by TJ Reynolds
A few of Terrinore’s teeth burst from the pressure of his grinding. “Let’s end this, monk. I’ll taste your blood then crack the core back open like a gourd. All you’ve done is annoy me.”
Despite the beast’s bravado, it took a great deal of effort for him to stand. His legs shook, and fresh gouts of black blood poured from his shoulder where the Crocodeel had bit him. Rhona unwound herself from Kai and dove into the icy water. She swam to the edge of the pool and pulled herself up.
The water still stood up to her calf, but she slogged forward nevertheless.
Standing alone, she faced the basilisk.
“Rhona, don’t. You can’t do it alone,” Kai finally managed, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper. He couldn’t watch the creature kill her. Her powers were sapped, her Progression gone, and he noticed her arms shaking with cold as she slowly splashed towards the monster.
Then a voice rang out, clear and resonant, like a bell struck in a morning glade. I am Imogen. Thank you for healing me, dragonling. I owe you everything I have.
Suddenly, the water began to drain. It did not swirl or gush, but simply soaked into the floor, quickly and evenly.
In moments, the floor was dry again but for a few puddles that remained.
The basilisk froze, his eyes searching frantically around him. He growled, the force of his anger shaking the chamber from end to end.
But the gesture was in vain.
A deafening crack resounded as the floor split open, the black stone gaping between Rhona and Terrinore.
A huge, stone hand reached up and gripped the edge of the chasm. Fingers of ice blue and gray stone pulled the blocky figure of a golem out of the depths. It faced the basilisk solemnly. The creature was only ten feet tall, large by any standard, but compared to the huge basilisk, it didn’t seem up to the task of defending the dungeon alone.
Terrinore seemed to think so, as well, and a wheezing laugh rattled his frame. “You send a stone man against me?” he snarled. “I’ll crack his hide as easily as I will crush you again, Earth Core!”
But his bravado fell flat as five more golems pulled themselves up into the chamber, joining the first. A final golem rose from the chasm, twice the size of those who preceded it. This one opened its mouth and the voice of the dungeon itself poured out.
“I would call you usurper, but those who earned that title came and went, long ago. You are but a scavenger. Come, Terrinore, and know death’s embrace.”
For the first time, the basilisk’s eyes flashed with fear. He turned his head, thinking to escape perhaps, but the lesser golems pounced. They moved faster than anything made of stone and ice had a right to move. Two quickly circled round the basilisk, hedging him in, while the rest threw their hands on him.
Kai had expected punches or thrown rocks, but the golems simply gripped portions of the basilisk’s body in their huge hands, clamping down so tightly, the beast’s thrashing limbs did little more than make scrabbling noises as his claws gouged chunks of onyx from the floor.
“Coward!” Terrinore bellowed. “Fight me!” He swatted one of the golems away, his body turning to dust under the powerful blow.
But then, each of the golems glowed, and ether crackled in Kai’s ears as some skill was used. At first, he couldn’t tell what it was, but then he spotted white frost spreading from each of the golem’s hands, consuming Terrinore’s body, inch by inch.
“No! Come now! I will not be removed like this. Fight me!” The basilisk tried to attack another of the golems, but his attack had little strength. His claws scraped impotently off the construct’s rocky hide.
“It is time, Terrinore.” Speaking once more, the champion golem strode forward. “Farewell. May your passing ease this world of some of its endless pain.”
Even as the basilisk struggled to free himself, the ice pouring into his body rapidly coalescing towards its center, Imogen’s champion leapt.
It flew through the air like a comet, a single massive fist smashing down into Terrinore’s face, just as it too turned white with frost.
Spears of ice sprouted from the golem’s fist, lancing through the basilisk’s head. As the blow landed, the basilisk shattered into blocks and shards of onyx ice.
All was quiet but for the spinning fragments of black ice, pieces of a once-fell enemy now destroyed utterly.
Wind surged around them as a torrent of ether poured out of the basilisk and into Rhona and Kai, the rest being absorbed by the dungeon.
Kai slumped weakly to the ground, leaning against the dais below the glowing Earth Core. A few hot tears coursed down his face, more an expression of exhaustion than grief.
We’ve done it, Kai thought, it’s finally over.
Yes, dragonling. You’ve succeeded, though why I was bestowed this tremendous gift, I cannot say. Would you please give me your names, champions?
I, as I believe you know, am Imogen.
44
Rest and Recompense
Rhona
They both spoke with the dungeon at length. It was kind, though she seemed in despair. When Kai at last asked the reason for the Earth Core’s obvious pain, she answered frankly.
I’ve no dragon of my own. You are bonded to another, Kai. You’ve restored my mind, and for that I’m grateful. Drifting in mindless existence is as close to the seven hells as any Earth Core is likely to come. But I’ve no dragon of my own.
The repeated words struck every chord of sympathy within Rhona’s breast. It was a pain no human could understand. Perhaps Kai could, being half-dragon and bonded to a dungeon himself, but she couldn’t.
The thought made her ask the question she’d been stifling since Imogen had first spoken to them. How am I able to speak with you as well? I thought only a dragon could do that.
I thought so as well, the Earth Core answered. But your hands were upon me, your strength helped heal me, so you were marked by my transformation. And it is well, Rhona Bloodspar, for I am pleased to be able to thank you directly. If you look within, you’ll see you both have received Accolades for this accomplishment.
Bringing up her Etheric Interface, Rhona cried out when she saw a new Accolade.
Core Sworn: By assisting the Core Mender in his sacred task, you’re been granted the ability to speak and interact with all healed Earth Cores in a shared link. This ability to communicate is only limited by the natural range of the dungeon’s influence.
As she attempted to digest the news, thinking of how she too would be able to speak with Ban, Kai let out a similar expression of shock.
Mine is called Briga’s Ally. It says my Water element spells have an increased effectiveness and now have a reduced casting cost and casting time of 50%! That will be huge when we need to heal in a fight, Kai said excitedly.
Rhona had to agree. Healing would always be a necessity. The idea brought her mind back to her own wracked body. Speaking of which, Kai. Would you mind healing me? I feel like something that’s been stuck between a basilisk’s teeth.
Imogen hummed merrily, and interrupted Kai’s response. I believe I might have that honor. You’ve both done enough, and besides, the dragon’s AE is frightfully low.
As soon as she finished speaking, Rhona felt the remaining injuries in her body, some of the fatigue, and even the lingering cold of having been doused in water evaporate. She and Kai groaned in the pleasure of having their needs immediately mollified.
While she was still recovering from the intense experience of having tremendous pain removed in a matter of moments, Kai asked the dungeon a question. Imogen, thank you for intervening. I don’t think Rhona would have been strong enough to defeat Terrinore, even weakened as he was. I certainly wasn’t. Yet I still don’t know how you were able to do so. My own dungeon, Ban, said that he couldn’t summon minions when outsiders were present. How could you summon your minions and champion?
Again, Imogen hummed. Rhona figured it must be her thinking noise and found it most endearing. A few reasons, or at least one among t
hem I should presume. The first of which is that the basilisk and his baliska had inhabited my dungeon for many years. I don’t know if they qualified as outsiders or not. Normally, even your and Rhona’s presence could have made summoning creatures impossible, but you two have bonded with me.
The Earth Core paused a moment as if digesting her own thoughts, and then continued. Also, the basilisks are devious creatures. One of their many nicknames is ‘Pretender’. They earned this title by imitating the core signature of their dragon cousins. In the past, this has allowed them to enter dungeons without raising alarm, giving them access to the dragons’ riches, and sometimes, even eggs.
For whatever reason, she finished, the rule didn’t apply to me. The basilisk and his spawn were not invaders or outsiders, they’d become a part of my dungeon. So, thankfully, I was able to help destroy them.
Kai puzzled out her response, his face scrunched up in deep concentration.
Rhona’s own mind wandered elsewhere. Now that her own health and safety had been dealt with, she suddenly remembered the promise she’d made earlier in their expedition.
She slapped her thigh and said aloud, “We’ve forgotten the bunyips! Come on, Kai. We need to tell them it’s safe.”
Kai nodded, weary but looking resolute to uphold their duty.
Again, Imogen interrupted the two. The task is done. One of my first tasks was to see to the various creatures within my dungeon. They were not unique in their captivity, though they were the most intelligent of the creatures the baliska kept.
Trusting the Earth Core but wanting confirmation nonetheless, Rhona asked, Are they free then? And able to eat and clean themselves?
Yes, Imogen replied. I’ve made them their own sanctuary for now, diverting water and summoning fish to sate their needs. The bunyips should be clean and well fed in no time. Don’t worry.
Rhona deflated, tension and anxiety leaving her all at once.
Tears rolled down her face and she allowed herself to weep. Confused at the source of her profound emotions, she realized it was because this time, she’d acted, had attempted to defend those in need, and had been successful.
Thinking back to what the herbalist in Mindonne had told her, she realized the gnome had been right.
She was on a path to amend her past.
Imogen’s approval of the warrior thrummed through the shared connection, and surprisingly, Rhona felt a portion of Kai’s sentiments as well. Glancing at him, she noted feelings of respect, awe, and… and frank attraction.
Glancing up at the young man, she saw his face glistened with shared tears. Shrugging off any awkwardness, Rhona fell into him and crushed his body to hers. She hugged the half-dragon, her cheek pressed against his breastplate. He held her in return, strong arms folded gently around her shoulders.
She pulled away at last and laughed at her own eagerness.
I have a thousand tasks to handle, my friends, Imogen said at last. If you’ll permit me the opportunity to manage my affairs, I’d greatly appreciate it. Perhaps you two can rest and recover, and then I think a small celebration is in order.
Terrinore’s body was absorbed, and the golems moved as one to drive out any remaining baliska.
A lawn of thick grass sprouted nearby, enough for Honor, who’d returned from the tunnel, to begin grazing.
They spent a few minutes removing their armor and gear, confident in their own safety. The dungeon champion had remained, standing silent guard behind them.
Imogen was kind enough to absorb all of their clothes and equipment, summoning new ones, free of blood and gore, and best of all, dry.
This was an awkward thing to achieve, however, and though Imogen herself seemed unperturbed, Rhona was keenly aware of Kai’s growing discomfort. She made the prospect somewhat more tolerable by choosing a side of the golem to undress on and pointing to the opposite.
“Naught but a few tender bits, Kai. No reason to blush,” she quipped as she pulled on her newly restored clothing. Feeling the emotions that came in response made her stifle the other jokes that came to mind. He was young yet, and more importantly, inexperienced. The least she could do for her dragon friend was mind his feelings.
They ate jerky, apples, and a few carrots to boot. Imogen might have been able to provide something more delicious, but Rhona had the feeling that Kai wanted to make a fire and cook even less than she did.
After they’d filled their bellies, they lay back in the turf and let their tired limbs relax. It was still strange to decipher many of Kai’s fleeting emotions. It allowed the two to converse silently for a time.
Apparently wanting to test the extent of their new abilities, Kai asked her with his mind, Tell me, Rhona, how did you become so fierce? Were you born with a blade in your hand?
She laughed but shook her head. Not exactly. I always wanted adventure, but it was my father who pushed me. He was… is rather famous. And not in the way that makes me proud. Growing solemn, she admitted more of the truth than she’d originally intended. He has more in common with Terrinore than I’d like to admit. When I was younger, I was fierce to make him proud, to follow in his footsteps, ya know? But now I’m fighting to never become him.
Kai sighed, and when she looked over, their eyes met. Rhona could feel a few conflicting emotions through their new bond, but asked anyhow. What is it? What was that epic sigh for?
I can’t imagine someone being cruel-hearted or foolish enough to hurt you. It’s also weird because in a way, I’m also jealous. I never knew my father at all. Yet from the sound of it, the experience isn’t always so pleasant.
Rhona lay back once more and stared up at the dungeon ceiling far above. There were moments when he was kind. He was a good man with a poisoned heart. At least, that’s what I like to think. After a moment to consider her words, she asked, What of your mother? You remember nothing?
All I have of either of them I was given in visions from Briga, Kai admitted. But then he said aloud in a voice barely above a whisper. “I do know she was as bold and as beautiful as you.”
Rhona allowed herself to smile at the compliment. Certainly a little less crude than Lovely Flower, she thought, and rather than respond, gave the young man a solid kick.
“Ow!” he exclaimed, rubbing his thigh. “What was that for?”
“For too much honesty given far too soon. We have a world to save, Kai. Don’t go getting distracted.”
They shared a laugh, and then Rhona’s face split open in a legendary yawn.
Since leaving Mindonne, she hadn’t slept properly, and she doubted Kai’d fared much better. For a few minutes, they basked in their shared exhaustion and the fading flush of victory.
Then the sound of two small feet padding up caught her attention.
“If you’ll excuse my interruptions, I believe a thanks is in order,” the bunyip chief declared, bowing so low the fur on his forehead brushed the ground.
Rhona jumped to her feet and ran to the elder. Rather than hug him, she bowed back, hoping the gesture was customary. “I gave you my word, Shenri. I’m only pleased we were lucky enough to survive the encounter. The baliska’s master was no less powerful than you’d implied.”
“The gods willed it, Rhona. And I cannot stay long, for there is much to do. But I have come to give you a simple gift.” Gesturing to the few bunyips who had accompanied him, Shenri continued. “The dungeon gave us water and gave us fish. We’ve few other needs. Having little else to give, please accept our gift.”
The creatures set down two plates fashioned from dried mushroom caps. On the top of each sat a steaming fish. “Thank you! Yes, we accept, not that it was necessary, but thank you, Shenri!” Rhona intoned, and finally allowed her caution to fold. She gave each of the tiny humanoids a quick hug before they bowed once more and retreated.
“I won’t say no,” Kai admitted, pulling his plate a little closer. “Roasted fish sounds like the perfect dinner.”
Rhona, sitting down beside the dragon, made to agree. But as
she opened her mouth, a shrill voice split the air.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to eat before all the guests have arrived?”
A familiar gray and winged body flew into the great cavern and came toward them at great speed.
Kai jumped up, hands spread wide. “Ban! How did you--” he tried, but the Earth Core’s Champion landed in a heap of wings nearby and cut him short.
“Never you mind, Kai. A dungeon must have more than a few mysteries after all. Now, I believe you were about to offer me some of your fish.”
45
And Then There were Three
Bancroft
Ban felt his heart was near to bursting with gratitude as he heard the detailed accounting of the events since the group’s unlucky separation.
Yet Briga had protected his dragon. Not only that but it seemed they had all grown stronger. Having depleted her Progression by using her skill, Rhona was pleasantly surprised to find she had gained a level. She told them all in a pride-filled voice that she had become Golden 3 after Terrinore died.
When Ban admitted that his core was undergoing ascension at that very moment, Kai and Rhona congratulated him thoroughly. “But what’s with this new body of yours, Ban? You look, droopier,” Kai observed.
“Always so charming,” Ban chastised sarcastically. “I wanted to decrease my travel time, so I modified Ban’s body. Though his body is weaker, he can fly more than twice as fast as before.”
If Ban’s cheeks weren’t the color of slate, he would have blushed from the compliments all three of his companions placed on him. Honor could not speak, but he whinnied anyhow, and the Earth Core interpreted the gesture favorably.
