonsense to him.

I dont know what a [Planar Mage] is, Zarali said, tilting her head. But I understand the dominance of power. The shade one house casts on another, and those in its embrace. Drogramaths presence here is undeniable, but your approach is wrong.

Xolsa bristled for a moment, quickly regaining his composure. I consider myself the foremost expert on the matter.

Perhaps, Zarali said, squinting and poking a symbol on her display. It lit up, then faded away. In terms of where this energy comes from, I would bow to a [Planar Mage]. This webwork is too complex for me. Explain your plan. Be brief.

Xolsa straightened himself up, snapping his fingers to extinguish his interface. He took his finger and drew a diagram in the air. It was the node theory he explained to Theo earlier. Starting from the left with a circle that must have been the swamp dungeon, and moving to the right with each node having a connection to only one other node.

The power is entering the Swamp Dungeon, Xolsa said. The problem is, its getting stuck there. Theres nothing instructing that power to disperse. The plan was to send it over to the other dungeons, but Im having difficulty with my wards.

Well, that much is apparent, Zarali said, chuckling. What little I know of planar spellwork tells me enough. Your approach is too complicated, and besides you misunderstand the concepts.

Do explain, Xolsa said, puffing up.

Theo had never seen the extra-dimensional Elf so engaged. He also didnt really understand what his sister was talking about. Xolsas theory made sense to him.

How much do you understand about dungeon theory? Zarali asked.

Xolsa shifted uncomfortably on his feet, some of that puffiness leaving his body. Not as much as Id like.

Zarali dispelled the nodes in the air, grinning at the Elf. I know as much as my Lord Drogramath sought to instill in me. I never understood why this information would be useful, but his plans can take centuries to come to pass. Think of the dungeons as a membrane. If you need a physical representation

Zarali sketched her own version of the dungeons connections. Instead of a linear progression, where each dungeon fed the other in a line, she drew an infinitely connected network. Her representation was only five dungeons big, each dungeon represented by a small circle, but it was confusing. Every circle was connected with a line to every other circle. Theo understood what she meant by a membrane now.

Proximity matters, but every dungeon is connected to every other dungeon, Zarali said. So, think about the distribution of magical energy as a wave, rather than a linear propagation and your theory holds water.

Do you know what theyre saying? Tresk asked, cocking her head. Cause I dont know what theyre saying.

Power transfers from one dungeon to all dungeons, Theo said, keeping his voice to a whisper.

A simple way of viewing the matter, Belgar, Zarali said, craning her neck to grin at him. Youre not my actual brother, but youre not a dullard.

Uharis didnt answer. He swirled his tea in contemplation.

Answer some damn questions, wizard, Theo said, slamming his fist against the table. You owe me as much. If your intention was to drive me away from Drogramath, youve done the opposite. Youve sent me into his embrace.

I could snap my fingers, Uharis said, demonstrating by snapping his fingers. And destroy Broken Tusk. I could think and wipe you from this plane.

You would have done so already, Theo said, sweat forming on his forehead.

I would have, Uharis said, letting out a ragged sigh. He slumped in his chair slightly, something that Theo didnt miss. Sulvan thought The Archmages brow knit tightly and he shook his head. He sees something in you. Something hes not telling me. He was right, and I was wrong.

Enough of dancing around, Theo said. Tell me the truth. Why did you come here? What does the Order of the Burning Eye want with me? Am I destined to be evil? To serve Drogramath?

Uharis heaved a breath, a pained smile spreading across his face. Sulvan is eons old. He knows things. I was sent to spy, which you already knew. I detected the abnormality with the dungeon immediately and linked your crystal to it. When I detected Xolsas arrival, I knew something larger was at work. Then a Drogramathi Priestess? Thats just too much.

So, what? Theo asked, laughing despite his rage. Im forced to sit at the throne of some Demon Lords destiny?

Drogramath? Uharis asked, cocking an eyebrow. No, hes just a player in this game. Another piece on the board.

Then Im a pawn? Theo asked.

Uharis winced, rising from his seat. Perhaps I shouldnt have come. If you thought of me as an enemy, that would have been a better outcome.

Theo crossed the room, grabbing the Archmage by his robe. Answers, damn you.

Uharis regarded him with an expression Theo couldnt place. After a moment, he found the right word. Pity.

Im afraid I dont know the truth, Uharis said. I wish I did, Theo.

Theo felt a spike of pain drive through his heart. Tears welled at the corners of his eyes. Hed been running from the truth of everything since he got to Broken Tusk. He was done being someones pawn. The alchemist would forge his own destiny and the Gods could be damned for ithe didnt care. Hed defy the order, Qavell, and the entire planet if it meant living his own way. Hed die trying.

I can tell you This place was meant to be, Uharis said. Constructed for one purpose.

And what is that? Theo asked, unable to hide his sorrow. The tears flowed from his eyes, stinging his cheeks and flowing down his face. To suffer? To live in this place, never knowing what knives are in the dark? Which person who enters my town will be the last? To fall to a Demon Lord?

Uharis placed a calming hand on his shoulder, more than a simple gesture. It sent waves of comfort through the alchemists body, soothing the edges of his tattered soul.

To live. To be happy, Uharis said, brows knitting tightly in pain. A place for you, and no one else.

Theo collapsed to the floor, clutching his face in his hands. The image of Zarali sobbing came to his mind in a rush, joined by countless other images of unimaginable sorrow. It was the release of months of tension, a single act that poured out of him unabated.

We oppose Drogramaths direct intervention in this world, Uharis said, kneading the alchemists shoulder. Use the power that he grants you. Follow the path in your heart, Theo. Gods know The world will need it.

Theo didnt know how long he sat there, sobbing. At some point, an explosion issued on the far side of the lab. Uharis had teleported away. He remained there until a familiar presence pulled him into an embrace. Theo Spencer cried into Tresks chest until his eyes stung, her comforting aura eventually calming him.

Its nothing we cant handle, Tresk said, waiting until his heaving sobs stopped. Nothing a few daggers cant fix.

I know, Theo said, wiping his snot onto his sleeve. Its just too much, Tresk. What am I supposed to do here?

You heard the wizard, Tresk said, running her clammy hands through his hair. It doesnt matter if this place is a construct. Youre meant to live your life the way you want.

Theo looked up, locking his gaze with her pale eyes. The way we want, he corrected. This is our town. And our people.

Well make it work anyway we can, Tresk said. Before long, no one can stop us.

Theo nodded, wiping his eyes against his sleeve. It was stained with as much snot as tears, long streaks of wetness running its length. He rose to his feet and took a steadying breath. The breakdown was cathartic, in a way. A buildup of emotions that had rested in his chest since he got there. An expulsion of anger and uncertainty brought to a singular moment. He felt bolstered by Tresks presence. Her complete certainty in his abilities radiated outward.

Through any means necessary, Theo said, steadying himself against his companion. I have potions to brew.