The Newt and Demon

5.47 - This Ain't Zalaban

Theo flailed in his mind, desperate to move or dispel the potion. Nothing worked. He could only look around the remnants of Vesta as words came into his mind but were never spoken aloud. The figure below laughed, soon releasing a rattling cough that chilled the alchemist to the bone.

What spell is that? the figure asked, shambling closer to get a better look at Theo. Alchemy, of course. What a strange effect. Ive never seen it.

The figure tilted its head to either side, as though he was trying to understand what Theo said. Again, he laughed. Youre quite untrained with magic, arent you? Express your intent through magery. Use your mana. There it is. A little louder, please. My form is still new.

Who are you? Theo asked, feeling the words echo through the air. He couldnt tell if they were actual words. They seemed closer to manifested intent than anything else. But the figure below chuckled, his face still hidden by the hood.

Ill tell you one thing, champion, the figure said, gesturing to the undead around him. These bones make for poor company, so I welcome you to the Ashes of Vesta. But I do not have a name. Do you?

My name is Theo, the alchemist responded. The more words he used, the easier it seemed to be.

Welcome, Theo. Your name carried on the winds of magic in the southlands. And I apologize for the trouble my minions caused. I fear that I my progenitor didnt think this plan through. You may call me the Wanderer, until I discover a better name.

Theos mind twitched. The fear of his situation melted away. The more he examined the state his mind was in, the more he realized he was in no real danger. This wasnt like moving through the realms, where his physical body was sent to another place. This was a thread of his mind, stretched across the world. If this form was destroyed, it wouldnt matter. The backlash in Broken Tusk would be minimal, and he would be fine. After he calmed down, he knew exactly who he was talking to.

Shouldnt I call you Balkor? Theo asked.

Oh, hes quick, the Wanderer said, turning to tap his knuckles against the skull of a skeleton. Theo spotted the bone-like appendages of the man and mentally recoiled. Yes, and no. Balkor created an imprint of his soul during the First Ascension War. How long ago was that?

Fifty-thousand years ago. I think, Theo said.

Ah, the Wanderer said, turning to the city he just destroyed. This isnt Zalaban?

It isnt.

The Wanderer was a lich. Theo understood this based on what Fenian had told him about Balkors fall, and how he used a phylactery to lure the undead to Qavell. The necromantic power of an undead army brought him back to life, but it wasnt the current incarnation of Balkor. It was an imprint of him from thousands of years ago, back when an empire still ruled the continent. The lich that stood amongst the undead below him wasnt the modern day version of Balkor, but one that lived before ascension. There were many things to think about with that, but the alchemist didnt have the time. He had to play therapist to a lich.

But I got what I came for, the Wanderer said, running his hand over something under his cloak. They were hoarding it.

This is weird, Theo said. He tried to shrug, but couldnt. I just wanted to put that out there. From my perspective, youve been assaulting my towns with the undead.I appreciate your apology, though. Do you have them under control?

Absolute control, the Wanderer said, turning to look at his minions once more. He turned back to Theo, pulling his hood back to reveal a skeletal face. Im afraid Im at a loss. I have it. But what should I do now?

Theo constructed the narrative in his head. Balkor had a few places to keep his soul, just in case it was destroyed. This made it so he wouldnt fall out of power. So long as he was alive, his realm wouldnt fall completely. When he descended to the mortal plane, he brought an old phylactery along just in case. Fenian found it, brought it to Qavell, which created the Wanderer. The alchemist imagined there was a period where the new version of Balkor wouldnt have all his senses. He likely came to Vesta looking for something the old version needed. As he went, more of his senses came back. Now he was lost and confused. An unwitting party to this massacre.

Theo wouldnt place blame anywhere. That wasnt his place. He had about five minutes left to convince the lich to pull his necromantic powers in. To stop spreading the corruption.

Youre corrupting the continent with your power, Theo said. But I dont think it was your intention.

No, the Wanderer said, turning once again to his minions. They followed me here. I have only recently gained command over them and and myself.

Draw your power into yourself. We may be able to help.

Could you? On the other side of the continent?

Were purging the land of the necromantic power. Well work our way north, then to the west.

Do you plan to kill me?

Yes. Of course the answer was yes, but there might be another way. Like any power in the world, necromantic power wasnt bad. Well, it didnt need to be bad. Theo based this conclusion on how Glantheir handled Balkors incursion. If the Elven God of Healing wanted to get rid of the demon god, he could have. But he didnt. Which meant there was at least some value in keeping him alive. But the alchemists time was running out.

If youre a problem, well banish you, Theo said. If you draw your power in, staying on that side of the spine, we wont have a problem.

And I have your promise. Thats it? the Wanderer asked.

My time is limited. My promise is that well purge undeath from the land up until the spine. Then well stop there, leaving you to do whatever it is you want. So long as you stop spreading the corruption.

The wanderer looked around, nodding to himself. Theo could feel the effects of the potion slipping away.

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I think I like that, the Wanderer said, nodding to himself. Theo could almost feel him smiling, but the lichs skull was constantly grinning. Ill start by ah, your potion is fading. Farewell!

Theo gasped, looking up at the wooden ceiling with wide eyes. Both Sarisa and Salire stood over him. Both had their arms crossed with sour expressions on their faces.

You lied to me, Sarisa said.

Theo smiled back, patting himself down. There was no damage to his body or mind. But he had a lot to process. The wanderer was pleasant to talk to. Maybe it was because the lich hadnt talked with anyone else, but there was a glimmer of hope within him.

Are you okay? Salire asked, pressing her hand on Theos forehead. The light in your eyes went out. They were just black.

Perfectly fine. Theo pushed himself to his feet, not even needing the help of his companions. They had removed him from the chair. He paused, letting his thoughts gather. The encounter was too confusing to process all at once. I saw someone.

Who? Salire asked, cutting off Sarisa before she could grill him further.

A lich. The potion lets you see distant places. I saw Vesta. Well, whats left of it.

You did what? Sarisa groaned. That sounds dangerous.

He was really nice.

How many dead people was he standing on top of? Sarisa asked, narrowing her eyes on the alchemist.

He wasnt standing on them.

Her gaze intensified.

A few. Hundred. Thousand, Theo said, adjusting the scope of the Wanderers destruction as he spoke. I understand, Sarisa. Not a good move.

Sarisa took one steady breath, rolling her shoulders as she calmed down. She had more questions about what Theo had seen and how he was seen. He explained everything that he could, emphasizing that he understood how dangerous the situation was. The temptation to see Vesta was just too great. Both Qavell and Vesta were high on his list of interesting places on the continent right now.

Because I made first contact with him, he has a good impression of the world, Theo said, jabbing a finger at nowhere in particular. He was confused. Recently resurrected and leading an army he didnt want.

At least you threatened him, Sarisa said with a shrug.

While he seemed intelligent, he was also clueless about what was going on.

Alise is going to piss and shit herself if you tell her, Sarisa said, scratching her head with both hands. She continued doing so for a few moments, groaning in frustration.

More info is good. Besides, talking with an echo of Balkor has to be one of the more normal things Ive done.

As long as youre alright, Salire said.

Alise would be a problem. But something like this wasnt for her to consider. Theo had been trying to keep military and administrative matters separated as best he could. Therefore, she had nothing to do with it. Instead, it was a matter for Alran and Aarok. The alchemist wanted to stay as far aways as he could, so he wrote a report for someone else to take over. He made sure to detail the fact that the Wanderer could have sent him packing at any moment, and kept the line of magical communication up as a show of good faith. After he had his report written in the administration interface, making sure to limit the access to the document, he turned to his companions.

Ill have a chat with the gods. See if I can get anyone to vouch for the Wanderer, Theo said, turning to pass through the void. Sarisas hand clapped over his shoulder.

Careful, Theo, she said, her tone one of friendly concern. Make sure you ask the right one.

I know just the god, Theo said, chuckling as he felt the ground fall out from under him.

Instead of heading directly to Terogal, Theo took the stealth approach. When he passed over the bridge, he halted his progress. The bridge loomed below him as he descended, and he felt the familiar presence of UzXulven. The shadows twisted on the bridges edge, soon revealing the gloomy form of the demon god.

What are you waiting for? she asked. I havent sat around for a year not to get my tea, Theo.

Mind if I stop by the Realm of Healing, first?

Ah. Then well have some tea? she asked.

Of course.

Be my guest, UzXulven said, gesturing vaguely to the bridge. An expanding portal appeared, revealing the realm behind it. Theo thanked her and stepped through.

Even before the alchemist set foot in the verdant gardens of Glantheirs realm, he smelled the familiar scent of Qavelli Berries. A pair of elves, both wearing light white robes, giggled as Theo passed by. He waved with a nervous smile, then pushed through the beautiful landscape. The alchemist had been here once before, and he was again reminded of how gorgeous this place was. Though he hadnt explored it well, he imagined the entire realm was like this small area. He ascended winding stairs, soon finding himself before a massive open-air building. Glantheirs presence was near.

Theo, Glantheirs voice came drifting through the white stone building. Theo followed it, finding the god of the realm standing before people of all races.

Hey, hows it going? Theo asked, waving awkwardly to the group. More giggles. Can I ask you a question?

Glantheir nodded and the crowd of people dispersed. He waited until the group was gone before he spoke. How can I help you?

Theo narrowed his eyes, then shook his head. Youre being nice, arent you?

Naturally. I watched as you contacted him. You handled it rather well.

The elven god crossed the room, pouring something from a silver pitcher into two silver goblets. He brought them over and handed one to Theo. The alchemist took a sip, finding that it was just juice. While he expected wine, he appreciated the slightly tart juice. Glantheir led him to a patio on the far side of the building. Elegant chairs and tables littered the area. Below were sprawling forests and rolling hills. Far in the distance was a snow-capped mountain.

I figured you would have given him a chance, Theo said, leaning on the white stone railing. I mean, what did I do? He was on the other side of the continent. We havent thrown a Hallow Ground Potion on him or anything.

No, but those were the first words he has heard from a mortal since gaining a new form. Balkor from the first age was a different man entirely. Yes, hes a lich now. While there might be some who think of undeath as a perversion, it doesnt need to be. It can be no more dangerous than the dungeons.

Good to know, Theo said, sipping more of his juice. Glantheir took a seat. Thats encouraging. With that out of the way, I hope I can count on your support in the future.

For advice? Certainly. I have an agent moving to contact the Wanderer.

Hopefully for a friendly chat.

Among other things.

That was a great comfort. Theo breathed a sigh of relief knowing that Glantheir was on the case. If things went wrong, the agent would take care of any problems that arose. Because agent was just a code word for a champion. Once again, the alchemist was reminded of Fenian. Currently trapped in Tarantham, the elven trader was supposed to steal a ship and sail for Broken Tusk. The conversation turned away from business, though. Glantheir was interested in chatting about memories of Earth. Theo was surprised with himself. He found those old descriptions of their old home to be a great comfort. Compared to the reality of that wasteland, the descriptions were pleasant.

Perhaps it is time to go, Glantheir said with a smile. Id like some tea.

Yeah. I got what I need to know, Theo said, edging his consciousness away from the Realm of Healing. Wanna come with me?

Sure.

Theo found it oddly simple to bring Glantheir along with him. He pushed both of them through the void, then over the Bridge of Shadows. Within a breath, they were emerging through the veil and into the realm of Terogal. The alchemist was just happy there wasnt a gaggle of souls waiting for approval. Instead, he saw the many gateways of the other gods springing up in the open field. Belgar was trotting over to greet Theo and Glantheir.

We have invented a new sport! Belgar shouted, jumping on the spot. Behold!

The spirits had invented rollerblading. Theo shook his head, trying to remember if he mentioned roller skating or rollerblading to any of the souls. They had to make modifications to his roads, somehow paving them with a solid material that seemed to be poured concrete. While he had no idea how they did it, it was necessary. The alchemist imagined people rollerblading over a cobblestone road. That would have ended in more injuries than anything else.

Theo! Benton shouted, waving him over. Spit, Drogramath, and UzXulven were already entering the cottage. Come on! I got some new tea.

Glantheir made a delighted noise. Lets go. That man is revolutionizing the heavenly tea industry.

Theo smiled, joining by the gods side as they entered the cabin. The alchemist felt complete ease washing over his mind. Glantheir had a way of doing that.

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