Book 4: Chapter 48 - Correct Responses (RAW)

Hold dreams in your heart as if time is boundless, for the future is shaped by those who dare to imagine. Yet, live each day with the urgency of finality, as if tomorrow is uncertain, for only in the present can true action and meaning be found. Balance hope with the wisdom of impermanence, for a life fully lived is one that honors both dreams and the fleeting nature of time.

- The Book of Wise Tellings from the Land of Streams.

Aelayah had gone to attend to the business of leading her House—briefing the mercenaries, and issuing her orders. She left me here, with Larynda and Vincenzio, the Necromancer. Pale as death, his eyes gleamed with a knowing that unsettled even me.

“The stage is being set,” Vincenzio intoned, his voice a low rasp. “Losing the tournament was a setback, but this... this presents an excellent opportunity to strike a blow against the Adventurers' Guild without censure.”

“And end Kaila, the Enchantress?” Larynda asked, her tone far too casual for such a deadly subject.

Vincenzio's lips curled into a cold, thin smile. “Yes. That vile woman has spread her influence like a plague, her tentacles winding deep into the heart of Al-Lazarian society while you were trapped in the Long Dream. But I suspect her power moves in the shadow of another—a greater force behind her. The Guildmaster, Laidlaw. Whether he controls her or she controls him, that is the question.”

The half-elf girl shifted nervously on her feet, her voice becoming a conspiratorial whisper. “Kaila... she has a way of making people do things... things they wouldn’t normally do.”

“Her power is vile,” I hissed, “an abomination. I have felt its touch myself, tasted the bitter taint of her illusions. It’s not merely enchantment—it is something far worse. To twist someone’s will, to corrupt the very essence of a person… it is the gravest of violations. And, no matter how pure the soul, to wield such power and be free of temptation is an impossibility. Such power should not exist in this world. We do a great service in seeking her end.”

I nodded solemnly, playing the part of the good man. “Yes... we do the greater good in ridding the world of this evil,” I repeated for effect. 

The words fell from my lips like stones, heavy and insincere, but necessary. In a world as twisted as this, conviction was just another weapon for me to wield. Anything to finally end this chain quest.

“So... we are in agreement. Even if the city burns, we cannot allow someone like Kaila to live,” declared the Necromancer, his voice as cold as ever.

“I’m not so sure about letting the city burn,” Larynda replied, a note of uncertainty in her tone. “But Kaila… yeah, she’s a monster. The song of Mana around her—it’s twisted, and... I don’t know, alien.”

“Then we press on, with Lady Aelayah and the Salahaem,” I declared, determined. “We need to make sure we win. Vincenzio, if this is going to turn into a serious conflict, I’ll need more than just words. I know you are busy brewing Aelayah’s batch, but I’ll need potions. We need every advantage we can get.”

“The matter is already in hand,” Vincenzio assured me. “You’ll find some of my finest in your quarters. Aelayah’s request was ambitious—it revealed much about her true intentions. Be careful with her. She weaves truths and lies as easily as a tailor works thread.”

I smirked, not missing the irony. “As do you, Vincenzio. Or so I’ve come to believe. Though you prefer obfuscation and half-truths over outright lies. Be careful not to paint others with the same brush.”

Vincenzio’s sallow face betrayed a flicker of annoyance, though his expression remained mostly controlled. I had spent enough time with him to recognize his subtle tells. “Perhaps you’re right. But one has always remained true to one’s purpose and convictions. Some truths are more palatable when served in smaller portions.”

Leaning back into the velvet of my plush chair, I sighed. “Still, we’re agreed. We’ll back the girl. We’ve come this far, storm or no storm, and we must see it through. As for Acanthio, I will face him, or whoever he sends in his place. A Guildmaster can appoint a champion, correct?”

“That’s true,” Vincenzio confirmed. “But I doubt Acanthio will. He’s a fearsome warrior. The greater concern is the tricks he may bring to the duel. In Guild Arbitrations, anything goes. He may well come armed with a powerful artifact to tilt the scales in his favor.”

“I’ve dealt with cheaters before,” I replied, bluntly.

Vincenzio’s gaze remained steady. “By the rules of the Guild, it’s not cheating—it’s preparation. You’d do well to prepare carefully. Perhaps the Salahaem have treasures that could aid you.”

Larynda chuckled, leaning forward. “Gil’s got it! You worry too much, Vince. Did you see what he did at the Festival? Now look at him, Gil’s practically wearing an armory’s worth of metal like it’s nothing…”

“They are this way, good sirs,” came the muffled voice of the servant, Nur, from behind the heavy wooden door. Moments later, it swung open, and Elwin and Enkidu entered the room. Elwin gave me a casual shrug and a wink. Standing next to Enkidu, Elwin looked diminutive, almost childlike. Enkidu, towering over two and a half meters, had a way of making anyone nearby seem small.

“I hear whispers that the Warm Lander Guild challenges your honor!” boomed Enkidu, his voice echoing through the room.

“You’ve heard correctly, my old friend. I intend to set them straight,” I replied.

Enkidu tilted his head back and let out a roar of laughter, like a lion before a feast. “Only a blind man wouldn’t see the treachery in such a challenge. You acted to save an innocent life, valuing it over the thrill of battle—a rare thing.”

His eyes gleamed with hunger. “I’ve come to ask a favor.”

“Then ask, if it’s within my power to grant,” I said.

“I was robbed of the chance to face you in the Festival. Perhaps you’ll let me fight in your stead to defend and carry your honor. I’ve heard such things are allowed, and I wish to test myself against the so-called best these hot lands can offer.”

Elwin looked pointedly at the ceiling.

His offer caught me off guard. My mind began to work, analyzing the situation. As Vincenzio had warned, there could be trickery involved in the upcoming duel. The safest way to avoid it would be to sidestep it entirely. Larynda and I could keep an eye out for any arcane schemes that Acanthio or his champion might attempt. A few hundred experience points lost would mean little in the grand scheme of things.

It felt like a dialogue option in a game to avoid a mini-boss encounter. The decision became clear.

I pretended to mull over his words, gauging the reactions of my companions. Larynda had her lips pursed, Elwin seemed more interested in admiring an expensive teacup, and Kidu’s face was full of anticipation. Only Vincenzio’s calculating eyes betrayed his thoughts. He nodded at me in silent approval.

“I cannot deny you, Kidu—now Enkidu. I grant you this honor as compensation for not facing you in the Festival. May your spear strike swift and true as you carry my honor,” I said, feeling rather pleased with myself. Discreetly, I cast Sage’s Sight on him.

Enkidu Kreshin - Hunter [Human lvl.27]

Health: 783/783

Stamina: 75/75

Mana: 9/9

Striking Serpent (lvl.5)

Deadeye Shot (lvl.5)

“I thank you, Gilgamesh of Uruk. You are a true friend. I am glad you have returned from the lands of the sleeping spirits,” rumbled the giant.

He was a beast, his attributes nearly matching my own. If anyone could defeat a Guildmaster or their champion, it would be Enkidu. In times like these, I was grateful he was not my enemy.

*****

Though no blood had yet been shed, a palpable tension hung over the estate grounds, thick as the morning fog that could come in from the salt sea. Every man and woman on the Salahaem grounds had their nerves stretched taut as a bowstring ready to loose. Council patrols had been sighted near the outskirts, their signature armor or bronze steel and the plumed helmets of their officers clear signs. They watched us, no doubt, waiting to see what Aelayah had planned. 

Within the once-pristine gardens, the mercenaries from the Guild had set up their encampment. Tents of canvas and hide sprouted like a field of pale flowers, arranged in precise rows that spoke of disciplined command. The officers took residence within the opulent halls of the palace, while the common soldiery made do with their tents and bedrolls. Two thousand strong they were, or two Dragons, as the mercenaries liked to call it. Their presence had turned manicured lawns into a maze of trodden paths and muddy patches. Smoke curled upward from their many campfires, staining the twilight sky and filling the air with the scent of burning wood. Men dug ditches and latrines along the perimeters, more out of habit than necessity, I supposed.

To my surprise, I noticed that they had brought horses, their utility doubtful for the urban combat that was to come. Near the western edge of the camp, a makeshift corral had been fashioned from sturdy ropes and wooden stakes, containing about two hundred steeds war mounts and perhaps double that number in support animals. The horses stamped and snorted while stable hands moved among them. Truly, I had not expected them to bring cavalry.

Alone, I ventured as close as I could, casting my gaze over their equipment. Though their arms and armor varied—some clad in gleaming mail, others in worn leather, a few bearing the dents of old battles—there was a cohesion among them unlike the ragged bands of typical adventurers. Weapons were sharpened to a keen edge, and tabards and shields bore the insignia of the Dragon of their Guild. They moved about the camp with brisk efficiency, each man knowing his duty without being told. I came to the conclusion that these were seasoned professionals.

Curiosity sated, I turned back toward the palace, making my way through its opulent halls, across carpets and tiles worth more than what generations of common laborers could ever earn. I had been invited to dine with Aelayah and representatives of the Mercenaries. Meetings such as these would be more than just a social gathering. It would be a sort of war council in all but name and it would be interesting to hear what strategies they would propose.

As I walked, I noticed the faint sound of a step, just a fraction out of sync with my own. Someone was matching my pace.

“Elwin,” I sighed loudly. “How long have you been following?”

“You’re getting better at this game. Off to dine with the fancy folks?” came his familiar, irascible voice.

I turned slowly, scanning the empty corridor, but before I could spot him, I felt a tap on my armored left shoulder. Taking a deep breath, I crushed the spike of irritation rising within me.

“Yes, these are dangerous times, Elwin,” I warned, keeping only a hint of annoyance in my voice.

“Wouldn’t I know it, Gil. But you’re really going to eat and drink with them?” the whip-thin man asked, scratching at his head as he pointed at my armor. “In that?”

“I’m not planning on eating. I’ll have a meal in my quarters later. This dinner seems more like a war council than a casual gathering,” I explained, standing still until Elwin finally stepped into view. Impressive, for he had been hiding in the blind spot of my left eye.

“Just thought you should know—there’s a big price on that Holder Lady’s head. You know the circles I swim in, right? That’s where I heard it and I was going to do her in, too. But, I dug around and found out more... including your connection. Right surprised I was to find you were up and about, I tell you!”

“You would go after a leader of one of the great Houses? That is ambitious, even for you,” I replied, snorting in disbelief.

“You know what they say—if you want to keep your edge, you’ve got to keep challenging yourself. Otherwise, life gets routine,” he shrugged.

I gave him a confused smile. “That is... certainly one way to look at it.”

“Well, you go enjoy your dinner. I’ve got to deliver these to that Farzan fellow,” he said, lifting two round bundles by their hair.

Sightless eyes stared back at me from the decapitated heads dangling from his hands. “Found these two loitering around the West Wing. Farzan’s got an eye for talent and offered to take me on for a bit for ‘added security,’ given the current mess.”

“You always manage to land on your feet,” I commented dryly.

“Can’t argue with that,” he grinned. “Better run along now, before the soup gets cold. Peace be upon you and all that,” he laughed, slipping behind a pillar.

And just like that, the Rogue vanished from sight. What level of Stealth did he possess to pull off such a feat? If not for the bloodstains on the marble floor, I might have thought the entire encounter was a figment of my imagination.