The Newt and Demon

Chapter 2.40: Through Any Means Necessary

Zarali didnt seem to suffer the same disorienting effects of the portal. Tresk and Theo fell to their knees, working to keep the contents of the stomachs from spilling onto Xolsas well-kept stone floor. The Dronon woman swept her senses over the tower, tutting immediately.

What a strange hodgepodge of power, she said, pursing her lips.

The towers wizard came down the winding stairs, eyes wide with surprise. He relaxed upon seeing the trio gathered, letting out a steady breath. Best not to sneak up on a mage like that, he said. Who is the priestess?

Belgars sister. Priestess of Drogramath, Zarali said, puffing with pride. She then said something Theo couldnt make out. The language wasnt familiar to him, and by the look on the mages face, he didnt know it either.

I dont think he knows what you said, Theo said, rising to his feet. His balance was still shaky, but he stood by bracing himself against the wall. She thinks youre part of a race called the Baratheir.

I wouldnt know, Xolsa said, descending the steps. And I dont believe shes really your sister. Although, Im willing to play along with a ruse, if thats what this is.

Zarali looked slightly offended, but Theo held up a silencing hand. Thats quite fine, he said. Its a very loose lie.

Very well, Xolsa said. Is there any reason for your visit?

Im interested in the power you sensed, Zarali said, brightening up again. My brother told me about your theory regarding different energies.

Ive made some progress on that, Theo, Xolsa said, beckoning them up the stairs.

The roof was ablaze with the familiar symbols, dancing in a circle to trace the curve of the tower. Theo couldnt make out anything, even with his enhanced memory. Tresks eyes darted everywhere, as though she expected an ambush. The alchemist wouldnt think less of her for the vigilance. These were strange times.

I dont understand any of the arcane languages, not least one so foreign, Zarali said, turning her nose up at the display. She swiped her hand through the air once and a series of Drogramathi Sigils appeared. Those were things Theo could understand well.

Her webwork wasnt as thorough as the one displayed by Xolsa. It was a high-level assessment of the magical energies in the area with corresponding numbers in a unit the alchemist didnt understand. What he could glean from the display was that Drogramaths energy was the most prevalent. Zarali swiped her hand again and the symbols changed, displaying words that Theo could understand, but the content was mostly nonsense to him.

I dont know what a [Planar Mage] is, Zarali said, tilting her head. But I understand the dominance of power. The shade one house casts on another, and those in its embrace. Drogramaths presence here is undeniable, but your approach is wrong.

Xolsa bristled for a moment, quickly regaining his composure. I consider myself the foremost expert on the matter.

Perhaps, Zarali said, squinting and poking a symbol on her display. It lit up, then faded away. In terms of where this energy comes from, I would bow to a [Planar Mage]. This webwork is too complex for me. Explain your plan. Be brief.

Xolsa straightened himself up, snapping his fingers to extinguish his interface. He took his finger and drew a diagram in the air. It was the node theory he explained to Theo earlier. Starting from the left with a circle that must have been the swamp dungeon, and moving to the right with each node having a connection to only one other node.

The power is entering the Swamp Dungeon, Xolsa said. The problem is, its getting stuck there. Theres nothing instructing that power to disperse. The plan was to send it over to the other dungeons, but Im having difficulty with my wards.

Well, that much is apparent, Zarali said, chuckling. What little I know of planar spellwork tells me enough. Your approach is too complicated, and besides you misunderstand the concepts.

Do explain, Xolsa said, puffing up.

Theo had never seen the extra-dimensional Elf so engaged. He also didnt really understand what his sister was talking about. Xolsas theory made sense to him.

How much do you understand about dungeon theory? Zarali asked.

Xolsa shifted uncomfortably on his feet, some of that puffiness leaving his body. Not as much as Id like.

Zarali dispelled the nodes in the air, grinning at the Elf. I know as much as my Lord Drogramath sought to instill in me. I never understood why this information would be useful, but his plans can take centuries to come to pass. Think of the dungeons as a membrane. If you need a physical representation

Zarali sketched her own version of the dungeons connections. Instead of a linear progression, where each dungeon fed the other in a line, she drew an infinitely connected network. Her representation was only five dungeons big, each dungeon represented by a small circle, but it was confusing. Every circle was connected with a line to every other circle. Theo understood what she meant by a membrane now.

Proximity matters, but every dungeon is connected to every other dungeon, Zarali said. So, think about the distribution of magical energy as a wave, rather than a linear propagation and your theory holds water.

Do you know what theyre saying? Tresk asked, cocking her head. Cause I dont know what theyre saying.

Power transfers from one dungeon to all dungeons, Theo said, keeping his voice to a whisper.

A simple way of viewing the matter, Belgar, Zarali said, craning her neck to grin at him. Youre not my actual brother, but youre not a dullard.

Xolsa danced on the spot, sputtering something. It was the most animated Theo had ever seen him. That makes sense! Wave propagation! Like the ocean! One wave comes up to reinforce another, creating a cascade of power. By the Gods, youve solved it.

See? Zarali asked, still staring at Theo. Not evil. Just misunderstood.

I must show you my wards, Xolsa said. Would you join me in the swamp?

Certainly, Zarali said. Belgar, would it be alright if I spent the rest of the day with this lovely Elf?

Theo blinked hard, trying to line up his thoughts. Sure, he said, finally finding something simple to say. Youre welcome to stay at the Newt and Demon tonight.

I have a spare room, Xolsa blurted out. On the second flooryoure welcome to it.

Ill stay in the tower, Zarali said. Now, lets get back to waves of energy

Theo turned on the spot without hearing another word and marched down the stairs. The interaction was too weird for him, and he didnt want to think about any of the implications. Not of romantic intent, or Drogramaths master plan. Tresk followed close behind him, stopping shy of the portal.

Id rather not, she said, defaulting to the Tarahek communication.

Theo stepped through without another word, falling to the ground instantly.

It feels like my insides are being turned to goo, Theo said.

They might be, Tresk said. Whats your read on her?

Theo had to think a while about that one. Zarali was weird, but he understood that it might have been a response to her grief. It could also have been an act, a cover to serve her masters will. The only other option was she was insane. None of the options sat well with him, but the benefits were still undeniable. She helped Xolsa solve his problem on a whim, planted with knowledge by Drogramath and sent to the swamp to see it through. He let out a heavy sigh, feeling powerful hands bringing him to his feet.

The alchemist thanked the towns person who righted him, patting the man on the shoulder and stumbling toward the Newt and Demon. He leaned against the front counter, garnering an amount of sympathy from Azrug. The shopkeeper was intent on making sure his employer was well before allowing him to leave. As he waited for the nausea to pass, Theo thought about his relationship with the young man. Azrug was more capable than ever, running the shop with ease and making more money than should be possible for a low-level merchant.

Thank you, Theo said, stumbling up the steps and into his lab.

The timer on his flame artifice had turned off, and the flask hadnt overflowed. Fortunately, the example distillation he showed Zarali was small enough to avoid such a disaster. He didnt want to consider the idea of getting poison essence all over his lab. Theo placed the essence in his dimensional chest and cleaned the still out with [Cleansing Scrub], eager to get back to some alchemy. Things had been too wild lately.

How far does this path take you, dear alchemist? a voice came from the far side of the room.

Theo nearly jumped out of his skin, clutching his chest and cursing at the darkness. Uharis emerged, sipping a cup of tea and managing a weak smile. Something lingered behind those stony eyes.

Ive had enough of mages today, Theo said, scowling. Enough of influences from outside forces, thank you. Leave a note and be gone, if you dont mind.

What a cordial way to banish someone, Uharis said, taking a seat.

Theo thought of calling Tresk to his side, but dismissed the idea. She wouldnt be much use against a level 80 Archmage, even if she wanted to. The alchemist simply let out a heavy sigh, leaning against the table and leveling his hooded gaze on the mage.

What do you want, Uharis? Theo asked.

Influences Thats the right word, Uharis said, casting his eyes over the lab. There was a forlorn expression on his face that sent a twinge through the alchemists chest.

I assume you teleported into my lab, Theo said, gesturing to nothing in particular. Dont think I dont know what youve been doing. You knew about the dungeon timer. You knew about our fate herewhy do I have the feeling you knew about Zarali? Xolsa? Damn! Did you know about the Harbinger, too?

Ah, Uharis said, taking a long sip of his tea. Theo noticed how his demeanor had changed entirely. The drunk wizard thing was an act all along, not that it was hard to see through that. Only a fool would fall for such nonsense. The Harbinger? Not at all.

So, why steer me away from an administration core? Did you really think that was a good pick, or was that another ploy? Theo asked.

Ill be honest, Theo, Uharis said. I never expected this much anger from you.

Theo? Are you alright? Im suddenly super pissed, Tresk said.

Im fine, Theo lied. He couldnt hide the bile in his words, even through telepathic communication.

What did you expect? Theo asked. Whereas he always treated others with respect by giving them the full picture, Uharis hadnt afforded him that luxury. You havent been honest from the start. And would it kill you people to give me five minutes alone? Its one thing after another with you.

Uharis didnt answer. He swirled his tea in contemplation.

Answer some damn questions, wizard, Theo said, slamming his fist against the table. You owe me as much. If your intention was to drive me away from Drogramath, youve done the opposite. Youve sent me into his embrace.

I could snap my fingers, Uharis said, demonstrating by snapping his fingers. And destroy Broken Tusk. I could think and wipe you from this plane.

You would have done so already, Theo said, sweat forming on his forehead.

I would have, Uharis said, letting out a ragged sigh. He slumped in his chair slightly, something that Theo didnt miss. Sulvan thought The Archmages brow knit tightly and he shook his head. He sees something in you. Something hes not telling me. He was right, and I was wrong.

Enough of dancing around, Theo said. Tell me the truth. Why did you come here? What does the Order of the Burning Eye want with me? Am I destined to be evil? To serve Drogramath?

Uharis heaved a breath, a pained smile spreading across his face. Sulvan is eons old. He knows things. I was sent to spy, which you already knew. I detected the abnormality with the dungeon immediately and linked your crystal to it. When I detected Xolsas arrival, I knew something larger was at work. Then a Drogramathi Priestess? Thats just too much.

So, what? Theo asked, laughing despite his rage. Im forced to sit at the throne of some Demon Lords destiny?

Drogramath? Uharis asked, cocking an eyebrow. No, hes just a player in this game. Another piece on the board.

Then Im a pawn? Theo asked.

Uharis winced, rising from his seat. Perhaps I shouldnt have come. If you thought of me as an enemy, that would have been a better outcome.

Theo crossed the room, grabbing the Archmage by his robe. Answers, damn you.

Uharis regarded him with an expression Theo couldnt place. After a moment, he found the right word. Pity.

Im afraid I dont know the truth, Uharis said. I wish I did, Theo.

Theo felt a spike of pain drive through his heart. Tears welled at the corners of his eyes. Hed been running from the truth of everything since he got to Broken Tusk. He was done being someones pawn. The alchemist would forge his own destiny and the Gods could be damned for ithe didnt care. Hed defy the order, Qavell, and the entire planet if it meant living his own way. Hed die trying.

I can tell you This place was meant to be, Uharis said. Constructed for one purpose.

And what is that? Theo asked, unable to hide his sorrow. The tears flowed from his eyes, stinging his cheeks and flowing down his face. To suffer? To live in this place, never knowing what knives are in the dark? Which person who enters my town will be the last? To fall to a Demon Lord?

Uharis placed a calming hand on his shoulder, more than a simple gesture. It sent waves of comfort through the alchemists body, soothing the edges of his tattered soul.

To live. To be happy, Uharis said, brows knitting tightly in pain. A place for you, and no one else.

Theo collapsed to the floor, clutching his face in his hands. The image of Zarali sobbing came to his mind in a rush, joined by countless other images of unimaginable sorrow. It was the release of months of tension, a single act that poured out of him unabated.

We oppose Drogramaths direct intervention in this world, Uharis said, kneading the alchemists shoulder. Use the power that he grants you. Follow the path in your heart, Theo. Gods know The world will need it.

Theo didnt know how long he sat there, sobbing. At some point, an explosion issued on the far side of the lab. Uharis had teleported away. He remained there until a familiar presence pulled him into an embrace. Theo Spencer cried into Tresks chest until his eyes stung, her comforting aura eventually calming him.

Its nothing we cant handle, Tresk said, waiting until his heaving sobs stopped. Nothing a few daggers cant fix.

I know, Theo said, wiping his snot onto his sleeve. Its just too much, Tresk. What am I supposed to do here?

You heard the wizard, Tresk said, running her clammy hands through his hair. It doesnt matter if this place is a construct. Youre meant to live your life the way you want.

Theo looked up, locking his gaze with her pale eyes. The way we want, he corrected. This is our town. And our people.

Well make it work anyway we can, Tresk said. Before long, no one can stop us.

Theo nodded, wiping his eyes against his sleeve. It was stained with as much snot as tears, long streaks of wetness running its length. He rose to his feet and took a steadying breath. The breakdown was cathartic, in a way. A buildup of emotions that had rested in his chest since he got there. An expulsion of anger and uncertainty brought to a singular moment. He felt bolstered by Tresks presence. Her complete certainty in his abilities radiated outward.

Through any means necessary, Theo said, steadying himself against his companion. I have potions to brew.