Dungeon Bound 2

by Bastian Knight

  Gabriel’s eyes widened, and he stared at the bloody lycan.

  “What? They don’t need it anymore. Besides, the assholes work for that crusty dingleberry, so this is all fair game anyway.”

  “Are you okay?” Gabriel asked as he watched her squat down to check a short man’s boots.

  “Huh? Why wouldn’t I be? I’m finally gonna kill the slimy cock-monkey that ra—I mean, yeah, I feel great.”

  “He was wrongly concerned about your wounds,” Sthuza said.

  Reyna laughed. “Seriously? You’re worried that a damn werebadger got a couple of scrapes? The fuck kind of monster-humping summoner are you?”

  He blushed as a sheepish smile crossed his face. “Right, forgot about the whole lycans regenerate thing. In my defense, I’m still getting used to so much combat.”

  Eyebrows climbing, she looked to Sthuza. “You let a naïve farm boy like this tame you? Or did he just buy you off a slave lot?”

  The gorgon’s elegant features hardened in an instant. “Massster did not buy me in a ssstore! Nor did he tame me. He isss—” Sthuza cut off suddenly and looked away.

  “It isss unimportant. Focusss on the baron.”

  “Right…” Reyna replied as she finished bundling the rest of her loot in a guard’s cloak, then turned back and pointed at the far end of the long hallway.

  “Figure we need to go up two more flights to find the shithead.”

  “After you,” Gabriel said.

  When she turned and led the way, he moved over to Sthuza and wrapped in her a brief hug. Her slender body was taut and rigid.

  “Relax, everything is going to be okay,” he whispered in her ear.

  “You almossst died, Massster!” she whispered, and he felt hot tears against his neck as she clung to him.

  “I screwed up. I got careless, but I’m learning. It won’t happen next time,” Gabriel promised her.

  Breaking the embrace, he pulled back and grinned at her. “Don’t worry. I’m a fast learner.”

  She flashed a slight smile. “You had better be.”

  “Now, let’s catch up before those two kill everybody on the next floor,” he joked.

  At least, he’d meant it as a joke.

  On the third floor, there had only been a single guard. He was scattered across the wide hall in pieces. A messy splatter of blood coated the stone walls. Apparently Cindra had gotten to him first.

  One of the doors on the left was open, and Gabriel peeked in as they passed it. Reyna stood over the remains of two servants.

  “Was that really necessary?” Gabriel asked.

  She flinched, then glared at him. “Those bitches weren’t slaves. They chose to work for a monster. So they get to die for their fucking greed.”

  He glanced at Sthuza, who stood calmly to one side. Noticing him watching her, she turned and shrugged.

  “She has a valid point, Master. If one chooses to support and enable another to abuse people, they should be held accountable for it.”

  Never really thought about it before. I was always too busy studying. Maybe Reyna and Sthuza are right? Or is it just because they’re not human?

  ‘You are no longer truly human either, Master. As a Dungeon Bound, you are above such petty worries. Do not allow concern about irrelevant things to distract you from your goals.’

  Gabriel sighed and nodded. “Well, let’s get going. I imagine anyone upstairs will have heard the fighting by now. If they managed to miss the explosion outside.”

  Reyna barked a laugh. “No way anyone missed that. Blast was big enough to wake the fucking dead.”

  “I am somewhat surprised that they have not sounded an alarm thus far,” Sthuza said.

  Her comment reminded him to check.

  Would Magesight detect…

  He activated the enhanced vision and looked around. Dozens of enchantments were spread throughout the castle. Many decorative items carried minor ones. The majority were easy to identify and served to keep things clean or track them if stolen. Very common enchantments among the wealthy.

  But there was a powerful one, far older than the rest, carefully woven into the floor and the stone walls.

  How many runes is that Reinforcement spell tied to? And how many centuries were spent enhancing it?

  Another was so faint that he almost missed it. The hidden magic snaked around the ancient enchantment that bolstered the castle’s defense. It took a moment to identify the glowing strand and trace it up through the center of the keep.

  “I think they did, but it’s silent.”

  “Good,” Reyna snarled.

  “Good?” Sthuza asked as she glanced over to the lycan.

  “Yeah, means the coward will be shitting himself in fear before I even get my claws on him. I’m so looking forward to feeding on his terror! Hope he’s got one of those scrying crystals and watched the whole thing.”

  Reyna glared up at the polished stone ceiling and snarled, “I’m coming for you! Gonna rip off your gods-damned dick and peg you to death with it!”

  Done talking, she stalked off for the stairs up. She left bloody paw prints in the thick green rug that ran the length of the hall.

  “Cindra never tasted terror… I wonder if it’s good,” Cindra mumbled.

  Gabriel shared a grin with Sthuza as they followed the tall hellhound.

  They found Reyna waiting at the top of the staircase again. Alone this time. She stood a few feet away, glaring at the ornate, iron-banded doors across the entry room.

  Unlike the last couple floors, this level had elegant tile and ornate wood-paneled walls instead of the bare stone ones below.

  He was surprised that Reyna had waited for them after how recklessly she had charged in so far.

  Seeing his odd look, she glanced away, her facial fur puffing out. “What? Just cause I’m quick to act doesn’t mean I’m stupid, all right?”

  He kept silent and shook his head. “Just give me a moment to cast a spell or two before we go rushing in this time, okay?”

  She wouldn’t look at him, but she nodded curtly. “Fine. Do your magic mojo, and let’s start the killing.”

  The minor cut on his chest was a stinging reminder not to get cocky, and he took the time to weave a spellshield around himself and tied it to his pool.

  As long as I don’t take too many blows, that should keep me safe. Now for them.

  “Master, there is little need for you to shield the rest of us,” Sthuza said, interrupting him before he started building the next spell.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Quite. The smaller fur coat regenerates easily, and the larger is well armored.”

  Reyna bristled at the gorgon’s words but remained quiet. Cindra nodded eagerly.

  “What about you, though? You… got badly injured fighting those guards in the Core Room. This is going to be a similar battle.”

  His Prime blushed slightly. “Perhaps, but I will be more careful this time, I assure you.”

  Nodding reluctantly, he switched his focus to forming a group Haste effect. Casting the spell to accelerate the four of them was much easier than when he’d woven one for his bonded and the goblins.

  Could barely manage Haste for the three of us back when this all started. Now four is almost as easy as one. Guess pushing your limits makes you grow? At least if it doesn’t kill you first.

  Less than two minutes after starting, he finished the last spell.

  “Now, let’s go introduce ourselves to the baron,” he said with a grin.

  Reyna snarled and headed for the wide doors that closed the landing off from the rest of the floor.

  “Ladies first?” Gabriel joked, turning to his bonded.

  “Such a gentleman.” Sthuza grinned and joined Cindra in following the aggressive Lycan.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Sword already in hand, Gabriel took a deep breath before he stepped through the gilded doors Cindra pushed open.

  He blew it out when he saw the size of the grand hal
l.

  The single room took up almost the entire floor of the keep. Thick, intricately carved pillars held up the ceiling. The black marble columns gleamed in the bright illumination from dozens of magical lights.

  The dark, wainscoted walls were well polished and covered floor to ceiling by numerous tapestries and paintings. Several bare spaces on the wood-paneled walls looked out of place. Instead of the tile or wood floor he’d expected, the massive room was covered with thick red carpet.

  Place is gaudy and dour all at once.

  ‘It looks rundown compared to the last time I visited, Master. Look how worn the carpet is.’

  It’s been a few centuries since you left the dungeon though, right?

  “Who are you people?” a woman screeched from the far end.

  “Who are you? Ya fucking pencil-necked scarecrow!” Reyna retorted.

  “My wife asked you a question, peasant,” a cold voice snapped. Gabriel looked across to the lean man on a red-and-black throne.

  The baron looked older than Gabriel remembered. He was tall for a human, and he sat erect in the high-backed chair, but his face was heavily lined.

  His wife sat on a smaller chair. Ten guards stood before the raised dais.

  “I’m the one that’s gonna punish your cowardly, sadistic asshole, rapist of a husband. When I’m finished fucking him with his own dick, I’ll see if there’s any left for your shriveled ass.”

  The baroness leapt to her feet, her face a deep red. She snapped back angrily, but Gabriel couldn’t hear her words amid the sudden cacophony as everyone spoke at once.

  Baron Alberik stood up and glared at the agitated werebadger. “You are that whore’s sister, aren’t you? The one those adventurers sold me. You should have fled the city the moment you escaped.”

  “Shut your damn mouth! My sister wasn’t a whore!” Reyna screamed.

  “Perhaps I should repurchase her after I break you in.”

  Some of the guards chuckled while the baroness returned to her chair with a sigh.

  Gabriel blinked when the furious lycan didn’t charge the man or yell again.

  “She’s dead. She took her own life rather than…” Reyna muttered. Her words were too quiet for a human to hear, but Gabriel glanced at Cindra, who nodded sadly.

  “And I take it you are the criminals that freed this feral bitch?” the baron asked as he looked over the rest of the group.

  Gabriel glared at the man who’d ruined his previous life. When the older man’s focus shifted over to Cindra, Gabriel felt let down. That disappointment only stoked the inferno building within him. He clenched his sword’s hilt until his hand ached.

  Bastard doesn’t even recognize me?

  The man’s eyes widened, and he snapped his gaze back to Gabriel. “You’re supposed to be dead!”

  The rest of the room fell silent as the baron stumbled back, his legs bumping the heavy throne.

  “Yeah, I tried that. Turns out, having your soul shredded and being sentenced to oblivion sucks.”

  “What? How did you survive? I know she succeeded.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll deal with Estrial soon enough,” Gabriel growled. He glared at the baron’s ashen face without blinking.

  “How did you get past Tobias?” Alberik asked.

  “Did you see the explosion?”

  The baron stared at Gabriel. “There is no way you defeated Tobias. You’re not even an apprentice.”

  “Technically, I only killed the guards. Cindra and Reyna dealt with Falken.”

  “What do—”

  “By the way, have you heard from your son lately?” Gabriel asked.

  After all the shit he and Kelith put me through, he deserves to suffer.

  Baron Alberik started to reply, only to freeze as Gabriel’s words sank in.

  The woman flinched back like she’d been slapped. “What did you do to my baby boy? Where is he?”

  “Your ‘baby boy’ was nothing but a cruel, petulant bully. One who got the same fate he arranged for me,” Gabriel spat. He glared at the baroness as blood thundered in his ears.

  Her green eyes locked onto his face. She silently stared at him, her mouth half-open.

  Her husband grasped his meaning, though. The baron collapsed heavily into his throne, pale face slack.

  The baroness gasped and turned to look at him. Apprehension blossomed on her too-thin face, and she opened her mouth hesitantly. “What did he do to our little boy? Is this why you wouldn’t tell me where Kelith was?”

  The whole room was silent as the baron stared down at his hands.

  “Tell me what you did!” she shouted. She didn’t blink, never looked away from the devastated man. “Where did you send our son?”

  “Is the dick-starved horse-face talking about that sniveling asshole you guys wasted the other day? The one you dealt with permanently?” Reyna asked.

  Sthuza smiled and nodded at her words, and Gabriel flashed a cruel smirk when the distraught mother glanced at him.

  “Yep, Packmaster dragged him over to the black stone and ripped his soul out to save Lady Snakey!” Cindra explained helpfully.

  Kelith’s mother screamed and fell to her knees. Tears streamed from her eyes before she covered her face and sobbed.

  “In the future, please try to refrain from telling others anything that may reveal our secrets, Cindra,” Sthuza said while she nocked an arrow and took aim.

  Yeah, doubt Reyna would figure out what she’s talking about, but better safe than sorry.

  The hellhound ducked her head. “Sorry! Is it fighting time?”

  “It’s always fighting time, you big-tittied bimbo!” Reyna snarled.

  The ten guards took that as the signal to act. Eight of them drew swords and unshouldered large heater shields. The other two, dressed in flowing robes, stepped back and reached for the wands holstered on their belts.

  Gabriel turned his attention to the pair of casters pulling out wands. The mages took aim at the snarling werebadger who charged toward the armored guards.

  Before he could attempt a counterspell, they both unleashed furious bolts of searing red energy at the unaware lycan.

  Reyna was less than ten feet from a group of four guards when both blasts struck. Her enraged growling pitched up as arcane energy discharged across her body. Red sparks flashed, and she went rigid.

  Two swordsmen stepped up and swung at the staggered werebadger. One landed a solid blow. His sword bit deep into her furry flank and caused her to growl again.

  The other cursed when Cindra parried his attack with her greatsword.

  He staggered back, his eyes huge at the sight of the heavy blade arcing toward him in a counterattack faster than he could react.

  The adamantite blade bit deep into the guard’s breastplate, and he screamed in pain.

  Cindra didn’t pause to check on the werebadger. She spun her greatsword and brought it around for another armor crumpling blow.

  The guard backpedaled, glancing over his shoulder to find an ally. His friends stepped up, and he stopped retreating. He caught her next attack on his shield, then groaned at the extreme impact.

  Having to trust Cindra, Gabriel forced his thoughts through his assortment of spells in search of one to use on the pair of mages who had each drawn another wand.

  Even if they’re all single-shot, having extra spells to throw without spending your mana is a huge advantage. Not to mention how much quicker they are.

  Trying to outlast them like he had Kelith would be risky. Here in the baron’s throne room, there was no telling how many enchanted items they could bring to bear.

  But what could I hit them with that won’t be countered?

  Gabriel blinked when one of the men staggered, a black-shafted arrow lodged in his shoulder. That mage pulled a spell token from his robe and triggered it. A glowing shell formed around him while the other started weaving a defensive spell.

  They didn’t bother to shield themselves beforehand?

  Shakin
g his head in disbelief, he launched into the glyphs for a barrage of Aetheric Missiles.

  He checked the Interface, then traced the start of his spell.

  Mana 29%

  That shield on the stairs cost more than I’d thought. Those archers must have really laid into it before they fled.

  “Get the caster.” The wounded mage pointed toward Gabriel and activated his wand again.

  Another bolt of reddish energy zapped across the open room. It slammed into Gabriel’s invisible barrier and detonated.

  His shield flared pink where the blast struck it. The hazy shimmer dimmed, then vanished. A thought toward the Interface reported the defensive enchantment retained over eighty percent of its strength.

  Gabriel didn’t wait to see if the other was attacking him. He kept calm while finishing his spell, and the moment he felt the spell complete, he released it.

  Seven glowing blue orbs thicker than his thumb materialized and darted off in three groups. Two spheres of arcane energy streaked toward each mage, causing one caster to reach into his pocket again. The other three swerved to the side and raced at the motionless baron.

  Gabriel watched the trio that hurtled at the man on the throne until they impacted against a far stronger barrier than the one he’d woven around himself.

  Is that a Spell Mantle, or is he using an item?

  Gabriel shook aside the distraction and dove into another spell. He activated Magesight, then watched as the pair began their own casts.

  They don’t know I can split my focus. Got one chance to surprise them. Counterspell until I can prepare something… big.

  ‘You have no chance unless you use our power. Show them something truly spectacular.’

  Shut up! Gabriel screamed in his mind.

  ‘Master!?’

  Nothing. I’m fine.

  The mages were almost done preparing their spells, and he realized the voice had cost him a few crucial seconds.

  Shit.

  His pulse thundered in his head, and he forgot to breathe as he deciphered the enemies’ glyphs.

  Noxious Cloud and Acidic Fog? Fools.

  Gabriel chuckled at the spells the two mages had chosen. He rushed his counter and ground his teeth at the pain. A fierce burning coursed along his leylines as he forced too much mana through at one time.