Chapter 373: The Demons and Witches
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“The cult’s territory?” Drestra’s voice rose. “This is territory my kindred claimed too long ago to remember. It’s not someplace that is visited regularly, but it belongs to witches, not foreign cultists.”
“Yeah,” Alex said. “It looks like they plan on settling here.”
“The hell they do!” the Sage growled.
“What’re ya thinkin’?” Cedric asked Alex. “An’ how can y’tell all that from a few tracks? Y’must got good eyes.”
Hart was silent, examining the ground, looking for his own evidence of Alex’s theory.
“It’s just a guess,” the young wizard said. “But look at the campsite. It’s well established. Look over there.”
He pointed to a hill of trash on the side of the island. Garbage was piled high, and a deep pit had been dug beside it with burnt refuse at the bottom. A short distance away, what looked like a privy had been erected—a small shack that Alex had no intention of looking in.
“This camp’s been here for a while. Mooring posts, weapon racks, the trash pile, a latrine…that all tells me these people are settled here. It doesn’t look like they just dropped in for a few hours and then left. I think they’ve been using this place for some time, making it more of a semi-permanent camp, and judging by the way the guards were positioned…it feels like an outpost.”
He tapped the Orb of Air around his head, his mind working. “You know…this is getting into speculation territory, but isn’t the Crymlyn kind of the perfect place for a cult to permanently set up? The swamp’s deep, it’s big and it’s hard to navigate. Uldar’s followers rarely come here, which makes it easy to hide in and keep people away from coming in here. It’s a good staging ground, all things considered.”
“They need to get out of my swamp,” Drestra growled. “I take it this camp was abandoned in a hurry?” She looked in the direction they’d come from. “They probably heard us fighting the marauders and left before we could get our hands on them.”
“Aye, didn’ wanna face us, bloody cowards,” Cedric said. “But, this could be good news since it narrows our search.”
“Indeed, that is what happens when you are able to swiftly repel whatever threatens you,” Baelin said. “Hrm, but now time is turning against us.”
He examined the sky.
The snow fell steadily, and as night advanced, the temperature was dropping. Thick flakes clung to everything they touched; mud, trees, rocks and the six allies exploring the island. Visibility was even poorer now.
“It does not look like the weather will turn stormy,” the chancellor said. “But, it will hinder our search. And the time is getting on. I believe this will be a good time for me to return to my other duties back home.”
Alex wanted to keep searching.
They were so close to finding the cultists, and here they were about to lose the most powerful member of their team. It wasn’t as if they were weak, Baelin was an unstoppable force, but he, Claygon and the Heroes could also handle themselves. The cultists had a lot to worry about from them, but stopping the search at this point could mean losing an advantage they’d just gained.
The upside was that with Baelin leaving, Theresa would be joining them.
She wasn’t Baelin—no one was—but she could handle her share of monsters.
“Well, if’n you’ll be leavin,’ s’alright.” Cedric laughed. “S’a bit unnatural for us Heroes t’be the ones bein’ escorted everywhere we need t’ go. But, vacation’s over, s’time for us to do our work an’ get rid o’ nasty pests.”
“Indeed,” Baelin said. “And so I will leave this operation in all of your capable hands. Here you go, Alex.”
He handed the young wizard the satchel containing the living dungeon core. “I know you’ll keep it well hidden, and well guarded safely in your hands.”
“Right,” Alex said, hanging the satchel across his torso. “When do you think you’ll be back? You’re kind of our ride back to the encampment.”
“Once my duties are completed,” the chancellor said. “You can expect me in a few days, briefly, at least. Hopefully, that will be enough time to clean up any troublesome leftover problems that might persist. Now, even though you are all competent young folks, I strongly recommend that you retire back to Crymlyn Village for the evening. Powerful you are, but the enemy knows the terrain—”
“So do I,” Drestra cut in. “I’ve been living here my whole life. I know the land better than they could ever hope to.”
“Indeed, if you do regularly venture this deep into your own swamp, there is still the issue of these cultists having a presence here for quite some time. Who knows what changes they’ve made, traps they’ve set, and hidden dangers they’ve left as deterrents for your people. During the day, I have no doubt you could overcome these limits. But in the dark?”
“I can see in the dark,” the Sage said, her reptilian eyes flashing.
“But your companions cannot,” Baelin pointed out. “In the daylight, you increase your advantages while decreasing those of your enemy.”
“He’s gotta point, Drestra,” Cedric said. “Remember when we got attacked that night by the army o’ Ravener spawn at those standin’ stones. Right terrible, that was, as y’said. We can break ‘em come mornin’.”
“Indeed, and I can make your quest easier before I go.” Baelin turned, studying the landscape, soon spotting a thick copse of trees. “I shall conjure a teleportation circle and conceal in that stand of trees then link it with Crymlyn Village. Come morning, you can take my boat through the teleportation circle—which I trust will not be reduced to kindling in your battles—and be back here to resume your hunt. Who knows? If you’re lucky, you might return to find those who abandoned this post, which will give you prisoners to interrogate.”
“That’d be handy,” Alex said, turning to the other Heroes with his attention more focused on Drestra. “I agree with Baelin, I think we should wait until morning, then strike hard and fast if they're here when we come back. I know you’re worried about your kindred, Drestra, and so you want to get out there right away. But, if we get ambushed, our chances of finding cult members, your friend, and the rest of your kindred really narrows. Then, everyone loses.”
The Sage paused, her frown deepening at Alex’s words. At last, her crackling voice sighed through her veil. “You…you’re right. And if we’re tired, that will make things even harder.”
“Yeah,” Hart agreed. “We’ll leave for now, and break ‘em good in the morning.”
“Then it is unanimous. I am glad you all have chosen the more reasonable path,” Baelin said. “Come, then let’s be on our way.”
The party boarded the boat, floating the short distance to the copse of trees Baelin had pointed out. It was the perfect spot: hard to access and dense with trees, yet wide enough for a teleportation circle that could accommodate the boat. Drestra cast a spell, animating the tree roots and bringing them to life like spider legs. They groaned, pulling themselves from the soil and scurried away, making enough room for even Claygon.
Then Baelin cast the teleportation circle and placed an illusion on it, hiding it from hostile eyes.
“This version of the spell has a command word keyed to it which I will share with you once we are back in the village.” He said, watching the circle vanish beneath the illusion. “You will have to speak it before entering the circle or it will not transport you at all, keep that in mind. If everyone’s ready, it seems our preparations are complete; so, let’s be on our way.”
With that, the party stepped into the magical circle and vanished from the swamp.
###
Zonon-In levelled a cold gaze down on the cowering mortal before her.
“And these trespassers differed from the ones you captured before?” she growled, her voice rumbled like both the roar of a wildcat, and the chilling noise of blade sliding on blade. Her pincers clicked at her sides.
“Yes, mighty demon spirit,” the cultist’s forehead pressed so low, it scraped the mud beneath it. “They came through the swamp like they were on a vendetta, not quietly like past ones. But as you instructed, we conjured the wind demon to blow our boats away swiftly, and we escaped.”
Zonon-In’s growl rumbled through her tent. “So greater forces in this kingdom have found us.”
There was a thrill in her voice that she didn’t try to hide: a hunger for battle that this out of the way post in the material world had denied her. She fought the need to spring from her bone-throne, hoist her war-spear, and lead a warband of cultists and demons to find these enemies and slaughter them for a bit of fun.
But Ezaliel’s orders had been very clear: avoid all conflict until they had secured at least one of the curious prizes his unfortunately, now dead
wizard- servant had revealed to him: a bauble called a ‘dungeon core’.
His order was still unfulfilled: countless search parties had ranged out of the swamp, seeking just one of these things, but were met by either the military forces of this realm, or some of the innumerable monsters that haunted the wilderness.
So she’d decided to wait until winter.
When the snows fell deep, their enemies’ armies would be slowed while her ice demons would cut across any mortal winter landscape like birds through the sky, then easily claim her master’s prize. She knew Ezaliel would reward her handsomely if the object proved as valuable as some said it was. She was in no hurry.
Their captives provided plenty of sacrifices and…entertainment. The cult’s access to the larders of their ‘guests’ ensured there was plenty of sustenance and water to sustain all of their mortal servants for most of the cold season.
It was far more practical to avoid confrontation, and simply move deeper into the swamp to conceal themselves from the hostility of mortals.
…but she was becoming dreadfully bored.
…though not bored enough to disregard her master’s orders. And besides, there were still some things she could do to keep herself entertained, like—
“Demon! Demon are you there?” an arrogant voice called from outside her grand tent.
A wide grin split her face, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth leading to a small forest of mouth-tentacles. The cultist who’d reported to her shuddered before the undisguised malice of her gaze.
“You may go,” she said to the man, resisting the urge to laugh as relief clearly washed through him. Humans were so amusingly small: both in size and courage. “Tell the others that we will move shortly. You may also go and get yourself a reward from the quartermaster.”
“Yes, mighty demon!” the cultist cried, facing her while bowing with each step as he retreated from her gaze.
How amusing! For a moment, the image of her claws reaching out to flay the man—just as he felt most relieved—came to her, but unfortunately, her pleasure would have to wait. But, the look of surprise that would have taken his face was something to savour.
She was patient and these were her master Ezaliel’s followers, not her own.
Besides, there were other, more amusing targets that she was letting…ripen.
As if called by that thought, one of those very targets burst into the tent, his face a mask of adorably, futile mortal anger. It was like watching an ant bluster about—highly amusing.
But she imagined that this mortal saw himself very differently.
“I have heard that outsiders were seen close to our borders!” the man cried. “What will you do about this?”
“As my master commands,” Zonon-In slowly replied, massaging the note of amusement in her voice to be its most irritating. “And you are not my master, witch.”
He growled. “This is not the deal we bargained for, demon. You said we would unite and throw down the Uldarite slavers who hold dominion in this realm, and bring the lands bordering the swamp into the hands of we witches! Instead, I see you lounging here while your followers use my people for your filthy rituals!”
“If you do not like it, you may…cast us out,” Zonon-In said, her voice growing cold. “How many of your kindred joined you in betraying your people? Twenty?”
“Thirty brave souls who had grown tired of living in fear.”
“Thirty magic-users of your power won’t get you very far against my master’s many cultists, and my demon servants.” She grinned. “I will make good on the bargain…um…”
“Osian!” he yelled in such an amusingly self-important way. “This is the tenth time—”
“Right, right, Rosian,” she said, waving a pincer. “I’ll remember this time. Remain calm. The deal will be made good, but my master’s purpose must be satisfied first. I am a mere servant while you are the mighty leader of thirty—” she made her tone as condescending as possible. “—brave traitors!”
“Not traitors! The others who did not follow are the traitors!”
“Oh, do you mean your more than one hundred kindred who decided not to deal with our followers?” Zonon-In asked. “Seems to me that you betrayed them when you went against the decision of your former group, but maybe my addition is off and you have the majority behind you!”
“Just…nevermind!” Osian snapped, and the demon grinned at her victory.
Frustrating this fool was too easy.
“What about the ones poking about our territory? We should capture and interrogate them, just like we did the traitorous Uldar worshipping cowards from my village!”
“And we will…if they persist, as per my master’s orders. Then you can have your little satisfaction, Assian.”
“Osian!”
“Yes, that is what I said! Now, go. You humans need sleep, am I correct? You seem a little tired and grumpy. Perhaps some sleep will make you feel better.”
Howling in frustration, the treacherous-witch stomped from the tent while the demon’s rolling laughter chased him.
“By Ezaliel, that was fun…still, I could use some variety in my sport.” Her mouth-tentacles licked her lips. “Hopefully those trespassers return and put up a fight. I would love to see to them personally.”
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“The cult’s territory?” Drestra’s voice rose. “This is territory my kindred claimed too long ago to remember. It’s not someplace that is visited regularly, but it belongs to witches, not foreign cultists.”
“Yeah,” Alex said. “It looks like they plan on settling here.”
“The hell they do!” the Sage growled.
“What’re ya thinkin’?” Cedric asked Alex. “An’ how can y’tell all that from a few tracks? Y’must got good eyes.”
Hart was silent, examining the ground, looking for his own evidence of Alex’s theory.
“It’s just a guess,” the young wizard said. “But look at the campsite. It’s well established. Look over there.”
He pointed to a hill of trash on the side of the island. Garbage was piled high, and a deep pit had been dug beside it with burnt refuse at the bottom. A short distance away, what looked like a privy had been erected—a small shack that Alex had no intention of looking in.
“This camp’s been here for a while. Mooring posts, weapon racks, the trash pile, a latrine…that all tells me these people are settled here. It doesn’t look like they just dropped in for a few hours and then left. I think they’ve been using this place for some time, making it more of a semi-permanent camp, and judging by the way the guards were positioned…it feels like an outpost.”
He tapped the Orb of Air around his head, his mind working. “You know…this is getting into speculation territory, but isn’t the Crymlyn kind of the perfect place for a cult to permanently set up? The swamp’s deep, it’s big and it’s hard to navigate. Uldar’s followers rarely come here, which makes it easy to hide in and keep people away from coming in here. It’s a good staging ground, all things considered.”
“They need to get out of my swamp,” Drestra growled. “I take it this camp was abandoned in a hurry?” She looked in the direction they’d come from. “They probably heard us fighting the marauders and left before we could get our hands on them.”
“Aye, didn’ wanna face us, bloody cowards,” Cedric said. “But, this could be good news since it narrows our search.”
“Indeed, that is what happens when you are able to swiftly repel whatever threatens you,” Baelin said. “Hrm, but now time is turning against us.”
He examined the sky.
The snow fell steadily, and as night advanced, the temperature was dropping. Thick flakes clung to everything they touched; mud, trees, rocks and the six allies exploring the island. Visibility was even poorer now.
“It does not look like the weather will turn stormy,” the chancellor said. “But, it will hinder our search. And the time is getting on. I believe this will be a good time for me to return to my other duties back home.”
Alex wanted to keep searching.
They were so close to finding the cultists, and here they were about to lose the most powerful member of their team. It wasn’t as if they were weak, Baelin was an unstoppable force, but he, Claygon and the Heroes could also handle themselves. The cultists had a lot to worry about from them, but stopping the search at this point could mean losing an advantage they’d just gained.
The upside was that with Baelin leaving, Theresa would be joining them.
She wasn’t Baelin—no one was—but she could handle her share of monsters.
“Well, if’n you’ll be leavin,’ s’alright.” Cedric laughed. “S’a bit unnatural for us Heroes t’be the ones bein’ escorted everywhere we need t’ go. But, vacation’s over, s’time for us to do our work an’ get rid o’ nasty pests.”
“Indeed,” Baelin said. “And so I will leave this operation in all of your capable hands. Here you go, Alex.”
He handed the young wizard the satchel containing the living dungeon core. “I know you’ll keep it well hidden, and well guarded safely in your hands.”
“Right,” Alex said, hanging the satchel across his torso. “When do you think you’ll be back? You’re kind of our ride back to the encampment.”
“Once my duties are completed,” the chancellor said. “You can expect me in a few days, briefly, at least. Hopefully, that will be enough time to clean up any troublesome leftover problems that might persist. Now, even though you are all competent young folks, I strongly recommend that you retire back to Crymlyn Village for the evening. Powerful you are, but the enemy knows the terrain—”
“So do I,” Drestra cut in. “I’ve been living here my whole life. I know the land better than they could ever hope to.”
“Indeed, if you do regularly venture this deep into your own swamp, there is still the issue of these cultists having a presence here for quite some time. Who knows what changes they’ve made, traps they’ve set, and hidden dangers they’ve left as deterrents for your people. During the day, I have no doubt you could overcome these limits. But in the dark?”
“I can see in the dark,” the Sage said, her reptilian eyes flashing.
“But your companions cannot,” Baelin pointed out. “In the daylight, you increase your advantages while decreasing those of your enemy.”
“He’s gotta point, Drestra,” Cedric said. “Remember when we got attacked that night by the army o’ Ravener spawn at those standin’ stones. Right terrible, that was, as y’said. We can break ‘em come mornin’.”
“Indeed, and I can make your quest easier before I go.” Baelin turned, studying the landscape, soon spotting a thick copse of trees. “I shall conjure a teleportation circle and conceal in that stand of trees then link it with Crymlyn Village. Come morning, you can take my boat through the teleportation circle—which I trust will not be reduced to kindling in your battles—and be back here to resume your hunt. Who knows? If you’re lucky, you might return to find those who abandoned this post, which will give you prisoners to interrogate.”
“That’d be handy,” Alex said, turning to the other Heroes with his attention more focused on Drestra. “I agree with Baelin, I think we should wait until morning, then strike hard and fast if they're here when we come back. I know you’re worried about your kindred, Drestra, and so you want to get out there right away. But, if we get ambushed, our chances of finding cult members, your friend, and the rest of your kindred really narrows. Then, everyone loses.”
The Sage paused, her frown deepening at Alex’s words. At last, her crackling voice sighed through her veil. “You…you’re right. And if we’re tired, that will make things even harder.”
“Yeah,” Hart agreed. “We’ll leave for now, and break ‘em good in the morning.”
“Then it is unanimous. I am glad you all have chosen the more reasonable path,” Baelin said. “Come, then let’s be on our way.”
The party boarded the boat, floating the short distance to the copse of trees Baelin had pointed out. It was the perfect spot: hard to access and dense with trees, yet wide enough for a teleportation circle that could accommodate the boat. Drestra cast a spell, animating the tree roots and bringing them to life like spider legs. They groaned, pulling themselves from the soil and scurried away, making enough room for even Claygon.
Then Baelin cast the teleportation circle and placed an illusion on it, hiding it from hostile eyes.
“This version of the spell has a command word keyed to it which I will share with you once we are back in the village.” He said, watching the circle vanish beneath the illusion. “You will have to speak it before entering the circle or it will not transport you at all, keep that in mind. If everyone’s ready, it seems our preparations are complete; so, let’s be on our way.”
With that, the party stepped into the magical circle and vanished from the swamp.
###
Zonon-In levelled a cold gaze down on the cowering mortal before her.
“And these trespassers differed from the ones you captured before?” she growled, her voice rumbled like both the roar of a wildcat, and the chilling noise of blade sliding on blade. Her pincers clicked at her sides.
“Yes, mighty demon spirit,” the cultist’s forehead pressed so low, it scraped the mud beneath it. “They came through the swamp like they were on a vendetta, not quietly like past ones. But as you instructed, we conjured the wind demon to blow our boats away swiftly, and we escaped.”
Zonon-In’s growl rumbled through her tent. “So greater forces in this kingdom have found us.”
There was a thrill in her voice that she didn’t try to hide: a hunger for battle that this out of the way post in the material world had denied her. She fought the need to spring from her bone-throne, hoist her war-spear, and lead a warband of cultists and demons to find these enemies and slaughter them for a bit of fun.
But Ezaliel’s orders had been very clear: avoid all conflict until they had secured at least one of the curious prizes his unfortunately, now dead
wizard- servant had revealed to him: a bauble called a ‘dungeon core’.
His order was still unfulfilled: countless search parties had ranged out of the swamp, seeking just one of these things, but were met by either the military forces of this realm, or some of the innumerable monsters that haunted the wilderness.
So she’d decided to wait until winter.
When the snows fell deep, their enemies’ armies would be slowed while her ice demons would cut across any mortal winter landscape like birds through the sky, then easily claim her master’s prize. She knew Ezaliel would reward her handsomely if the object proved as valuable as some said it was. She was in no hurry.
Their captives provided plenty of sacrifices and…entertainment. The cult’s access to the larders of their ‘guests’ ensured there was plenty of sustenance and water to sustain all of their mortal servants for most of the cold season.
It was far more practical to avoid confrontation, and simply move deeper into the swamp to conceal themselves from the hostility of mortals.
…but she was becoming dreadfully bored.
…though not bored enough to disregard her master’s orders. And besides, there were still some things she could do to keep herself entertained, like—
“Demon! Demon are you there?” an arrogant voice called from outside her grand tent.
A wide grin split her face, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth leading to a small forest of mouth-tentacles. The cultist who’d reported to her shuddered before the undisguised malice of her gaze.
“You may go,” she said to the man, resisting the urge to laugh as relief clearly washed through him. Humans were so amusingly small: both in size and courage. “Tell the others that we will move shortly. You may also go and get yourself a reward from the quartermaster.”
“Yes, mighty demon!” the cultist cried, facing her while bowing with each step as he retreated from her gaze.
How amusing! For a moment, the image of her claws reaching out to flay the man—just as he felt most relieved—came to her, but unfortunately, her pleasure would have to wait. But, the look of surprise that would have taken his face was something to savour.
She was patient and these were her master Ezaliel’s followers, not her own.
Besides, there were other, more amusing targets that she was letting…ripen.
As if called by that thought, one of those very targets burst into the tent, his face a mask of adorably, futile mortal anger. It was like watching an ant bluster about—highly amusing.
But she imagined that this mortal saw himself very differently.
“I have heard that outsiders were seen close to our borders!” the man cried. “What will you do about this?”
“As my master commands,” Zonon-In slowly replied, massaging the note of amusement in her voice to be its most irritating. “And you are not my master, witch.”
He growled. “This is not the deal we bargained for, demon. You said we would unite and throw down the Uldarite slavers who hold dominion in this realm, and bring the lands bordering the swamp into the hands of we witches! Instead, I see you lounging here while your followers use my people for your filthy rituals!”
“If you do not like it, you may…cast us out,” Zonon-In said, her voice growing cold. “How many of your kindred joined you in betraying your people? Twenty?”
“Thirty brave souls who had grown tired of living in fear.”
“Thirty magic-users of your power won’t get you very far against my master’s many cultists, and my demon servants.” She grinned. “I will make good on the bargain…um…”
“Osian!” he yelled in such an amusingly self-important way. “This is the tenth time—”
“Right, right, Rosian,” she said, waving a pincer. “I’ll remember this time. Remain calm. The deal will be made good, but my master’s purpose must be satisfied first. I am a mere servant while you are the mighty leader of thirty—” she made her tone as condescending as possible. “—brave traitors!”
“Not traitors! The others who did not follow are the traitors!”
“Oh, do you mean your more than one hundred kindred who decided not to deal with our followers?” Zonon-In asked. “Seems to me that you betrayed them when you went against the decision of your former group, but maybe my addition is off and you have the majority behind you!”
“Just…nevermind!” Osian snapped, and the demon grinned at her victory.
Frustrating this fool was too easy.
“What about the ones poking about our territory? We should capture and interrogate them, just like we did the traitorous Uldar worshipping cowards from my village!”
“And we will…if they persist, as per my master’s orders. Then you can have your little satisfaction, Assian.”
“Osian!”
“Yes, that is what I said! Now, go. You humans need sleep, am I correct? You seem a little tired and grumpy. Perhaps some sleep will make you feel better.”
Howling in frustration, the treacherous-witch stomped from the tent while the demon’s rolling laughter chased him.
“By Ezaliel, that was fun…still, I could use some variety in my sport.” Her mouth-tentacles licked her lips. “Hopefully those trespassers return and put up a fight. I would love to see to them personally.”
The cult's territory? Drestra's voice rose. This is territory my kindred claimed too long ago to remember. It's not someplace that is visited regularly, but it belongs to witches, not foreign cultists.Yeah, Alex said. It looks like they plan on settling here.The hell they do! the Sage growled.What're ya thinkin'? Cedric asked Alex. An' how can y'tell all that from a few tracks? Y'must got good eyes.Hart was silent, examining the ground, looking for his own evidence of Alex's theory.It's just a guess, the young wizard said. But look at the campsite. It's well established. Look over there.He pointed to a hill of trash on the side of the island. Garbage was piled high, and a deep pit had been dug beside it with burnt refuse at the bottom. A short distance away, what looked like a privy had been erecteda small shack that Alex had no intention of looking in.This camp's been here for a while. Mooring posts, weapon racks, the trash pile, a latrinethat all tells me these people are settled here. It doesn't look like they just dropped in for a few hours and then left. I think they've been using this place for some time, making it more of a semi-permanent camp, and judging by the way the guards were positionedit feels like an outpost.He tapped the Orb of Air around his head, his mind working. You knowthis is getting into speculation territory, but isn't the Crymlyn kind of the perfect place for a cult to permanently set up? The swamp's deep, it's big and it's hard to navigate. Uldar's followers rarely come here, which makes it easy to hide in and keep people away from coming in here. It's a good staging ground, all things considered.They need to get out of my swamp, Drestra growled. I take it this camp was abandoned in a hurry? She looked in the direction they'd come from. They probably heard us fighting the marauders and left before we could get our hands on them.Aye, didn' wanna face us, bloody cowards, Cedric said. But, this could be good news since it narrows our search.Indeed, that is what happens when you are able to swiftly repel whatever threatens you, Baelin said. Hrm, but now time is turning against us.He examined the sky.The snow fell steadily, and as night advanced, the temperature was dropping. Thick flakes clung to everything they touched; mud, trees, rocks and the six allies exploring the island. Visibility was even poorer now.It does not look like the weather will turn stormy, the chancellor said. But, it will hinder our search. And the time is getting on. I believe this will be a good time for me to return to my other duties back home.Alex wanted to keep searching.They were so close to finding the cultists, and here they were about to lose the most powerful member of their team. It wasn't as if they were weak, Baelin was an unstoppable force, but he, Claygon and the Heroes could also handle themselves. The cultists had a lot to worry about from them, but stopping the search at this point could mean losing an advantage they'd just gained.The upside was that with Baelin leaving, Theresa would be joining them.She wasn't Baelinno one wasbut she could handle her share of monsters.Well, if'n you'll be leavin,' s'alright. Cedric laughed. S'a bit unnatural for us Heroes t'be the ones bein' escorted everywhere we need t' go. But, vacation's over, s'time for us to do our work an' get rid o' nasty pests.Indeed, Baelin said. And so I will leave this operation in all of your capable hands. Here you go, Alex.He handed the young wizard the satchel containing the living dungeon core. I know you'll keep it well hidden, and well guarded safely in your hands.Right, Alex said, hanging the satchel across his torso. When do you think you'll be back? You're kind of our ride back to the encampment.Once my duties are completed, the chancellor said. You can expect me in a few days, briefly, at least. Hopefully, that will be enough time to clean up any troublesome leftover problems that might persist. Now, even though you are all competent young folks, I strongly recommend that you retire back to Crymlyn Village for the evening. Powerful you are, but the enemy knows the terrainSo do I, Drestra cut in. I've been living here my whole life. I know the land better than they could ever hope to.Indeed, if you do regularly venture this deep into your own swamp, there is still the issue of these cultists having a presence here for quite some time. Who knows what changes they've made, traps they've set, and hidden dangers they've left as deterrents for your people. During the day, I have no doubt you could overcome these limits. But in the dark?I can see in the dark, the Sage said, her reptilian eyes flashing.But your companions cannot, Baelin pointed out. In the daylight, you increase your advantages while decreasing those of your enemy.He's gotta point, Drestra, Cedric said. Remember when we got attacked that night by the army o' Ravener spawn at those standin' stones. Right terrible, that was, as y'said. We can break em come mornin'.Indeed, and I can make your quest easier before I go. Baelin turned, studying the landscape, soon spotting a thick copse of trees. I shall conjure a teleportation circle and conceal in that stand of trees then link it with Crymlyn Village. Come morning, you can take my boat through the teleportation circlewhich I trust will not be reduced to kindling in your battlesand be back here to resume your hunt. Who knows? If you're lucky, you might return to find those who abandoned this post, which will give you prisoners to interrogate.That'd be handy, Alex said, turning to the other Heroes with his attention more focused on Drestra. I agree with Baelin, I think we should wait until morning, then strike hard and fast if they're here when we come back. I know you're worried about your kindred, Drestra, and so you want to get out there right away. But, if we get ambushed, our chances of finding cult members, your friend, and the rest of your kindred really narrows. Then, everyone loses.The Sage paused, her frown deepening at Alex's words. At last, her crackling voice sighed through her veil. Youyou're right. And if we're tired, that will make things even harder.Yeah, Hart agreed. We'll leave for now, and break em good in the morning.Then it is unanimous. I am glad you all have chosen the more reasonable path, Baelin said. Come, then let's be on our way.The party boarded the boat, floating the short distance to the copse of trees Baelin had pointed out. It was the perfect spot: hard to access and dense with trees, yet wide enough for a teleportation circle that could accommodate the boat. Drestra cast a spell, animating the tree roots and bringing them to life like spider legs. They groaned, pulling themselves from the soil and scurried away, making enough room for even Claygon.Then Baelin cast the teleportation circle and placed an illusion on it, hiding it from hostile eyes.This version of the spell has a command word keyed to it which I will share with you once we are back in the village. He said, watching the circle vanish beneath the illusion. You will have to speak it before entering the circle or it will not transport you at all, keep that in mind. If everyone's ready, it seems our preparations are complete; so, let's be on our way.With that, the party stepped into the magical circle and vanished from the swamp.###Zonon-In levelled a cold gaze down on the cowering mortal before her.And these trespassers differed from the ones you captured before? she growled, her voice rumbled like both the roar of a wildcat, and the chilling noise of blade sliding on blade. Her pincers clicked at her sides.Yes, mighty demon spirit, the cultist's forehead pressed so low, it scraped the mud beneath it. They came through the swamp like they were on a vendetta, not quietly like past ones. But as you instructed, we conjured the wind demon to blow our boats away swiftly, and we escaped.Zonon-In's growl rumbled through her tent. So greater forces in this kingdom have found us.There was a thrill in her voice that she didn't try to hide: a hunger for battle that this out of the way post in the material world had denied her. She fought the need to spring from her bone-throne, hoist her war-spear, and lead a warband of cultists and demons to find these enemies and slaughter them for a bit of fun.But Ezaliel's orders had been very clear: avoid all conflict until they had secured at least one of the curious prizes his unfortunately, now deadwizard- servant had revealed to him: a bauble called a dungeon core'.His order was still unfulfilled: countless search parties had ranged out of the swamp, seeking just one of these things, but were met by either the military forces of this realm, or some of the innumerable monsters that haunted the wilderness.So she'd decided to wait until winter.When the snows fell deep, their enemies' armies would be slowed while her ice demons would cut across any mortal winter landscape like birds through the sky, then easily claim her master's prize. She knew Ezaliel would reward her handsomely if the object proved as valuable as some said it was. She was in no hurry.Their captives provided plenty of sacrifices andentertainment. The cult's access to the larders of their guests' ensured there was plenty of sustenance and water to sustain all of their mortal servants for most of the cold season.It was far more practical to avoid confrontation, and simply move deeper into the swamp to conceal themselves from the hostility of mortals.but she was becoming dreadfully bored.though not bored enough to disregard her master's orders. And besides, there were still some things she could do to keep herself entertained, likeDemon! Demon are you there? an arrogant voice called from outside her grand tent.A wide grin split her face, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth leading to a small forest of mouth-tentacles. The cultist who'd reported to her shuddered before the undisguised malice of her gaze.You may go, she said to the man, resisting the urge to laugh as relief clearly washed through him. Humans were so amusingly small: both in size and courage. Tell the others that we will move shortly. You may also go and get yourself a reward from the quartermaster.Yes, mighty demon! the cultist cried, facing her while bowing with each step as he retreated from her gaze.How amusing! For a moment, the image of her claws reaching out to flay the manjust as he felt most relievedcame to her, but unfortunately, her pleasure would have to wait. But, the look of surprise that would have taken his face was something to savour.She was patient and these were her master Ezaliel's followers, not her own.Besides, there were other, more amusing targets that she was lettingripen.As if called by that thought, one of those very targets burst into the tent, his face a mask of adorably, futile mortal anger. It was like watching an ant bluster abouthighly amusing.But she imagined that this mortal saw himself very differently.I have heard that outsiders were seen close to our borders! the man cried. What will you do about this?As my master commands, Zonon-In slowly replied, massaging the note of amusement in her voice to be its most irritating. And you are not my master, witch.He growled. This is not the deal we bargained for, demon. You said we would unite and throw down the Uldarite slavers who hold dominion in this realm, and bring the lands bordering the swamp into the hands of we witches! Instead, I see you lounging here while your followers use my people for your filthy rituals!If you do not like it, you maycast us out, Zonon-In said, her voice growing cold. How many of your kindred joined you in betraying your people? Twenty?Thirty brave souls who had grown tired of living in fear.Thirty magic-users of your power won't get you very far against my master's many cultists, and my demon servants. She grinned. I will make good on the bargainumOsian! he yelled in such an amusingly self-important way. This is the tenth timeRight, right, Rosian, she said, waving a pincer. I'll remember this time. Remain calm. The deal will be made good, but my master's purpose must be satisfied first. I am a mere servant while you are the mighty leader of thirty she made her tone as condescending as possible. brave traitors!Not traitors! The others who did not follow are the traitors!Oh, do you mean your more than one hundred kindred who decided not to deal with our followers? Zonon-In asked. Seems to me that you betrayed them when you went against the decision of your former group, but maybe my addition is off and you have the majority behind you!Justnevermind! Osian snapped, and the demon grinned at her victory.Frustrating this fool was too easy.What about the ones poking about our territory? We should capture and interrogate them, just like we did the traitorous Uldar worshipping cowards from my village!And we willif they persist, as per my master's orders. Then you can have your little satisfaction, Assian.Osian!Yes, that is what I said! Now, go. You humans need sleep, am I correct? You seem a little tired and grumpy. Perhaps some sleep will make you feel better.Howling in frustration, the treacherous-witch stomped from the tent while the demon's rolling laughter chased him.By Ezaliel, that was funstill, I could use some variety in my sport. Her mouth-tentacles licked her lips. Hopefully those trespassers return and put up a fight. I would love to see to them personally.
