Chapter 10: Friends of the Light

Chapter 10: Friends of the Light

The ecto-catcher hummed as the shadow of Valdemars grandfather returned from the dead.

The workshops walls trembled as technology and magic merged into a single force. The ring of blood around the machine undulated as a tired Valdemar fueled it. With his slashed right hand, he gave his life force to call his grandfathers remaining psychic energies back to the world of the living; and with the left, he tried to guide them towards the portrait on the nearest wall.

Doing one of these tasks was already difficult, and the two at once even more so but this time, no knight would kick down his door.

Continue, Hermann encouraged his friend as he provided assistance. While Valdemars blood was the rituals key ingredient, the reptilian pictomancer had added his own to the mix. His pale body fluids formed a second ring around his colleagues, stabilizing the ritual. We are almost done

Green ectoplasm was rising from the journal inside the ecto-catcher, coalescing into the shape of a human skull. At first glance, it seemed the experiment would go almost exactly like the first time Valdemar tried it.

But when only half of the skull manifested, the necromancer realized the problem.

Damn it! Valdemar cursed. Curse the Knights, theres not enough psychic energy for a full echo!

By interrupting the ritual the first time, the inquisitors had depleted most of the emotional energies left in the journal. Less than half of it remained!

Hermann, however, remained optimistic. We must press on. Take everything into the portrait. You wont have a third chance.

Grinding his teeth in frustration, Valdemar gathered every ounce of emotion, every forgotten memory soaking the journals pages. He then directed the ectoplasmic construct towards his grandfathers portrait, letting the ghostly echo fuse with the enchanted pigments.

The ecto-catcher fell silent as the canvas gained a life of its own. Valdemar watched with amazement as the colors in his grandfathers portrait started to shift. The painted eyes closed and opened again, while his chair rocked by a few millimeters. For a brief moment, Valdemar thought his grandfather had returned from the dead.

But the paintings movements were slow and stiff, like those of a doll rather than a human being. The eyes of Valdemars grandfather moved from his grandson to Hermann, but though he seemed to detect them, his gaze was without warmth or life.

The portrait was animated, but lifeless.

Valdemar applied a healing spell to close his wounded palm, while the circles of blood on the floor dried up. Grandfather? He addressed the portrait, praying for an answer as his hands skin stitched itself back to normal. Grandfather? Can you hear me?

The portraits eyes moved to Valdemar, but his grandfather didnt answer. The necromancer refused to give up so soon. Grandpa? he asked the portrait, his eyes peering into his grandsire. Its me. Valdemar. Dont you remember?

The portrait observed him in silence for a moment, but the lips arched right as Valdemar thought he had failed.

Valdemar? The voice was nothing but a faint whisper, but a familiar one. Valdemar hadnt heard this tongue spoken in many years. Are you off playing outside again? Dont wander too far, or your mother will worry.

Valdemar let out a breath of relief, suppressing tears in his eyes. How good it felt to hear that wise voice again after so long. Half the reason the necromancer ran this ritual was to return his family to him, beyond his research.

And he had succeeded.

I do not understand the language, Hermann said while using magic to close his own wounds.

I do, Valdemar replied in Azlantean, before switching back to French to address his dead relative. Its alright, Grandfather. I cant wander away from this place, even if I wanted to.

The portrait smiled, but didnt answer.

This reaction spooked Valdemar, who suddenly realized his grandfather had asked for his mother when he had outlived her. There were holes in the echos memories.

The necromancer grabbed the journal and presented it to the portrait. Grandpa, do you recognize this? Valdemar asked, as he flipped the pages.

Valdemar, did you look into my books again? the portrait asked with a familiar frown of disapproval.

Im sorry, Grandpa. Valdemar couldnt help but apologize, as he pointed at a passage written in the indecipherable language. I didnt understand that passage. What tongue is it?

His painted grandfathers eyes looked at the text, reading it. Its English, he whispered. John the British, he taught it to me.

The British? Valdemar thought. What was that?A troglodyte tribe?

We talked. We drank mud and breathed gas together in Picardy His grandfather scowled, the pigments turning white from fear and horror. His voice shook when he spoke. Oh, our poor lands, what did the Germans make of you? You were so beautiful once

Grandfather?

But Valdemars words fell on deaf ears.

Where is the grass? his grandfather muttered, his painted visage looking left and right as if surrounded by invisible foes. I can only see the shrapnel. Paul, where are you? I cant see anyone its all dark out there...

The pigments shifted again, and his grandfather returned to his original position. His painted cheeks regained colors, and his horror turned to confusion.

Grandfather? Valdemar asked, his throat dry. Grandfather?

The portrait looked at him, as if suddenly noticing his presence. Valdemar, did you look into my books again?

Valdemar sighed in defeat. I went off to read outside, he said, dreading the next words.

Dont wander too far, or your mother will worry, his grandfather advised with paternal warmth.

She wont. I swear. Valdemar closed the journal, his fingers trembling in silent frustration.

Hermann, who had observed the interaction in silence, looked at his colleague with concern in his eyes. Is something wrong? he asked Valdemar. You look distraught.

Its not him, the necromancer lamented in Azlantean, as his grandfathers eyes wandered around the room. When the picture answered me, I thought he was back. But as I feared, this replica is incomplete. Broken.

You knew that it would be an echo. Echoes cannot think.

Yes, but Valdemar shook his head in sadness. I hoped for more than that.

A reminder of his family was better than none, but it still broke his heart to see his grandfather like this. If only the ritual had worked the first time, maybe the painting would have become so lifelike that Valdemar wouldnt have noticed the difference with the real deal.

Hermann put a scaled hand on his friends shoulder. I am... sorry.

Its not your fault, but the Knights. Though Valdemar believed vengeance was a suckers game, if he ever crossed paths with the squad that interrupted his ritual... At least he recognizes the language, so I can translate the missing parts over time.

Be gentle... Hermann advised, as his scaled hands brushed against the portrait. Valdemars grandfather didnt seem to notice the troglodyte. This paintings ego is fragile it will only answer to you its creator and it cannot handle strong emotions.

Do you mean it might break?

No, but it will revert to its prior state like a thought coming to a complete stop. The troglodyte observed his colleague carefully. You should take a rest before interrogating him.

Do I look that tired? If anything, Valdemar wanted nothing less than to fall on his bed and close his eyes. Honestly, I almost suggested that we delay the ritual.

I would not have blamed you for it, Hermann replied, his tail wagging behind him. Is it the eyes?

No. Though Valdemar hadnt emerged from the Institutes lower floors since he drank that damn potion. He was afraid of what the rest of the world might look like. I suffer from nightmares, and tonight was more intense than usual.

Dreams are a dialogue with ourselves, Hermann said while clearing his throat. He struggled to find the right words. Perhaps your mind is trying to tell you something? What did you dream of?

It was strange, Valdemar admitted. I was trapped at the bottom of a well I couldnt escape from, and then Marianne looked at me from above.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Marianne Reynard?

Yes. It was the first time Valdemar dreamed of her. I heard a womans voice, and then gunshots. But when I tried to climb the well to escape and look for myself, a pile of rocks buried me alive. I dont know what to think of it.

It is quite natural for mammalian males to dream of female company. Hermann scratched his left cheek with his claw. Maybe you simply feel sexually frustrated?

Valdemar remained silent for a moment out of sheer disbelief. No, he said.

But to his horror, Hermann remained adamant about pitching Valdemar his theory. The well collapsing before you can reach her the sound of bullets firing the imagery...

I thought you had success with giving life to flesh golems without the need of a soulstone? Edwin asked his colleague.

It was another soul that took over the vessel, like a newborn. The brains original occupant did not return, and though the new one kept the memories, he didnt feel any connection to them.

Valdemar immediately thought of his grandfather, his eyes lighting up in hope. Could I see this golem? he immediately asked.

No, Amie replied bluntly. Not unless Lord Och orders me.

What? Valdemar refused to give up. Why's that?

The Master looked at him with disgust. Your stench disturbs my friends.

What kind of scientist refused to share their knowledge over hygiene? If I put on a perfume

Still no.

Valdemar sulked, causing Edwin to cackle. A knight on the front row looked at the group with disapproval, making the golem lower his tone.

So youre Ochs new protg, Edwin whispered before examining Valdemar closely. Well, it was nice knowing you.

Valdemar shuddered upon remembering his initiation. I survived so far.

So far, Edwin replied while rolling his shoulders. But I would invest in a soulstone if I were you. Och kills as easily as he breathes well, as when he breathed.

He had to be close to the Dark Lord, to name him without his title.

The ceremony ended a few minutes later, and the Knights of the Tome dispersed to return to their posts. Her prayers finished, the priestess walked away from the burning altar and removed her hood, revealing a well-groomed mane of red hair and sharp amber eyes. She was exceptionally graceful, her beauty further enhanced by an emerald diadem and a soulstone necklace. Valdemar noticed pouches of ingredients and a belt stacked with potions beneath her cloak, alongside spells woven in her clothes.

Greetings, child, she addressed Valdemar with a warm smile that reminded him of Liliane. It is the first time Ive seen you here.

Im not religious, Valdemar admitted.

But you seek spiritual guidance. I can see it in your eyes. The redhead joined her hands together. Liliane informed me of your predicament.

This confirmed Valdemars suspicions. Youre Mathilde de Valnoir. Lilianes teacher, and the creator of the elixir of youth.

I am a humble servant of the Light, nothing more.

Valdemar would have normally considered her words false humility, but Mathilde of Valnoir sounded quite sincere. Nor did she sound like these holier-than-thou type of inquisitors he had grown to despise.

And the worlds best alchemist too, Edwin flattered the priestess, while Amie rose from the bench and left without a word. She struck Valdemar as preferring solitude over social activities. Forever young like an eternal flower.

Thank you, Edwin, Lady Mathilde replied politely. Though I hope you did not come to my evening prayer just to flatter me.

And why not? The golem chuckled. We barely see each other unless Lord Och calls us to a meeting nowadays. I enjoy toiling in my lab as much as anyone, but eternal life isnt all about research. Besides, its not like you get many followers. Shouldnt you try to convert me?

The Institute is not fertile ground for worship, the priestess admitted. But I am not a missionary. I offer comfort and guidance to those who fear the dark, regardless of whether they believe or not.

Valdemar shifted on the bench. Yet you hoard the secret of immortality, condemning people to death.

To his surprise, Lady Mathildes expression shifted into one of sadness. You cannot fathom how many times Ive regretted my decision to keep my elixir of life a secret, young man. Alas, it is for the greater good. My elixirs preparation is extremely complex and dangerous. Very few alchemists could reproduce it. The others would create poison disguised as a cure, their botched potions spreading cancers and illnesses.

Valdemar remained skeptical. I thought no knowledge was forbidden within these walls?

More knowledge is always good, but there is a right moment for all things. Just as releasing information about the Strangers to the unwary spread their influence, sharing my formula as it is will do more harm than good. However, not now doesnt mean never. I am looking into ways to simplify my recipe into something every alchemist could create safely.

Even your adorable apprentice? Edwin mused.

Lady Mathilde smiled warmly. Liliane is a sweet and talented girl. If I ever share the original formula with anyone, it will be with her.

Valdemar couldnt argue with that part. Though he did question Mathildes decision to keep her elixir of youth a secret, as the more people aware of the formula the greater the odds of someone improving it, he could understand her reasons. If there was a dangerous component to his own ecto-catcher, he would try to patch out the flaws too before releasing the schematics into the wild.

I heard of your troubles with inquisitors, Valdemar, Mathilde said. So I admit that I didnt expect to see you knock on my doorstep.

Honestly, neither did I, Valdemar confessed. I dont know what I was looking for here.

Comfort about what the Elixir of True Sight revealed to you, I suppose? the priestess guessed. I am afraid that what you have seen is the truth.

Valdemar already knew that, but to have it confirmed made him shiver. The world is alive, and we are in its bowels.

No wonder the Domains were so large.

To his surprise though, Lady Mathilde shook her head. No one understands yet if Underland itself is alive, or if the ecosystem you see outside is an entity spreading through the tunnels. Perhaps it is simply no different than moss.

Somehow, Valdemar doubted the truth would be so comforting. Did you know all along?

You mean the Church? Of course we know, though my superiors will deny it. In many cases, it is easier to suppress the truth than to accept it. The priestess let out a sigh. I understand how traumatizing it is, to see the truth for the first time. My own revelation shook my faith too... which is why I begged Lord Och to reconsider when Liliane informed me of his plans. I said you were too young, that you needed a few more years. The younger the better, he replied.

If it were up to Och, no sorcerer would learn magic without taking an Elixir of Insight, Edwin said. If you couldnt accept the truth, then you weren't fit to master sorcery in the first place. He follows a survival of the fittest mentality as far as the arcane arts are concerned.

You all took the Elixir too? Valdemar asked.

It is one of the required steps to become a Master, Lady Mathilde confirmed. Lord Och has long-term plans that require special awareness of magic. If he asked for you to take the Elixir, it means you factor into them.

Valdemar wasnt certain if he should take it as a compliment or a warning. Maybe both.

But we can discuss that around a cup of tea, if you want, Lady Mathilde said with a motherly smile. I can tell you have a lot on your mind, and as a priest, it is my duty to ease your burden. Liliane will be here as well.

That thats kind of you, but Ill pass, Valdemar replied. Though seeing the truth of the world and his failed attempt to fully copy his grandfathers soul weighed on his shoulders, he didnt feel good about sharing his fears with a servant of the Light. Lady Mathilde remained a member of the organization that forced him to go on the run, even if she seemed to have a kind heart.

His reaction amused the priestess. Are you afraid of a warm drink? But its alright, I wont force you. Liliane will be disappointed though.

She already guilt-tripped me once, Valdemar replied. It wont work again.

Lady Mathilde chuckled. Valdemar, while I believe in the Light, I do not condemn others for following their own path and I do not look down on yours. Besides, our journeys share the same destination. We seek to bring back the Light to the people of Azlant, whether in this world or another. Though I do question your decision to summon Qlippoths to reach your end.

I can keep a secret, Liliane had said. But she forgot to say: but not from everyone else! I know how to deal with Qlippoths.

All summoners think that, until they call something they cannot put down, Lady Mathilde replied with skepticism. One day, you will learn that to your sorrow.

Summoned monsters are just inferior golems, Edwin declared. Make your own protector.

However, I will happily take you and Hermann with us to the Domain of Alogi to look for this plant of yours, Lady Mathilde said. Although I must warn you that it might be a dangerous journey. Have you talked to Lord Och about leaving the Institute for a research trip?

Not yet, Valdemar admitted. The lich hadnt contacted him since he drank the Elixir of True Sight. And I thought Alogi was the safest Domain?

The priestess chuckled. Thats what the local Dark Lord says to bring visitors and tourists, but some islands are still half-untamed including those where your flower grows.

All I know of combat magic is summoning allies and telekinetic thrusts, Valdemar admitted. I dont think you will like me calling a Qlippoth for help.

If that is the root of the problem, I will teach you some combat spells. Lady Mathilde winked at Valdemar. It is alright to ask for help, but even better to rely on your own strength.

Oh, if you want I am testing a new variant of combat golem, Edwin said with excitement. If you want to practice, I can bring them out of storage. Dont worry, my lab has its own infirmary.

Somehow, Valdemar didnt think that was a good thing.