“That is one of the inconsistencies that I noticed, and why I said it was potentially a solution,” Farlon gently refuted, shaking his head. “Besides, the branding is finicky with mortals. The wording is strange, so further research is going to be required, but demons can’t brand unwilling mortals unless they’re on the demon’s home plane. But since we have a whole nation using something along these lines, it’s possible that someone high up in Kelvanis found a way to brand others on behalf of a demon, bypassing the restriction. As it is, we’re copying the texts to take back to Sifaren when we’re forced to leave.”
“I see. So we have to find out which it is, and if it is a demon, we kill it.” Desa nodded slowly, then smiled thinly. “Still, it’s a possibility that we didn’t know of before. It’s horrible that we’re going to lose access to this library, but with what you’ve found as a core, we might be able to convince the priests to ask their deities and clarify the matter. If nothing else, it gives us something to use.”
“That’s a very good point. But I have to do more research to be able to tell you more.” Farlon smiled broadly for a moment. But then he sighed and looked at the books as his elation turned to sorrow. “But even with as much frustration as the difficult translations caused, I’m going to hate leaving. Being able to actually learn what happened before the Godsrage is the dream of any scholar.”
“I fully understand. I wish that we had another option, but Sistina’s mind is made up. Phynis has asked a few times for a little more time, but Sistina refuses to budge.” Desa’s smile faded as she shook her head. “I’m sorry that we ruined it for you.”
“I don’t blame you, Captain. I blame our unreasonable host,” Farlon replied softly, anger in his voice, but simply shrugged. “There’s nothing to be done, though, save to learn as much as I can before my time runs out.”
“Indeed. I’ll leave you to it, Farlon,” Desa told him, shrugging. “I, on the other hand, have to write a report for Her Majesty.”
As Farlon went back to his books, Desa heard him mutter, “Better you than me.”
* * *
The blouse was a shade of rose-red fabric that would be vivid in almost any light, and was made of some silky-soft fabric that Phynis had never seen before. It was also modest, able to cover her from just below her hips to her neck and wrists. But it was the fact that Sistina had a determined expression on her face as she held it and the pair of black trousers out to Phynis that bemused the princess.
“Yes, it’s clothing, Sistina. Now why are you looking like you’ll hurt me if I don’t take it?” Phynis asked after a moment of studying the clothing.
“Yours,” Sistina spoke firmly, still holding it out. “Tough. Protective.”
“Ah. So it’s supposed to keep me safe,” Phynis replied as realization dawned on her, and she grinned as she took the clothing, then teased. “Be that as it may, you know I can’t wear the same clothing every day, right?”
“Making more.” Sistina sniffed slightly, patting her tree and then leaning against it slowly. “Promised.”
“Yes, you did promise to protect me. I’m just amused that you’re taking it so seriously,” Phynis teased gently, examining the clothing. It always felt strange to see that Sistina’s clothing didn’t have seams. The woman somehow wove the cloth together perfectly without need for them. “Not that I’m going to object, mind you.”
Sistina shrugged at that, running a hand gently down Phynis' back, pausing over where she’d been shot. Then she smiled gently and shrugged again.
“I know, I know, I nearly died. You saved me from death.” Phynis giggled, smiling at her and leaning into Sistina. Then she smiled more, and teased more. “You could always teach me to fight, or use magic.”
“Intended. Making items.” Sistina smiled in satisfaction, and Phynis blinked in surprise.
“You know I haven’t ever had much talent for magic, right?” the princess asked, her tone dry. “And I have no training with weapons.”
Sistina smiled and shook her head slightly, as if amused by something, and Phynis’ eyes narrowed.
“What? What are you thinking?” she demanded, suspicion growing.
“Will see,” Sistina replied simply, then closed her eyes again, growing distant.
* * *
Deep below them, a foundry of ancient stones thrummed with the roar of flames within the central furnace. No one could be seen in the ancient, complex structure, yet if someone had been there, the stench of fire and molten metal would have pervaded the air.
In the center of the furnace stood an eight-foot tall figure of stone. It was vaguely humanoid, but the body was blocky and made of smoothly-carved granite. But if someone were there to watch, they would see the surface of the stone slowly smoothed as if by unseen hands, forming a glass-like outer shell that softened its harsh appearance. And slowly, patterns and runes began to appear across the surface of the stone figure. Runes that began to glow with the same flames that surrounded the figure as the magic took form.
An hour later, the foundry doors swung open, and the golem strode out of the room, smoke streaming from its surface while brilliant patterns of bright flames gleamed across its surface. And the figure slowly began to climb the floors, toward the final chamber of the eighth floor.
Chapter 46
“The town seems to be coming along well, Aric! I’m glad to see you’ve gotten so much done,” Jared said approvingly, looking around what must be intended as the town square.
“Thank you, Adjudicator. I admit that I wasn’t entirely prepared for such a task, but Master Graystone has made up for that nicely,” Evansly told him, standing up straighter. But the elf was having a hard time keeping his gaze away from the Jewels, as Jared thought of his girls. Evansly was incredibly distracted by beautiful elven women, and Jared knew that he’d find the Jewels irresistible.
Suppressing a grin, Jared spoke again, almost teasing the man. “That’s good to hear, Aric. So how’s your wife?”
“Ah, umm…” Evansly looked embarrassed as he met Jared’s eyes, having the good grace to blush, but gathered himself before answering. “Last I heard she was well. Once the manor is built she’ll be coming along. I look forward to settling down, I admit. It’ll be nice not to be away from her for months at a time.”
“That’s entirely understandable,” Jared agreed, looking at the town again, and letting the companionable silence grow between them for the moment.
Granite Point was coming along quickly. The buildings built at his orders were better than most of the others, all using fine panels that had been shipped here for their construction. Other buildings, like the small houses that a few immigrants had built, were largely log cabins. There was a half-built smithy made of stone, and he could see workers that were working on the dam for the reservoir that Evansly had suggested. All in all, the town couldn’t have more than four hundred people there, with at least two-thirds of those as representatives of Kelvanis, either as soldiers or slave workers. But considering that there had been nothing here at the beginning of the year, it was quite impressive.
The dungeon entrance was just as normal as all the others had described it, which had caused him a touch of surprise. He’d expected that they’d been exaggerating how simple it was, but it looked like no more than a bear’s cave, if that. Snorting softly, he shook his head and grinned. “Sorry, Aric, I started thinking about the dungeon. But I’m serious when I say I’m impressed with what you’ve accomplished here.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” the elf replied, relaxing a little as he added, “And I’m sorry we didn’t manage to capture the princess. I’d hoped to have her in custody for you, but it seems fate was against me.”
“Don’t worry about that, Aric. True, she managed to get away twice before, but this time she’s pinned down. She doesn’t have anywhere to run,” Jared assured the elf, patting him on the shoulder with a bright smile of his own. “All we have to do is pry her hole open and dig her out.”
“I
suppose you’re right. What about the man who accidentally shot her?” Evansly asked, a smile flickering across his face.
“You’re sure it’s an accident?” Jared asked, tilting his head. “In your initial dispatch you seemed dubious about it being an accident.”
“Everyone who knows him claims he wouldn’t shoot her on purpose,” Evansly explained, shrugging. “I wasn’t in the best of moods when I first wrote you, but all of them agree that he wouldn’t shoot her intentionally, especially not against orders.”
“In that case just reinstate him. However, I don’t want him with my attack force in the morning,” Jared told Evansly absently, looking around the town again. “Those platoons lost too many soldiers to be truly effective.”
“As you wish, Adjudicator,” Evansly agreed, saluting and bowing.
“Hah! Enough of that, Aric. Why don’t you show us where we’ll be staying and chat over dinner? I can bring you up to date on what’s going on back in Kelvanis proper and you can let me pick your brain on what’s been going on out here in more detail.” Jared grinned, patting his subordinate on the shoulder again, more at ease.
“Of course. If you’ll follow me?” Evansly asked, and began leading the way toward the main barracks for his soldiers.
* * *
Sistina felt things were going well. Oh, there were the occasional attempts to break through the tunnel that Phynis and the others had escaped into, but they hadn’t gotten terribly far. But the fact that things were going well was also making her nervous. A part of her was expecting everything to fall apart at any moment.
Phynis’ former guards had been seemingly at a loss about to what to do when Phynis had all but cast them aside, and had started coordinating with the normal soldiers who were guarding the researchers, both groups preparing to defend against any attacks. They were also preparing supplies for when they eventually had to leave, which gave them something to do. Sistina knew that most of the soldiers were unnerved by her power, and the upset her ultimatum had caused couldn’t be understated, but it mattered little to her. Most of the guards were useless in her eyes, which was part of why she’d demanded that most of her current inhabitants leave. Those not linked to her were actually leeching away some of the mana she’d otherwise gain, which meant having them there was quite literally weakening her. Since those who were linked to her supplied her mana, each of them was costing her almost twice the mana they could have supplied her.
With all of the difficulties, at least things with Phynis were progressing well. No one had realized just how much Sistina had sacrificed to not just save the elven princess, but to give her a new, glorious chance at life. She found herself curious just how long it would take anyone to realize what had happened to the princess. Sistina had managed to take advantage of Phynis’ momentary death to regenerate the princess’ body to what it should have been to begin with, which had also removed the alterations that had been forced on her. It would be interesting to hear any reactions to the fact that Phynis’ feelings were no longer artificially created, but instead were the result of Phynis’ experiences with Sistina. It was possible that she would fall out of love with Sistina, but so far that seemed unlikely to happen.
But on more practical matters, Sistina had her foundry running at last. She’d created her first golems and sent them to act as powerful bosses to different floors. But as she examined them, Sistina grew uncertain as to whether or not they would be fair opposition for those who entered the dungeon. The first ones she’d created were quite powerful and imbued with additional magic, which made her seriously concerned that those who encountered them wouldn’t be able to handle the battle. And if the adventurers took that as her trying to wipe them out, that would be very bad.
It took her a while to decide, but finally she recalled all but the last of the golems to the foundry and started working on less powerful, normal constructs. They would be closer to an earth elemental, she thought. It was unfortunate she couldn’t remember how to call elementals yet, or she’d just use a few actual earth elementals as opponents. Sistina made a mental note to look in the library for rituals of that type when she was next in the library, but—
Sistina’s attention suddenly turned to the exit that had been besieged as she felt a sudden, powerful spike of mana. The growing sense of power was intense, and it took her a few moments to locate it. The power was coming from a group of individuals outside the cavern, and she could barely see them. But from what could feel, it was almost like all of them were combining their power. And the spell was powerful. As Sistina watched, she went to work deciphering the spell, the powers seeming to simply fall into place as she saw the weave of mana around them.
The spell would cut through stone like it was butter, melting a hole into the mountainside. All she’d manage with the ten-yard plug was to slow them down and force them to waste mana burning through the rock. On the other hand, that would be a benefit all on its own. Glancing at them mentally once more, Sistina gave a faint mental smile. Adjusting her cavern to add a small alcove just above the exit, she sent a golem toward the new cave, then inhabited her body so she could go warn the waking guards that an attack was coming.
At least she knew where the threat was coming from ahead of time.
* * *
Jared shielded his eyes as his seven priestesses wove their spell. A brilliantly glowing star was forming above their heads, the power within it so greatly compressed that he had trouble even sensing it.
“Dear gods, what are they going to do with that?” Jared heard one of the soldiers mutter behind him, and he could only smile as the priestesses continued to cast their spell.
Forty crack soldiers were following him this time, but the ones in the lead would be his Jewels. The power they could put into a shield would block anything the elves could do to keep them from breaching the stronghold under the mountain. He was certain that nothing short of an archmage could stop them, and his smile only broadened as he sensed the spell coalescing at last.
The star flared, grew, and then condensed downward into a single point for a moment, and Diamond pointed her hand at the cavern wall that hid the passage they were seeking. Flaring as bright as the sun itself, the star exploded into a beam of multi-colored light that was so hot that Jared had to take several steps backward as he instantly began to sweat.
Where the beam hit, the stone steamed, glowed, and began to melt away. A foot of stone flowed out of their way, then a yard, and more. For an endless minute, the beam bored into the mountainside, molten stone slowly oozing across the ground. Again, Jared had to step back, this time to avoid the lava his Jewels had created. It would burn all the flesh from his bones on contact, so this time, he moved with alacrity.
When the beam finally stopped, a glowing hole ten feet across extended thirty feet into the mountainside, revealing a tunnel beyond it. Glowing lava flowed down that hall as well, and Jared spoke up brightly. “Good job, girls! Now cool off that lava, and we can get this attack under way.”
“Yes, Adjudicator,” Diamond acknowledged, and the seven carefully stepped away from the molten rock before they began to cast the next spell they’d prepared.
Jared grinned, his eyes glittering as he looked at the entrance that led to his next victory for Kelvanis. He spoke under his breath, “Even if they had an archmage, my girls could handle them.”
Chapter 47
Lily hurried away from the tunnel leading to the surface with Ilmas, her breathing coming heavily as the two rushed toward Sistina’s tree. Lily knew that she had no reason to be breathing so hard, and the run should be easy for her, but her fear was getting the better of her. As she distracted herself, she stumbled on a rock and Ilmas had to pause to catch her, his voice soft and worried. “Don’t worry, Sistina’s dealt with attacks before. We’ll be fine, just you see.”
“That’d be a lot more reassuring if you weren’t trembling,” Lily gasped, giggling slightly, her eyes wide as they darted around her. It was then that she realized
what was worrying her. She wasn’t worried about herself, she was worried about Ilmas. She couldn’t imagine what she would do without him.
“Heh. Well, unlike Sina, neither of us have been training with the guards.” He laughed softly, shaking his head. “But you saw Sistina’s face, didn’t you? She seemed like she was looking forward to the invasion.”
“Maybe she was.” Lily panted, glancing up toward the tree, where she saw Phynis waiting, looking concerned as she paced back and forth. “But we’re hardly the only ones who’re worried.”
Laughing, Ilmas shook his head but didn’t voice a word of disagreement.
* * *
“Everyone get into position!” Desa ordered, watching her guards and the regular soldiers taking up defensive positions behind the earthen berms that had appeared shortly before Sistina had arrived to warn them of a coming attack.
The dryad was standing on the edge of the forest that mostly filled the cavern behind her, watching everything calmly, with a faint, eerie smile on her face. Something about that smile bothered Desa, but she couldn’t put her finger on why that was. Regardless, she turned and settled into her own position, waiting for the attackers to come pouring down the tunnel. She’d been dubious about the attack until the wave of heat had surged down the tunnel, at which point she’d grown worried.
“Why isn’t she just crushing them, like she did last time?” one of the nearby soldiers asked, worry evident on his face.
“Sistina hasn’t said specifically, but she did mention that they had slaves with them, and that we weren’t to go past the berms,” Desa replied absently, and could only wonder how long it would be before the invaders got here. “Just keep your head down and fight as planned.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the man replied, testing his bow string. A moment later, he adjusted how his arrows were placed in the ground next to him. Desa couldn’t help but shake her head, turning to look at the tunnel again. The guards chosen to come with them were definitely not the best, which meant that there was likely more to Phynis’ opinion than Desa wanted to admit.
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