by TJ Reynolds
Ban dreamed of eating his way to the heart of a great mountain, finding treasure and wonders there beyond description.
He’d just consumed the bones of a terrific beast when someone screamed in his mind.
They’ve arrived! Wake up, everyone! Imogen warned, her usual soft voice booming. The soldiers have reached the edge of my influence at last!
Ban and his companions bolted upright from various positions of sleep. He noticed Rhona reaching for a sword at her hip that wasn’t there, and Kai rolled to the side and clutched his glaive. Good. My dragon is developing some sense after all.
“How long?” Kai asked, rising to his feet. “Are we in danger yet?”
No, but it’s time to retreat. I’ve already prepared a tunnel that leads up to the surface heading toward the Hintari border. I’m going to send out a welcoming party, Imogen said grimly. They won’t come near without having to pay.
Ban blinked his huge reptilian eyes, confused despite the straightforward actions he would have to take himself. Kai and Rhona were scuttling about like cave crabs, both packing up their bags and preparing to retreat. Honor chewed at a lump of grass. He was, insofar as any horse can be, ready to claim the day.
But something didn’t settle right with Ban.
Imogen, why bother with sending out minions to fight? Surely, setting a few traps for the soldiers is enough. You won’t be able to control any of your minions when you’re removed from the dungeon after all.
Imogen’s champion stared blankly, and Ban knew her mind was racing throughout her dungeon. Still, after a moment, she replied in a somber tone. I will of course remain to control the minions, Bancroft.
But Imogen! Ban protested, What of you? Will you not come as well?
No, Bancroft. I will live, and if necessary, die with my dungeon—for as long as I am able. Nothing short of resurrecting my dragon could persuade me. Besides, who else will slow the progress of the Brintoshi army?
Kai and Rhona froze and turned to the ice wolf sitting nearby.
The body of Ban’s champion twitched with a sudden onslaught of anxiety. He felt trapped in this body, and his emotions were being compounded by the physiology of this blasted beast!
He forced himself to remain calm, and attempted to reason with Imogen. But have you had ample time to restore yourself? Will your champion, as strong as he is and flanked by golems, be enough to defend yourself? Even as strong as you are, how many could you hope to deny?
The dungeon dismissed his worries. He could tell by her tone she’d already decided her course of action long before this moment. Worry about your own, Ban. I have chosen to stay, and already, my chambers are filling with minions. These invaders are potent, but they will not pass easily. Help your companions understand and guide them with all the wisdom your Yorick bestowed upon you.
Finally, the rage and fear in Ban’s adopted body became too much. He roared and tore his talons through the fresh turf. No! I’ll not leave you, Imogen. We’ve only just woken a single Earth Core, and… and I am proud to call her friend. You’re coming with us!
A few dozen ice wolves formed all around them, each three-hundred-pound brutes with daggers for teeth, capable of bringing down a horse.
As the beasts swarmed together and bound up the chambers toward her dungeon entrance, Imogen replied to Ban’s entreaty. I won’t. This is not your choice to make, Bancroft. But I have some balm to ease your heart. This is my last gift to your guild. Take it and plant it wisely.
When her words faded from his mind, a bright spark of light began to form in the center of the turf. Soon, it took shape. A perfect sphere crystal formed, the size of a human’s fist. Inside, green and blue ether whorled.
Kai walked forward and stooped to inspect the item. The young man asked, What is this, Imogen, and how can a bauble make leaving you behind any less painful? I’d never assume to deny your will, but I’m with Ban. We don’t want to leave you, Imogen.
It isn’t a bauble. It is a fragment of my self. I’ve made this Soul Sphere in the hopes that it will mollify my passing somewhat. With time and enough ether, Ban has the power to integrate the Soul Sphere into his own core.
None of Ban’s frustration diminished, but he found himself staring in wonder at the shining object before him. He examined it, but felt he couldn’t understand how it was made. It’s design was infinitely complex.
He shook his reptilian head to clear his emotions. Imogen! I would certainly still rather you come along. But… how is this possible? Yorick never mentioned that Earth Cores could reproduce!
Imogen responded with the softest tone she’d ever adopted. Ban noticed Kai and Rhona listening as well, their faces intent, their bodies still. Yet, he felt certain she was speaking to Ban directly.
I will not speak further on the subject of where I am and am not going. Should you be foolish enough to attempt to remove my core, I will protect myself. Please, let this be the last of it. She paused, perhaps waiting for another complaint to rise up from her friends.
She finished by answering Ban’s other question. The Soul Sphere is a well kept secret, and has a great many limitations. It isn’t a form of reproduction, not in the strict sense. This sphere will never become life on its own. Rather, it contains a small portion of my spirit, my soul if you will, as well as some of my memories. When you find yourself in possession of a dungeon again someday, Ban, you will need to integrate it.
And how might I do that, Ban asked in a subdued tone.
Just absorb it as you would any other material. The Soul Sphere will resist integration, and only with time and patience will you be able to access all that I have placed here.
The dungeon’s champion strode over to Ban and walked close enough that the two beasts’ noses were almost touching. And Ban, I expect you to name it, teach it, and protect it. Will you do this for me?
Ban’s heart twisted in his overgrown lizard chest. He felt like shouting or weeping, but instead, he did as he knew any friend must.
He assented.
I promise, Imogen. I will do as you ask. Is there nothing I can do to persuade you though? I feel we have only just begun our friendship.
Imogen’s champion moved forward, pressing against Ban’s scaly face with her own. We shall have all the time we wish, even if not in this lifetime.
The great ice wolf turned away, facing the rear of the core room. A split in the wall opened up, revealing a tunnel that led up and away from the invading force. It is time you all left, she announced, the heaviness of authority coating her words. I will be distracted in preparation, so let this be our farewell. Good luck on your journeys.
Rhona cleared her throat. Wait. I guess this is okay, us taking some piece of you instead of the whole thing. It isn’t my business. But what of the bunyips? Won’t they be in danger as well?
Imogen bowed her wolf’s head, acknowledging Rhona’s inquiry. Those poor creatures would provide little help. No doubt their lives would be best lived out in the mountains where they ought to have remained. I’ve already opened a second tunnel for them that leads north instead of east. They’ll be in the Zargan Mountains this very evening.
Ban watched Kai bow to the wolf, whispering out a thank you. The young man’s eyes were shining, and Ban felt proud his dragon could be moved by such noble emotions.
Rhona placed a hand on the wolf’s forehead and gave her own farewell. “Thank you for caring, Imogen. You’ve a good heart, and no worries. We’ll protect the sphere.”
Then Kai was throwing a saddle on Ban’s back, Rhona pulling herself up onto Honor. And all Ban could do was wait. Too soon to be called decent, the group was charging up the tunnel and racing toward safety.
He knew Imogen was busy, had so many things to do. There was some small sliver of hope. The forces coming against her were many, but she was a strong Earth Core. Maybe she would live, and he could travel to visit with her in the future with Kai.
The thought tasted like a lie.
Ban growled, bounding up
a seemingly endless tunnel away from a good and honest friend.
Reluctantly, he opened his mind to her. I will miss you, Imogen. I only wish we could have had much more time together. We could have created such wonders.
I know, Bancroft. I know. But do not overly despair. Even now, my soul feels diminished. Look inside the Soul Sphere, not to understand it, but to see what is inside. I think you’ll feel a good deal better.
Ban ground his teeth and pushed himself even harder than before. I will. Goodbye, Imogen.
Goodbye, Bancroft.
And that was the last he heard of Imogen the dungeon.
Honor and Ban’s stone houndzard ran for an hour until the gentle slope emerged into the gloom of the Mirin Swamps. The moon was full, providing an even sheen of silver light.
More trees grew here, the blight somehow weaker, the soil a bit firmer.
Ban followed behind the brave horse galloping toward Hintar. The rhythmic splash of Honor’s hooves lulled Ban’s mind, and he receded into himself.
Kai’s emotions drifted to Ban’s consciousness. The dragon was pained by leaving Imogen as well, but most of his concern was directed at Ban. The boy needn’t worry, he thought to himself privately. I’ve already lost my first master. What is the loss of another friend?
The bitter sentiment rang hollow in his heart, but he didn’t rightly care for truth at this time.
Moved by desperation more than hope, Ban focused on the burning sphere of light that rested beside his core.
It was like staring into the night sky if it could fit in the palm of your hand. He marveled at its pristine construction, wondering how on earth Imogen had achieved such a feat. Then he recalled her request.
So, rather than consider the item’s craftsmanship, he looked inside of it.
Though he continued to charge through the muddy swamp, a portion of Ban’s mind split off. Suddenly, he was one with Imogen, could search around her dungeon and witness her completing her many tasks.
Ban watched another troop of fifty Ice Wolves bound away from the dungeon’s entrance. He saw the bunyips hobbling along a tiny corridor, excitedly skipping along.
The Soul Sphere allowed him to see every aspect of her dungeon, but it was more than that too. Not a mere looking glass, the sphere was itself a scale from the wyvern’s hide.
Acting instinctively , Ban probed deeper into the Soul Sphere, wondering what creature this might be. It wasn’t precisely Imogen, no. It was something else entirely. At the center of the swirling gyre of Earth and Water ether, he discovered something more resilient. He pushed his mind, summoning his substantial will to enhance his efforts.
He strained for several long moments. At last, he relinquished his efforts. Perhaps it must be planted under a proper mountain first, he considered. Then, on a whim, he pushed a tendril of ether from his core into the Soul Sphere.
The sphere absorbed the energy hungrily, so Ban increased the flow. His own reserves were small, but there was little harm in giving a little away.
Once more, Ban pushed his consciousness into the core of the Soul Sphere.
His champion stumbled, making Kai mutter a curse. The dragon asked for an explanation, but Ban was too enthralled to respond.
For despite the effort it took, Ban had succeeded in witnessing a single memory stored in the Soul Sphere.
2
A Name for It
Kai
By the time Ban had responded, Rhona and Kai called an official break.
Honor took some water and hay, and Kai stretched out his legs, staying close to his Earth Core’s champion in case he needed some assistance.
They’d been traveling at a good pace, but Kai had nearly lost his seat as the huge houndzard stumbled.
Now, Ban simply wouldn’t respond. His champion just stood there, its huge lungs pulling in air. But the creature’s eyes were glossy and unfocused, and none of Kai’s questions had been answered.
Rhona approached after staking Honor to graze in a patch of grass. “What happened exactly? We were moving at a good pace, then all I heard was your blasphemous curse.”
“I don’t know. I think he was distracted, thinking of Imogen or maybe talking with her. Then all of a sudden, his legs stumbled and I almost got a taste of swamp mud,” Kai explained. “I think he is fine, but we’ve only just saved one Earth Core. The fact that we are now leaving it to be destroyed must be hard on him. Can we rest for a while ? We should have a little time, considering Imogen’s… battle plan.”
“I think we are good here until the sun rises. Then we should make our way to the border. We are but a few miles off. Still, I’d rather cross under the light of day,” Rhona finished, her eyes searching to the east.
Kai nodded then offered to take first watch. They ate a light meal first, and without the benefit of a fire, but the food helped settle them down.
Nothing quite like waking in the middle of the night and running away for your life to stir up the spirits, Kai thought. Then he chuckled, realizing the sentiment would have normally come from Ban. His brief time with the Earth Core had done much to color and shape his sense of humor.
Without anything else pressing, Kai figured he’d stick close to his friend in case he emerged from his fugue.
Kai leaned against the beast’s thick foreleg to rest. We are here for you, Ban. Whenever you’re ready to wake back up.
Kai tried to relax. His heart was hammering, though, and his mind raced. What are we going to do once we get to Hintar? Will we be able to find any friends there? Or are we just running out the oven door and into the coals?
Of course, none of his questions could be answered.
Such outcomes were as frustrating as they were predictable.
Kai scrambled up and retrieved one of their latest treasures. When Imogen had awarded them for their service to her, she’d included not only a handful of spell scales, but also a stack of skill books and old texts.
Rhona and Kai had already gone through the skill books. Most didn’t seem very useful (all were related to trade and craft rather than combat) but would be saved to consider again at a later date.
The books, however, had already been helpful. One in particular, labeled Gaolor’s Grotto: A Brief History of Hintar’s Sunken Keep.
Kai flipped it open and read, lighting a small wad of the flammable putty Rhona used to boil tea. She’d given him a nice tutorial on their one peaceful night in Imogen’s dungeon.
He did as she’d instructed. Balling up a wad the size of a pea, Kai smashed it onto the center of his breastplate. Then he struck a flint stick over it.
It lit up like a tiny candle on his chest. The flame was just bright enough to cover the page in golden light.
Kai had already read the introduction of the book. It discussed the local terrain and why the Sunken Keep had been a necessary project for the Hintari. The castle in the heart of Hintar was well-secured, but one noble house had found a more specific need.
The Surtir family was the richest and most powerful in the land. Yet they had been forced to share their power, to allow the other noble families as much sway over Hintar and the capital as they had. So, a few hundred years ago, the Surtir patriarch set out in search for a secret base of power.
By the time construction had started, the secret was out.
Considering the layout of the keep, however, it hardly mattered.
In the southeastern portion of the Zargan Mountains, the high passes converged around a particularly steep-faced canyon. Within, three streams met, forming a substantial river.
The Surtir family used the force of the streams themselves to delve deeper into the soft soil of the canyon.
Few details were included, but the dragons most closely allied with the Surtir had lent their strength. With a combination of ingenuity and magic, the Sunken Keep had been constructed.
“In ten short years, the incredible construction project came to a close. Yet no fanfare was raised. The competing families were offended at the la
ck of an invite. Any such improvement on a family’s holdings traditionally called for a celebration.
When no such celebration was held, the most ambitious of the Hintari nobles sent out spies to discover the secrets that were locked away in the depths of the Sunken Keep.
The few who returned mentioned only that the three streams now fell down a deep, cylindrical chasm so perfectly formed only magic could explain it. The keep itself was a humble tower no taller than fifty feet.
It was made of stone and mortar, like any other structure, but it sat at the bottom of the deep pit. The only entrance was fiercely guarded by a score of dragons and the Surtir forces.”
Kai closed his eyes and imagined what such a structure might look like. How the falling water wouldn’t erode the keep’s foundation boggled him.
Perhaps they’ve made underground chambers. Perhaps… That’s it! I am willing to bet anything that they built the keep with the help of an Earth Core. Such a feat of construction would be simple for Ban given enough time.
Feeling quite pleased with himself, Kai continued to read.
“For hundreds of years, the Surtir held their position of superiority. The Sunken Keep likewise remained impregnable. Yet when the war against the dragon kingdom began, old alliances crumbled and new ones were formed.
The Surtir were betrayed along with the dragons. Every prince, lady, and child of the Surtir were put to the sword or driven out of the land.
Predictably, lacking the protection that held its treasures locked away so many years, the Sunken Keep was raided. A trove of gold, jewels, and magical items was taken away to line the purses of the new lords of Hintar.”
The book closed with a muffled thump. Kai’s bit of flame was beginning to gutter out, and rather than renew it, he snuffed it.
Seems like a sad end to a miraculous story, Kai considered. Still, that’s the way of history.
