After two years of adventuring, no time had passed faster than the two weeks spent hunting down empowered demons. Within a day of traveling it was clear how different Ionzel was to Teprav. The new world, what many called the massive continent, was more developed than Aisha ever imagined. Only Vofric had any previous exposure to it and proved helpful in navigating the foreign land. Paved roads were much more common between locations. Settlements were within a day’s walk of each other. With thankful assistance of saved residents, the party was able to hitch a ride on carriages every so often. Doing so allowed them to get through multiple locales before nightfall.
There was no shame in accepting a free stay at the inn and a proper nourishment. By now the group was lucky to get more than one meal a day. Avant ate the most considering the berries and fauna he found during travel. Seeing his excitement calmed any anxiety that weighed on them. The party was doing everything in their power to help anyone within reach. No matter how strong they were, limits would present themselves. Distant villages and hidden towns would need to rely on others for assistance. Vofric prayed during any free time that help arrived near every black lightning strike.
“That’s the fourth ghoul squad we’ve cleared today,” Aisha groaned while wiping black goo off her horns. “Less than last week but more than I’m comfortable with.”
Anything more than zero was too many. Some recent encounter locations weren’t hit by black lightning, according to Sariel’s memory. The next logical conclusion was a mutation to the undead who’d been plaguing the world since Elmud’s stunt in Dawncaster. Whatever caused the storm had an effect akin to Prince Makani’s beam of light. A worldwide after effect was working against the aura of hope that empowered everyone.
The train of thought nagged at Aisha. She thought in absolutes; not pretty words and definitely not assumptions. Everyone had similar thoughts but that was an unnecessary use of mental energy. Normally it all went to one person who would elaborate and move on with no issue. But he was a long way away. The slight frown on the Hero’s face and longing eyes told the others exactly what was on her mind.
“I can only suggest we contact Avant about Kargon’s condition so many times before I assume you do not wish to see him,” Vofric said. “Though maybe your feelings have changed since our last conversation. It is not a guarantee that distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
Aisha immediately argued. “That’s not it! I want to! It’s just-”
“You are concerned about whether he will match our current strength,” Sariel interjected dryly. “It is a valid concern. Training can only provide a finite amount of growth. Our own training has been bolstered by frequent bouts with the demon king’s minions.”
Avant bumped the Hero’s leg and cooed quietly. Neither wished to be apart from their friend for so long. The possibility that Kargon could not continue the journey with them felt unfair. But more than anyone, Aisha knew it was realistic. Dawncaster’s records stated as much. Kharim had many allies who had to go their separate ways. Sometimes the power needed to continue on a quest was too much for someone. Better they live a long life chasing a different goal than die trying to aid the Hero’s needs.
“I’ll still make sure to go back to him,” she said confidently. “When everything’s done, that is. Plus, I’m not convinced that he can’t match up to us. I mean, it’s Kargon. He got stronger every time we hit a wall. Elmud didn’t stand a chance…”
Her voice trailed off before finishing the thought. A firm hand was needed to push her past this wall. Sariel looked down at her stout ally who was doing poorly to hide his annoyance. It only happened when Aisha vehemently avoided the topic of her best friend. Normally Vofric would bite his tongue but his growing concerns made avoiding the matter especially grating.
He hummed gruffly. “Pray tell; why have we not contacted him or Avant?”
Aisha hesitated but the dwarf needed no answer for the truth. Even if someone tried to interject he would have spoken over them.
“It is a given that warriors are wounded during battle. One like Kargon would willingly take one thousand cuts for his allies regardless of the consequences.” With each word the paladin’s footsteps grew heavier. “Fear that he will fail to rise from a fall is not love; it is disrespect. Concern for his well-being is well and good but the prevailing belief should be that nothing will overpower his will.”
“While I appreciate your trust in us, it should not outshine your faith in Kargon.” Sariel added. “Mutual trust and reliance proves that you believe we will push through any adversity. As foolish as he is, I believe Kargon will too. Your relationship with him eclipses ours by many decades and yet something stops you from placing the same faith in him.”
Aisha couldn’t argue with her friends’ words. She so badly wanted to but lying was unbecoming of the Hero. Kargon had shown his capabilities time and time again. Every failed examination during their days as a soldier was met with reactive training. Every failed mission was studied repeatedly in hopes of diminishing losses. Even losing Elmud in the Ramshorn District of Dawncaster had ignited his need to prove it was a fluke. Clearly Elmud was similar with the training they put in to humiliate Kargon. Habits dictated he would figure out how to overcome this hurdle. But resilience and growth required proper encounters to bypass the hardships of a long journey.
“I can’t bring myself to believe training will match up to real combat,” Aisha said weakly.
Vofric huffed. “Aisha, your growth is not simply from combat. Much like we assisted you in unlocking your potential, so shall Avant for Kargon. On that point, even if growth was only from combat I would still trust Avant. He will drill everything our fool needs to know into his very bones. I would readily bet my life on it.”
His young friend was taken aback by the statement. It was incredibly rare that Vofric spoke in a life-threatening absolute. Whatever happened during his old adventures was always a mystery. But the connections developed during that time remained important to him. Aisha recalled brief stories of how harsh Kargon’s master was and couldn’t imagine it was the same person. Then again, he was the only one able to cease the flames that engulfed him while unconscious. There was obviously more to the aarakocra than what he showed.
“You’re right,” Aisha admitted. “You’re all right. The next opportunity we get, we’ll send for an update. That is if the postage station is still standing.”
“It was acceptable collateral to protect lives,” Sariel replied immediately. During a recent battle she tore one down to collapse the building on top of a group of fanged imps.
“You’re not wrong.”
Since leaving Shusyoun, the party had unfortunately caused the destruction of many buildings. Nothing that was completely irreparable but that didn’t change the fact that it hindered the general functions of some settlements. Delays in reaching them caused loss of life. Once the dust settled after a battle some citizens blamed the adventurers for not being fast enough. It didn’t matter that their arrival stopped any further deaths. Only that they didn’t prevent every single one even when it was impossible. They left those locations as soon as they could.
Thankfully some places were able to fend off their attackers without delay. Sometimes it was due to the residents while others were assisted by passing travelers. It was clear that groups outside Barbatos were also targeting the black lightning spawn. The world government surely assigned squads to hunt demons and protect areas with no guard presence. Adventurers and soldiers often butted heads anytime decisions of this kind were made in the past. Hopefully the greater issues at hand would give them pause.
“Something’s wrong,” Sariel said abruptly. Her ears twitched at the sound of a distant crackle. “Ahead of us. Around one mile.”
It wasn’t hard to identify what she was referring to. Winding roads and thick trees did a good job of covering the next village. Wooden partitions erected on all sides further skewed the party’s vision. What was apparent was the wild flames whipping wildly within the walls.
“Screams, we must go!” Sariel said and broke into a sprint. Avant immediately belted out a spell to speed up everyone. Another growl signaled to Vofric that he should get on. Without the owlbear’s aid the dwarf had no chance of keeping up. If the danger grew, Aisha would speed herself up more. But wasting mana before battle was ill-advised. Monsters had grown stronger since the demon castle appeared. History dictated they would be capable of new techniques. Coming up short in a foreign situation would be devastating. Until the need arose, the Hero would run alongside her allies.
Flames barely reached the top of the seven foot high walls. Screams began dying down as heavy attacks cut them short. Wooden structures shook from impacts as an unknown force terrorized the village.The telltale breathing of ghouls and brutes grew louder as the party got close. Citizens and guards alike stood aside at an open gateway. The edges of the town were occupied with bystanders. Buildings took the brunt of attacks as creatures flew at them. More painful screeches erupted after each unseen attack.
The party pushed through the crowd to get a good look at the makeshift arena. To their surprise, fire hadn’t damaged any of the surrounding buildings. Embers only flew a few feet away from the source. Furious strikes launched from a humanoid engulfed in flames. From within the scorching inferno only a black silhouette and two glowing eyes could be seen. The bright blue orbs were still and unmoving, making it impossible to track the infernal creature's gaze. Whatever was inside targeted the demonic horde exclusively. They couldn’t handle a single blazing attack.
“If it ain’t the Hero and her cadre,” a familiar voice said nonchalantly. Taze sidled towards them with a grin. The awestruck villagers took note of the unfamiliar faces for a brief moment before turning back to the carnage.
“Taze, what’s going on here?” Aisha asked.
The delivery driver grinned widely. “Special delivery.”
The brief chat grabbed the attention of a furious brute that hesitated from engaging the inferno. Demons were dwindling after having done negligible damage to the settlement. One wound on the Hero would make it all worth it. Standing two heads higher than the half-elf gave the large monster confidence in its decision. It pivoted towards the party and dashed. Running on four muscular limbs provided ample speed on par with Avant’s unempowered abilities.
Aisha stepped forward, ready to draw her blade. But she hesitated at what appeared behind the demon. Emitting from the burning creature was an arm triple its size. The flaming hand reached forward and easily wrapped around the hulking creature. No amount of flailing broke the ethereal hands grasp. One single forceful pull drew the monster back while simultaneously forcing the hand through it. Burns appeared all over its body as it screamed in pain. The sound was short lived as a powerful explosion tore through its torso before burning its heart to smithereens.
Ashes drifted up from burnt demonic corpses riddling the main street of the village. Fire retracted from the furious warrior. Goggles with shining circular lenses were removed and pulled down. Daggers stared at the brute that foolishly rushed at the Hero. A breath held far longer than necessary finally escaped the brawler’s lips.
“You’re not worth her time.”
After two years of adventuring, no time had passed faster than the two weeks spent hunting down empowered demons. Within a day of traveling it was clear how different Ionzel was to Teprav. The new world, what many called the massive continent, was more developed than Aisha ever imagined. Only Vofric had any previous exposure to it and proved helpful in navigating the foreign land. Paved roads were much more common between locations. Settlements were within a day’s walk of each other. With thankful assistance of saved residents, the party was able to hitch a ride on carriages every so often. Doing so allowed them to get through multiple locales before nightfall.
There was no shame in accepting a free stay at the inn and a proper nourishment. By now the group was lucky to get more than one meal a day. Avant ate the most considering the berries and fauna he found during travel. Seeing his excitement calmed any anxiety that weighed on them. The party was doing everything in their power to help anyone within reach. No matter how strong they were, limits would present themselves. Distant villages and hidden towns would need to rely on others for assistance. Vofric prayed during any free time that help arrived near every black lightning strike.
“That’s the fourth ghoul squad we’ve cleared today,” Aisha groaned while wiping black goo off her horns. “Less than last week but more than I’m comfortable with.”
Anything more than zero was too many. Some recent encounter locations weren’t hit by black lightning, according to Sariel’s memory. The next logical conclusion was a mutation to the undead who’d been plaguing the world since Elmud’s stunt in Dawncaster. Whatever caused the storm had an effect akin to Prince Makani’s beam of light. A worldwide after effect was working against the aura of hope that empowered everyone.
The train of thought nagged at Aisha. She thought in absolutes; not pretty words and definitely not assumptions. Everyone had similar thoughts but that was an unnecessary use of mental energy. Normally it all went to one person who would elaborate and move on with no issue. But he was a long way away. The slight frown on the Hero’s face and longing eyes told the others exactly what was on her mind.
“I can only suggest we contact Avant about Kargon’s condition so many times before I assume you do not wish to see him,” Vofric said. “Though maybe your feelings have changed since our last conversation. It is not a guarantee that distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
Aisha immediately argued. “That’s not it! I want to! It’s just-”
“You are concerned about whether he will match our current strength,” Sariel interjected dryly. “It is a valid concern. Training can only provide a finite amount of growth. Our own training has been bolstered by frequent bouts with the demon king’s minions.”
Avant bumped the Hero’s leg and cooed quietly. Neither wished to be apart from their friend for so long. The possibility that Kargon could not continue the journey with them felt unfair. But more than anyone, Aisha knew it was realistic. Dawncaster’s records stated as much. Kharim had many allies who had to go their separate ways. Sometimes the power needed to continue on a quest was too much for someone. Better they live a long life chasing a different goal than die trying to aid the Hero’s needs.
“I’ll still make sure to go back to him,” she said confidently. “When everything’s done, that is. Plus, I’m not convinced that he can’t match up to us. I mean, it’s Kargon. He got stronger every time we hit a wall. Elmud didn’t stand a chance…”
Her voice trailed off before finishing the thought. A firm hand was needed to push her past this wall. Sariel looked down at her stout ally who was doing poorly to hide his annoyance. It only happened when Aisha vehemently avoided the topic of her best friend. Normally Vofric would bite his tongue but his growing concerns made avoiding the matter especially grating.
He hummed gruffly. “Pray tell; why have we not contacted him or Avant?”
Aisha hesitated but the dwarf needed no answer for the truth. Even if someone tried to interject he would have spoken over them.
“It is a given that warriors are wounded during battle. One like Kargon would willingly take one thousand cuts for his allies regardless of the consequences.” With each word the paladin’s footsteps grew heavier. “Fear that he will fail to rise from a fall is not love; it is disrespect. Concern for his well-being is well and good but the prevailing belief should be that nothing will overpower his will.”
“While I appreciate your trust in us, it should not outshine your faith in Kargon.” Sariel added. “Mutual trust and reliance proves that you believe we will push through any adversity. As foolish as he is, I believe Kargon will too. Your relationship with him eclipses ours by many decades and yet something stops you from placing the same faith in him.”
Aisha couldn’t argue with her friends’ words. She so badly wanted to but lying was unbecoming of the Hero. Kargon had shown his capabilities time and time again. Every failed examination during their days as a soldier was met with reactive training. Every failed mission was studied repeatedly in hopes of diminishing losses. Even losing Elmud in the Ramshorn District of Dawncaster had ignited his need to prove it was a fluke. Clearly Elmud was similar with the training they put in to humiliate Kargon. Habits dictated he would figure out how to overcome this hurdle. But resilience and growth required proper encounters to bypass the hardships of a long journey.
“I can’t bring myself to believe training will match up to real combat,” Aisha said weakly.
Vofric huffed. “Aisha, your growth is not simply from combat. Much like we assisted you in unlocking your potential, so shall Avant for Kargon. On that point, even if growth was only from combat I would still trust Avant. He will drill everything our fool needs to know into his very bones. I would readily bet my life on it.”
His young friend was taken aback by the statement. It was incredibly rare that Vofric spoke in a life-threatening absolute. Whatever happened during his old adventures was always a mystery. But the connections developed during that time remained important to him. Aisha recalled brief stories of how harsh Kargon’s master was and couldn’t imagine it was the same person. Then again, he was the only one able to cease the flames that engulfed him while unconscious. There was obviously more to the aarakocra than what he showed.
“You’re right,” Aisha admitted. “You’re all right. The next opportunity we get, we’ll send for an update. That is if the postage station is still standing.”
“It was acceptable collateral to protect lives,” Sariel replied immediately. During a recent battle she tore one down to collapse the building on top of a group of fanged imps.
“You’re not wrong.”
Since leaving Shusyoun, the party had unfortunately caused the destruction of many buildings. Nothing that was completely irreparable but that didn’t change the fact that it hindered the general functions of some settlements. Delays in reaching them caused loss of life. Once the dust settled after a battle some citizens blamed the adventurers for not being fast enough. It didn’t matter that their arrival stopped any further deaths. Only that they didn’t prevent every single one even when it was impossible. They left those locations as soon as they could.
Thankfully some places were able to fend off their attackers without delay. Sometimes it was due to the residents while others were assisted by passing travelers. It was clear that groups outside Barbatos were also targeting the black lightning spawn. The world government surely assigned squads to hunt demons and protect areas with no guard presence. Adventurers and soldiers often butted heads anytime decisions of this kind were made in the past. Hopefully the greater issues at hand would give them pause.
“Something’s wrong,” Sariel said abruptly. Her ears twitched at the sound of a distant crackle. “Ahead of us. Around one mile.”
It wasn’t hard to identify what she was referring to. Winding roads and thick trees did a good job of covering the next village. Wooden partitions erected on all sides further skewed the party’s vision. What was apparent was the wild flames whipping wildly within the walls.
“Screams, we must go!” Sariel said and broke into a sprint. Avant immediately belted out a spell to speed up everyone. Another growl signaled to Vofric that he should get on. Without the owlbear’s aid the dwarf had no chance of keeping up. If the danger grew, Aisha would speed herself up more. But wasting mana before battle was ill-advised. Monsters had grown stronger since the demon castle appeared. History dictated they would be capable of new techniques. Coming up short in a foreign situation would be devastating. Until the need arose, the Hero would run alongside her allies.
Flames barely reached the top of the seven foot high walls. Screams began dying down as heavy attacks cut them short. Wooden structures shook from impacts as an unknown force terrorized the village.The telltale breathing of ghouls and brutes grew louder as the party got close. Citizens and guards alike stood aside at an open gateway. The edges of the town were occupied with bystanders. Buildings took the brunt of attacks as creatures flew at them. More painful screeches erupted after each unseen attack.
The party pushed through the crowd to get a good look at the makeshift arena. To their surprise, fire hadn’t damaged any of the surrounding buildings. Embers only flew a few feet away from the source. Furious strikes launched from a humanoid engulfed in flames. From within the scorching inferno only a black silhouette and two glowing eyes could be seen. The bright blue orbs were still and unmoving, making it impossible to track the infernal creature's gaze. Whatever was inside targeted the demonic horde exclusively. They couldn’t handle a single blazing attack.
“If it ain’t the Hero and her cadre,” a familiar voice said nonchalantly. Taze sidled towards them with a grin. The awestruck villagers took note of the unfamiliar faces for a brief moment before turning back to the carnage.
“Taze, what’s going on here?” Aisha asked.
The delivery driver grinned widely. “Special delivery.”
The brief chat grabbed the attention of a furious brute that hesitated from engaging the inferno. Demons were dwindling after having done negligible damage to the settlement. One wound on the Hero would make it all worth it. Standing two heads higher than the half-elf gave the large monster confidence in its decision. It pivoted towards the party and dashed. Running on four muscular limbs provided ample speed on par with Avant’s unempowered abilities.
Aisha stepped forward, ready to draw her blade. But she hesitated at what appeared behind the demon. Emitting from the burning creature was an arm triple its size. The flaming hand reached forward and easily wrapped around the hulking creature. No amount of flailing broke the ethereal hands grasp. One single forceful pull drew the monster back while simultaneously forcing the hand through it. Burns appeared all over its body as it screamed in pain. The sound was short lived as a powerful explosion tore through its torso before burning its heart to smithereens.
Ashes drifted up from burnt demonic corpses riddling the main street of the village. Fire retracted from the furious warrior. Goggles with shining circular lenses were removed and pulled down. Daggers stared at the brute that foolishly rushed at the Hero. A breath held far longer than necessary finally escaped the brawler’s lips.
“You’re not worth her time.”
