Guild Relations, Part 7
Hetroth sat upon Varik's bed, already bathed and fed. He was packing for the journey before them. Or rather, mostly reassessing what he'd already packed for his last excursion. He was lacking his armour, but only for the moment. Varikas had gone off to get it. And it wasn't like he would need it. Or at least he assumed he wouldn't. Regardless, it would be prudent to wear something for the journey, as he was currently quite absent of clothing save for a loincloth.
He'd been supplied with the sort of food he preferred, a skin of water, a fresh bedroll, and even some flasks of medical concoctions. He was lacking in reagents to actually make enchantments, apparently too costly a luxury for the All Knowing to supply him with, but he hoped it was merely because there wouldn't be much use for them along the way. They were merely headed to Primum. "Merely".
He still didn't know why they were going there. And it made him fearful, somewhat paranoid even. It didn't help that he'd known the buck for only about two weeks. He trusted him, perhaps even loved him. Whatever one could call the feelings between them, he couldn't help but wonder if his trust wasn't misplaced. He'd heard his share of ugly concerning the All Knowing, and some among the tales turned out to be quite true, although the ones that did were hardly criminal acts. And they had both spared and essentially saved his life before. In the end he figured he'd just have to see for himself.
Having finished his inspection, he lazily got up and wandered towards one of the windows. He found that the view from above calmed him. The cobblestone streets were slowly filling up with the city's inhabitants, making their way towards their places of work. The occasional cart pulled by scaled beasts of burden rolled by, carrying various stall parts and wares. It made Hetroth wonder why he and Varik weren't just going via cart or carriage like a normal person would travel between cities. Although he supposed a cart ride would provide less time for each other. They could've at least taken a pair of steeds to ride, though.
His line of thought came to a halt as the creak of the door turned his attention. Varik had returned, a sizeable stack of various cloth-like items pressed between his arms. He nudged the door shut with his hoof and strolled over towards the wooden table of his room. The contents of the items clanged metallically as they hit the table, Hetroth noticed.
"I have a bit of a surprise for you.", Varik said.
"Oh?", Hetroth responded.
"Your armour.", the buck said, bringing up a bag of obviously metallic contents.
"That's hardly a surprise. You said you were getting it.", Hetroth said, but as he opened the bag and pulled it out, he noticed something that surprised him indeed. "Oh. You got it fixed?", Hetroth asked, pulling out a helm much like his, except missing the large dent the recent forest encounter had left it with.
"Indeed. And it cost a bit to get it done on such short notice.", Varik said, looking pleased with himself.
"Thank you.", Hetroth said, his smile still broadening. A quick verification revealed his damaged pauldron had been renewed as well.
"Before you get dressed, however...", Varik began, digging through a different bag. He pulled out a small, clear-glass jar of some milky-white substance. "I could use some help with these.", he said, tapping a piece of parchment. Het walked up to find the scroll contained a set of strange-looking, foreign symbols. Nothing he recognized from any language he knew, but they did seem familiar, somewhat like symbols one could find upon artefacts.
"And these are?", Hetroth asked.
"Good luck charms. I want you to help paint them on.", the buck said, unscrewing the jar.
"Oh. Uh, alright.", Het said uncertainly. He didn't have much talent for painting in general, but he did hope he'd be able to do a satisfactory job. And resist the urge to draw something unsavoury.
Hetroth dipped two fingers into the dish of milky-white fluid and shook off the excess amount before moving his hand over Varik's bare chest, carefully trying to recreate one of the symbols drawn on a roll of parchment lying on the table beside him.
"These don't actually do anything, do they?", he asked, now somewhat uncertain. The number of times his assumptions had proven wrong in recent days made him somewhat reluctant to speak in absolutes.
"They bring luck.", Varik said with a smile.
"According to someone other than you?", Hetroth asked.
"Well, yes. Not here, but where I'm from.", he explained.
"Where are you from, anyway?", Hetroth said, taking on the brought up subject.
"Off South. A deer tribe. Not much to say about it, really.", Varik said.
"Oh? How did you even end up here, then?", Het asked, his curiosity sparked.
"That's a story for later. Maybe for our travels. For now, focus on drawing the symbols right.", Varik said. Hetroth tilted his head a little.
"What even is this stuff?", Het asked, dipping his fingers once more.
"Oh, just a dye concoction of mine, with a few reagents thrown in.", he said, smirking faintly.
"Smells a bit like cum.", Het commented, sticking his tongue out in distaste.
"Well, that's part of it.", Varik admitted.
"Ugh.", Het groaned. "You think too much with the wrong head.", he said as he reluctantly dipped his fingers once more before smearing them over the buck's abdomen.
"You've used some in enchantments before, have you not?", Varik pointed out.
"No? Never used anything of the sort. And even if I did, at least I wouldn't have to touch it.", Het said.
"Or so you think.", Varik said with a toothy grin.
"My guild wouldn't allow something like that.", Hetroth stated briskly.
"Unlike whatever it is that happened those couple nights ago?", Varikas asked, referring to the potentially fatal task Hetroth had been sent upon. Het shook his head.
"I don't even know what that was yet. And I won't find out for a while.", Het said, rolling his eyes at the buck.
"Well, for your sake, I hope it wasn't intended.", Varik said.
"As do I.", Het said, returning his focus to drawing the symbols.
***
"That'll do.", Varik commented, looking over himself.
"Good.", Het said, wiping his hands on a bit of cloth. "Mind if I get dressed now?", he asked. Varik nodded and waved him towards the awaiting set.
Het dug through the pile of armour, looking over each newly pristine part individually, his smile steadily broadening. As he picked up the last part, however, he noticed something else. A long, slender steel hammer. A warhammer.
"What's this?", Het asked, palming the weapon.
"A gift. From Ketronius. Said he figured you'd find more use for it.", Varik said.
"Huh.", Hetroth said, tilting his head to the side as he looked over the moderately ornate bludgeon with mild curiosity. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but I think I'll be keeping to my blade.", he said.
"I understand. Regardless, keep it. If only as a trophy.", Varik said.
"Very well. It certainly evokes memories.", Hetroth murmured. They weren't pleasant memories.
***
They got past the outer gate without incident, with no one to stop or even so much as question them. It felt as though the Artificers had completely forgotten about Het. Or at least they'd chosen not to intervene anymore. Either way, thoughts of what awaited once he finally did return would weigh heavily on his mind the coming days.
They made their way towards the Northern tree line, the road soon turning from paved stone to simple, packed dirt. Hetroth took a good, long look at the city of Tertium. He had little idea of when he would see it again. And he wanted an image in his mind for comparison when he finally saw Primum. Tertium itself was greater than his city of origin, and he could only imagine how the capitol compared.
"Having second thoughts?", the buck asked, having noticed Hetroth had stopped for a while.
"No. Just looking. One last time.", Het said.
"So dramatic. We'll be back.", Varik chuckled.
"Or so you say.", Het said, rolling his eyes.
"Things might take a while. But I promise it'll be less than two weeks.", Varik assured. Het simply nodded. "So nervous to be travelling with me?", the stag asked as they now resumed their journey, moving into the steadily thickening forest.
"It's just... travelling as far as another city without permission from the guild. At this point I am basically welcoming expulsion.", Het said.
"Worry not.", Varik said, petting the hyena's head. "They'll want you back. You'll see.", he added.
"You wouldn't know that.", Het said with some annoyance. Varikas merely smirked.
"Things have a way of turning right again.", the buck assured.
They walked a while in silence, to the sounds of wind-rustled foliage and songs of birds. Travel through the forest was pleasantly cool this time of the year. However, as much as he didn't mind a period of silence in their travels, there was much he was curious about.
"So. The deer tribe.", Hetroth said.
"That interested, huh?", Varik asked.
"I am curious how exactly you came to be where you are and whom you are, yes.", Het said.
"Oh, very well.", Varik smirked.
***
Varik sat upon a fallen log, the mighty trunk once the lone tree standing upon a small hill overlooking his home village. It was nestled in a relatively secluded valley, thus far untouched by civilization save for a lone trader looking for cheap food along the way to places more beckoning. It had little to offer to settlements built of stone, apparently, and that proved a mixed blessing, leaving them underdeveloped, but well out of the way of wars and such. Although that was likely to change soon.
A bout of commotion had swept over the village of the Fir deer tribe, for about three days straight by now. Elders and common tribesmen alike gathered many times a day, trying to come to an agreement as to what to do about the sudden intrusion, always coming up short on anything close to a decision, prompting them to do nothing.
They feared the alien structure. Where before was only a forest till the horizon, there was now additionally a large, 4-sided structure, its walls tilted inwards, and looking as though ages old. It was a creation of the spirit world, they said between themselves, and nobody wanted to anger spirits, lest they be cursed for life. Or at least such were the conclusions of their more superstitious elders, and none considered braving the unknown structure worth the risk of it coming true.
Varikas, however, saw opportunity in this situation. He was curious, yes, but more than that, he saw it as a chance to prove himself, both in bravery and mettle.
He wasn't in particularly good standing with the village. He was considered curse-born, on account of his mother having passed during childbirth. His relationship with his father was cold at best as a result. It also didn't help his reputation with the villagers that he'd shown greater interest in the lower parts of his male peers than anything the opposite sex had to offer. Although at this point it was more rumour than common knowledge.
Still, he had high hopes that this would give him a name, as someone daring enough to go where none other dared, maybe even conquer whatever fabled beast was rumoured to lie within. There would still be some who would dislike him regardless of what he did, for one reason or another, but even they would be awed enough not to give him grief. Or so he'd hoped.
***
It was early in the morning, within an hour of dawn, when he made his approach towards the overgrown structure. It was deathly silent and still, with only the tree-bound birds there to stir as he made his way through the thickets. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he came prepared, carrying an obsidian dagger in hand. He had passed on donning protective emblems, however. He never believed in them, and had seen his share of painted warriors get floored regardless of their charms. Now, however, he had a different problem - finding a way inside.
He spent the next half hour circling around, first cautiously scouting its perimeter, then coming closer, yet still failing to locate an entrance. That it was becoming brighter with every minute certainly helped matters, but he was still struggling to catch sight of any kind of opening past the foliage. Finally, as he began to cut at the encroaching vines, he noticed a protruding bit of stone. He placed his hand upon it curiously, first pushing at it, to no avail, then pulling, finding it lead to actual movement.
He stowed his dagger at the side of his loincloth and took hold with both hands, now pulling with all his strength. It began to give in more and more, until finally, the block he'd been pulling craned over and fell forward. Varik now looked into the gaping hole before him, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dim, dusty corridors within. Warily, he stepped inside, once more gripping his dagger in anticipation. It felt like he was trespassing. On potentially angry spirits at that.
The thin corridor stretched out for a dozen or so meters, its length adorned with geometric patterns. As Varikas made his way inside, squinting to try and see only by the light from outside, he began to see that the corridor expanded into a broader room. He caught but a glimmer of a small flicker of light, however, before he felt the ground beneath his hoof give in, sending him stumbling slightly forward. He looked down at the treacherous tile only to see a pole fly up right between his legs and catch him squarely in the balls.
***
"Pff! Really?", Het chortled out.
"Yes, yes, I know. Unlikely, but it happened.", Varik rolled his eyes.
"And I thought I was unlucky with how often that happened.", Het remarked, still giggling. "I'm sorry. Please, continue.", he added, trying his best to stifle laughter.
"Right. As I was saying...", Varik began, losing himself in memories once more.
***
The pole, once a stone pike, but now merely a brittle, blunt column, impaled the young buck on top of itself. It threatened to launch the buck head-first into the ceiling, but managed only to lift him into the air before it gave in and shattered to dust and fragments, leaving only a meter-long stub of what it once was. For the moment it made little difference to Varik, however, as he stumbled and fell back, letting out a guttural, pained groan as he finally caught his breath again.
Once he hit the floor, he immediately rolled into a ball, fiercely gripping his testicles as if his life depended on it. It felt as though the pain would never end, and in fact, it only seemed to worsen with time, churning his insides in agony. He spent over a quarter there, rolling from side to side, occasionally laying spread-eagle on his back to try and alleviate the pain, until a different thought crossed his mind.
This place was hostile. It had reacted to his presence and struck at him, he thought. Spirits were real, and they had just let it be known. Fearing for his safety, he began to crawl, initially on his side, then on all fours, quickly rising to a hunched over walk as he hurriedly lurched out of the structure, never looking back as he made his way back to the village.
***
Varik spent the rest of the day mostly sitting in the river. As soothing as the cool stream was, it wasn't quite enough to completely ease the painful swelling of his gonads. It felt like the very memory of the strike would haunt him forever. What bothered him more than that, however, was his temporary lapse in judgement.
"Cursed building.", he murmured to himself, seething at his own superstition. Worse than that, however, was that he'd lost his dagger. It had been a gift from his older brother, a gesture of how he held no ill will towards Varik despite the death of their mother. It was irreplaceable, and quite valuable, not just sentimentally. He would have to retrieve it, and quickly. As much as everyone feared the structure and the spirits that dwelt within, it was only a matter of time before someone else as reckless as him decided to venture out and search it, only to find easy treasure right at the entrance.
He continued to sit there, pondering and stewing in self-contempt. He would have to prepare. But only once his balls stopped aching.
***
He came back late in the afternoon, this time having prepared a torch he'd assembled from a stick, some leaves and tattered, discarded rags he'd found lying around the village. It wouldn't last very long, but it'd have to do.
He set himself up by the entrance, assembling and lighting a fire. If his excavation took him long enough, he'd have to forego returning home the same day and would need a camp to spend the night. He lit his makeshift torch on the fire, and with a bone-club in hand, he began to make his way down the corridor, looking closely over the ground to try and find the obsidian black of his dagger.
Sure enough, he found it among a pile of small, jagged rocks that had not so long ago made hard contact with his manhood. He cursed the malicious contraption in his mind, picking through the rocks to retrieve his weapon. He strapped it to his side where it belonged and began to carefully sidestep the nefarious trigger.
As he cautiously stepped into the room, checking each tile with his hoof while also hovering his torch around to try and see anything suspicious, he began to make out the details of the room. At the wall opposite him was an inlaid sculpture, of something resembling a face, albeit with 6 eyes, each a pale blue jewel. Were he to find nothing else, dislodging the gem-eyes could prove fruitful, as foreign traders seemed to take a liking to them.
To the sides were 3 pairs of exits, each a corridor leading off to parts unknown. Seeing nothing else of note, with a resigned sigh, Varik picked out a path at random and began his journey through the labyrinthine hallways.
***
The journey was as frustrating as it was uneventful. 2 dead ends thus far, and other than some elaborate murals, they provided little to see. Moving through the third corridor, however, he noticed something of interest up ahead. A glint, something shiny in the distance, reflecting the torch back at him.
He began to cautiously test the tiles along the way, leaning against the wall for support in case he'd have to back away quickly. As he began to see what it was he was heading towards, however, the part of the wall he was leaning against gave in. He froze in terror, looking around frantically to see where danger would come from, when a series of loud scraping sounds erupted from the opposite wall.
Before he knew it, a wooden spear had shot out, connecting the two walls. Thankfully for Varik, however, its crooked trajectory lowered just enough to miss anything important, but still managed to pin him to the wall by the loincloth. He yelped in fright, but had little time to consider what had happened before another two spears shot out. He barely avoided getting his club-wielding hand pierced, but dropped his weapon in the process. The other spear missed and pinned itself next to his ankle.
He stood there for a while in utter stillness, anticipating any more attempts on his life and well-being, but none more came. Now considering how to free himself of this predicament, he reached down and verified everything was intact underneath his loincloth. He then began to tug at the poles, trying to push them back where they'd come from, but the effort proved futile, as they'd somehow jammed themselves in place. With a heavy sigh, he took firm hold of his loincloth and tugged at it, freeing it at the cost of splitting it down the middle.
With his garment damaged but free, he easily managed to slip in between the spears and retrieve his club. He took pause as he'd thought of something. With a hard smack, he broke off one of the spears near the base, managing to dislodge it in part. He stowed his club and took hold of the spear. He proceeded on down the hall, now using the spear to carefully test the titles ahead.
***
Two hours later, he emerged from the ruin. Bruised, dirty and with a loincloth requiring stitching, yet feeling proud of himself. In his hands he held a nearly used up torch and a prize for his efforts - a mace of pure gold. It felt fairly hefty, but not unwieldy. He still wasn't certain what he would do with it, but for the moment he was somewhat intrigued with the writing along its length.
When he'd found it, he'd said something to himself. Something that now evaded his memory. Whatever it was he said, or how he'd said it, it seemed to have found somewhat of an answer in the ornate weapon. One of the symbols had briefly shimmered in the torch light. He tried to repeat what he'd said, but whether he said the wrong thing or said it wrong, he couldn't get a reaction out of the weapon. Had he imagined it? Or perhaps gone mad? It didn't seem all that unlikely, considering he'd retrieved it from an ancient ruin that very clearly hadn't been there for as long as he knew.
Now outside, he decided he would try his best to persuade the weapon to answer again. First, however, he would go home and rest. And repair his tattered loincloth.
***
The next month he'd spent with the mace in hand, seemingly never parting with it. It'd earned him a reputation, although not the kind he'd hoped for. Initially it was merely apprehension due to his very intrusion at the foreign structure, although that was limited to the more superstitious members of their tribe. Later, however, someone had apparently caught him trying to commune with the artefact, making half the tribe think entering the ruins had taken his mind. It didn't help that he may've been caught gawking at some of the other bucks, bathing in the river, wrestling each other, or both.
Still, he hardly regretted this development, as he'd seemingly gotten further along in getting an answer from the golden mace. He'd now gotten up to twelve syllables, each making more of the writing along its length shimmer in the torch light. Over two thirds its length, as far as he could tell. All he could do to try and decipher it was pure, blunt trial and error, repeating the entire phrase and then trying to light up an additional symbol by spouting some gibberish he hadn't tried yet. Some of the ones he'd uncovered were very awkward to pronounce for him, yet he found he had to seek out new possible sounds to make whenever he got stuck. He couldn't try all day either. Not only did he need a strong light to see the shimmer at all, but it steadily became more faint with each attempt until it ceased to respond at all, forcing him to give up for the day.
But even when he couldn't practice trying to decipher the inscription, he continued to keep the mace at his side, either training to use it as a weapon, or carrying it with him on gathering trips. It hadn't served an actual use yet, but he yet retained hope that he could use it to impress the other villagers, either by the magic within, or by skillful use of the metallic weapon. After all, more commonly weapons here were made of stone, wood or bone, with the few exceptions being costly merchant-bought items. At the very least, his fellow tribesmen viewed him as one in possession of something valuable, even if some considered it cursed.
Then, one night, as he sat down to once again try and coax a response out of the mace, something different happened. He looked over the remaining symbols that had yet to light up. They were all repeats of ones he'd already deciphered, save for one. It didn't necessarily mean he'd have an easier time of it, as he'd found out a single symbol could have multiple different pronunciations, but at the very least it usually meant something similar sounding.
Despite this, it wasn't a particularly good night for this. He was tired. He'd spent the day gathering firewood supplies, as punishment for his fight with another buck. He'd heard one too many suggestion of him being insane, and got into a shoving match, which swiftly deteriorated into a full on fist fight. It hadn't gone without notice, but Varik had ended up the one on top after a particularly well-placed punch between the other buck's legs, followed by an elbow to the solar plexus. Being the loser hadn't spared his opponent the same punishment either. On the other hand, he was now heavily dazed, and still wanted to try his hand at getting the mace to work.
Now, in his hut, sitting cross-legged with a torch planted to the side of him, he prepared to recite the parts he'd already known. The beginning flowed quite easily, but the latter parts seemed to blur with the countless unsuccessful attempts. He took one last look around at the entrance and the windows of his hut, wanting to avoid getting eaves-dropped again. He then began. Once it lit up up to the 13th symbol, he gave out a sound he assumed would be correct, only to have the first 12 symbols dim away. He took a deep breath, then repeated everything, this time trying a different pronunciation, and... it worked. The next, 14th symbol was the yet unseen one. He threw a half-hearted grunt with some standard phrase that'd never worked before, expecting it to dim away again. But it didn't. He'd gotten it on the first try, much to his own amazement. The next symbol he recognized, and the word he sounded out gave an answer. As did the next symbol, and the next. Before he knew it, the entire length of the weapon had lit up.
For a second he thought he had to do something else, but the shimmer turned into an all out glow. But then it died back down again. He sat there for a while in utter confusion, his breathing troubled and heavy with anticipation. 'That's it?', he thought to himself. He sighed.
But then he realized he heard little else than his breathing. Not the crickets, not the rustling of leaves in the wind, not the crackling of the torch next to him. He got up, wanting to survey his surroundings, when he noticed something else. Not only did it prove strangely difficult to get up, he witnessed something odd about the torch. Its flame seemed almost still, moving at a fraction of its normal speed. Varik stared at it for a while in amazement.
***
A week after his discovery, a new commotion had arisen in the village. A group of foreigners, mounted upon scaled beasts, had ridden into their valley, and were apparently approaching their little settlement. Once again, it was seen as an omen of some curse brought on by their intrusion into the foreign structure. Only this time, they weren't that far off the mark.
Varik was returning from a fruit gathering trip when he noticed a deathly stillness in the village, people peering apprehensively from their windows and doorways. It only seemed to become more and more common as he neared his hut. Eventually it became clear why. There, next to his shack, stood the scaled beasts of burden of the foreigners, quadrupedal and hump-backed, a single, thick horn upon each of their foreheads. The foreigners themselves were yet out of sight, but the buck suspected they were not far off. Sure enough, as he neared his hut, the group came into view, sitting in a circle of small boulders and tree stumps. One of the tribeswomen, Bivran, was with them, talking to them in what sounded like their language. She was one of the few that'd learned to commune with the traders when they came, and now it looked as though she was chosen as guide for the currently visiting group.
"Oh! Varikas!", the doe called out, noticing him moving towards his hut. He was somewhat hoping they weren't there for him, or at least that he could evade their notice. Unfortunately, that was not to be.
"Yes?", Varik asked, surveying the gathered group as he approached. Among them was a somewhat middle-aged looking grey wolf, a younger looking, muscular white ram, and a much younger, white female wolf. They were all dressed in similar-looking garb - covered from neck to toe in fancy-looking leather and cloth, emblazoned with symbols depicting a crudely drawn triplet of eyes in a circle. They were armed to varying degrees.
"These people tell me they're interested in the treasure you took from the ruin.", she explained.
"And? What do they want with it?", Varik asked on, his hand now upon the golden mace at his side.
"They say they want to trade for it.", Bivran explained. Varik wasn't sure he liked the sound of it.
"And what do they offer?", Varik asked, already expecting the offer to come up short.
She briefly turned and asked the group in their raspy-sounding tongue, of which Varik understood only every other word without the broader context. The wolf among them answered, holding up an ornate, silver war hammer. It gave the impression of something of greater craftsmanship, but Varik knew all too well they were undervaluing the item they wanted, even by the value of materials alone. He wasn't even sure there was any price that could persuade him to part with the artefact. After all, it let him slow time to a crawl. It was only once a day, but no other weapon he'd ever seen let him do that.
"Not interested.", he answered, turning back towards his hut. An angry sounding bark from one of them stopped him in his tracks. Varik turned around, now ready to pull the mace from his side. The wolf continued to bark out something, ending by grasping the war hammer in readiness. The female wolf barked something at the other wolf, but he simply barked right back and walked to an open spot.
"Uh. He says he'll duel you for the mace.", the doe called out.
"Why would I agree to that?", Varik asked apprehensively. Bivran turned to the wolf, exchanging barks for a while, before she turned back to Varik.
"He proposes you get the warhammer and his steed if you win.", she explained. Varik considered this for a while. It certainly seemed an interesting proposal. But the wolf was much too confident about this. He likely didn't expect Varik to know how to use the mace, however. Varikas decided he would take his chances.
"Very well.", Varik said and moved to face the wolf over the clearing.
They immediately assumed their combat stances, both initially looking to react to an attack from the other. Varik decided he'd call upon the mace immediately. He brought the handle up to his lips and began to whisper the incantation, when the wolf started chanting something out loud. It didn't sound like their own language either. It sounded much like some of Varik's incantation, except it proved shorter. As he finished, a bracelet on his person lit up, and his breathing quickened.
Varik held his mace out in front of him as the wolf quite suddenly appeared before him. He managed to block a strike seemingly at the last second, but continued his chant regardless. The wolf pulled back and threw another strike, lightning fast, yet hard against Varik's block. He prepared yet another swing, when finally Varik finished his chant, the mace lighting up with brilliant white light that quickly faded away.
The wolf seemed to move in a slog, but that was still faster than everyone else. One thing he had in common with the onlookers, however, was the look of shock in their eyes. Varikas decided to make use of the surprise and swung hard and fast, knocking the weapon out of lupine's hand, following up with a kick to the inside of his right thigh and a hard swing into the wolf's now exposed groin. The shock on his opponent's face only seemed to grow as he now slowly began his descent to the hard soil below.
Varik stepped away and observed in stillness. It would yet take a while before the enchantment wore off. It was one of the few things he'd learned over the last few days. Another thing he'd realized was that exerting oneself in this state made one's muscles ache by a magnitude later on. As such, he preferred to stay still for the remainder of this "duel". The most he yet did was turn his head from time to time to seek fresher air, as right now his quickened breathing outpaced the supply of breathable air in his area.
Once the enchantment finally wore off, his ears were assailed with some rather unpleasant sounds. For one, the sounds being made by the wolf were pathetic and rather effectively inspired sympathy. His two companions were barking something between each other, then towards the wolf, but he didn't respond, too busy rolling around on the floor in agony. The ram and other wolf finally got up and walked towards their fallen companion, wanting to try and help him somehow. They gave him some kind of red drink and seemed somewhat eager to access his lower regions, all the while barking something at each other.
Varik merely raised a brow and moved to pick up the warhammer he'd won. The ram seemed particularly aggravated, barking something out at the buck. The currently stunned doe snapped out of her own shock at the ram's apparent insistence.
"He-... he says he wants to duel you next.", she said, but Varik shook his head.
"I'm not duelling any more today. Tell them to try again tomorrow. Also tell them to leave the steed I'd won.", Varik said sternly, picking the warhammer off the ground.
She spoke back at the ram, explaining Varik's decision. He did not seem happy about it, but didn't argue. Varik retreated to his hut, somewhat tired and shaken, but satisfied with himself. He was now the second richest member of their tribe.
***
The next morning he left his hut fully expecting to be accosted by the group of foreigners, yet found the area quite devoid of life. All the better for him, as he was still feeling some ache in his muscles from the other day.
They'd left the wolf's steed as promised, tied to a tree near his hut, it peacefully chewed on some weeds. Varik approached it with some apprehension, initially merely placing a palm over its side. It seemed to pay him little heed, likely taught to trust people. It was quite massive, with 4-fingered limbs splayed off to the sides, and a long, thick tail for balance. He'd only seen one from afar away before, on the occasion when some merchants came and used them as pack animals.
He looked over its back, considering how one would ride the beast. The foreigners unfortunately hadn't left him with the kind of saddle they used themselves. It wasn't part of the wager, but he'd hoped they would've left him one. Still, he'd manage somehow. It'd take longer, but he'd learn how to ride the beast. As he had learned how to use a mystical artefact, he would learn how to mount this animal.
"Varikas?", he heard someone call out. He turned to find elder Mavik moving slowly towards him.
"Elder? What brings you here?", Varik asked.
"The foreigners. It has come to my attention you've acquired something of theirs.", the elderly buck said.
"I have. It was by way of wager in duel.", Varikas said.
"I understand.", Mavik began. "But we can't be straining our relations with the outside.", he said. "Your little adventure with the strange structure I did not mind. I do not believe in malicious spirits. But now you will have to return your winnings and apologize.", he explained.
"But it was a fair wager. It was their idea.", Varik said, growing steadily more annoyed.
"I realize that. But we're in no position to negotiate in case they take offence. This is too great a risk for some weapon and animal.", Mavik explained.
"Were I the one who lost, I would not be getting my lost wager back.", Varik argued.
"I know. This is not a matter of fair. This is a matter of maintaining good will.", Mavik explained. Varik cussed under his breath and sighed.
"Very well. I will speak to the foreigners and offer their property back.", Varikas said, looking back at the steed with some resentment. Seemed like he would never get to ride one. Or perhaps he would yet.
***
He found the foreigners resting at a camp near the edge of the village. Bivran was with him, ready to translate between them. The wolf was lying flat on his back, his legs spread and folded at the knees as though he was preparing to give birth. The two others were seated around the embers of their campfire. As they approached the encampment, the ram noticed them and started barking something at Varik, looking quite irate.
"He's shouting something about dueling again. And being rather vulgar about it.", Bivran said.
"Explain the situation.", Varik said, prompting Bivran to start explaining how Varik needed to give back his winnings. The ram said something back.
"He says they don't need your charity.", Bivran said. Then the wolf rose up to a sitting position, which seemed quite strenuous to him. He began to bark something weakly. "He says what matters to them is the mace.", Bivran explained. "He says to name your price.", she added.
Varik stood there for a while, contemplating. He'd hoped for this, but still questioned himself whether it was actually the right decision. He had few other options, however, and this one seemed the best way to realize his ambitions. "Tell them the mace is theirs if they let me join them.", Varik said. Bivran was somewhat surprised at this, looking long and hard whether he was actually serious, but finally looked back to the foreigners, translating Varik's request.
The three looked between themselves, apparently stunned and having their own doubts. They then began barking between themselves, seemingly debating whether to agree to the request. Bivran remained silent during their consultations, awaiting a final answer before bothering to translate. Finally they looked towards the two deer, the wolf giving them the final answer.
"They agree.", Bivran said.
***
They slowly rode down the forest path on their reptilian steeds. The ram rode alone on his, ahead of the others. Next rode the wolf, both his legs kept to one side, his recent injury permitting no position less painful than that. At the rear rode the female wolf, with Varik in the back. It'd proved much more awkward than he'd anticipated, as not only did he have to keep his hands on the lupine, but his private parts felt quite uncomfortable lying atop the saddle and pressed against his co-rider. He would've preferred to have ridden with the ram or the wolf, but the ram was having none of it, and the wolf had to ride in a rather specific fashion. They didn't trust the buck to know how to ride it alone either, so he was left to ride with the young female, leading to many an awkward situation along the way.
Varik had other things to focus on during their journey, however. This would be his first excursion outside the valley. He couldn't help but theorize and anticipate what it'd be like. He'd heard of great villages of stone and light, holding hundreds of people within. The merchants had been a curious glimpse into the outside world, and his extrapolations of what it'd be like both terrified and fascinated him.
"Kapria.", the young wolf suddenly spoke up, bringing Varik out of thought.
"Hm?", Varik asked, looking puzzled.
"Kapria.", she repeated, pointing at herself. He understood that much.
"Varikas.", he answered, pointing at himself. She smiled and went on, pointing at the other two.
"Pakhaton.", she said, pointing at the wolf. "Tartagan.", she likewise said with the ram.
***
"That still didn't explain why you left.", Hetroth said.
"Oh? I guess I forgot to mention. Suppose I'm not a very good story-teller.", Varik said with a chuckle. "I just wanted to achieve something. Fame, fortune, power, to learn more of the world.", he explained.
"And the artefact is what caused it?", Hetroth asked.
"More so it was an opportunity to gain something, and when it didn't pan out, I decided to seek alternatives. It did spark somewhat of a curiosity in me, the very idea that there are magics so reality-altering out there, and that one can discover them through diligence. And the idea that whatever the valley offered would always pale in comparison to the world at large.", Varik said.
"I see.", Het said. "Does the rest of the story explain why we do not ride steeds to our destination?", he asked. Varik rolled his eyes.
"Possibly. Although it's not a story I'd like to tell.", Varik said. Hetroth raised a brow.
"Fine. But I fear once you do tell it, it'll be disappointing compared to what I'm imagining right now.", Het said with a smirk.
"Suppose I should've just said they're expensive.", Varik said.
"That'd be a fine explanation... had you not revealed there to be something more to it.", Het said.
"I'll just pretend I don't know what you speak of.", Varikas said.
"So what happened next? Don't believe you just went from that to this.", Het asked.
"Oh, not much of interest. After that they put me in a small room of the Primum branch and slowly taught me the language. Then history and geography of the world. Then the basics of alchemy and enchantments, and it sort of went from there.", Varik said. "You'd have to ask for something more specific if you want a more detailed story.", he added.
"Hm, alright. I'll try and think of something.", Hetroth said thoughtfully.
"What about you? How'd you end up the way you are?", Varik asked.
"Nothing quite as interesting. Was born into it, raised at the Fol Gof branch of the Artificers in Volthuk. Got transferred to the Tertium branch when I was 15. Met Ivid then. She was similarly transferred from elsewhere.", Het said, finding himself wondering how she was doing.
"Who's this Ivid?", Varik asked curiously.
"Oh, just a good friend. Seemingly the only one who'd stuck around with me after recent events.", Hetroth noted. "There's also Onrin and Noluth. Canines. But I think they've been avoiding me. Maybe to avoid suspicion of liking men themselves.", he added contemplatively.
"What of your family?", Varik asked.
"Well, my family is quite expansive. 5 brothers, 3 sisters. Not to mention uncles and nieces. And the half-siblings. Just about all of them spread out across different branches. One or two I know left the guild for more commercial pursuits. Haven't spoken to any of them since I'd been transferred.", Hetroth said.
"I see. No particular childhood memories either?", Varik asked on.
"Oh, nothing special. Had one half-brother my age I liked to play with when I was younger, but he was sent away when we were 10. Otherwise I mostly played with other kids my age. My other siblings were a couple years apart from me.", Het said.
"Sounds bizarre having a family that large regardless.", Varik said.
"And what of yours? You mentioned a father and older brother. Any other siblings?", Het asked.
"Only step-brothers and sisters. We did not consider that a true family relation.", Varik said.
"That sounds strange to me.", Hetroth said.
"I suppose it'd seem that way to you.", Varik chuckled. "I find it curious how your father sired a half-brother your age.", Varik said.
"Hm. Never thought to ask.", Het said. "I don't recall my parents quarrelling over such matters.", he added.
"I'm guessing it's something common where you're from.", Varik said.
"I suppose it is. I wasn't particularly curious about these things back then. Suppose I should've been, considering I would've been expected to marry eventually.", Het said.
"You should've. Although I guess it doesn't matter any more.", Varik said with a smirk.
"I guess it does not.", Het echoed the thought with a shrug.
For a while they travelled in silence, only the squawks and chirps of avians and the rustling of the wind to accompany their travels. At times Het felt as if he was hearing distant echoes of someone following them, but they seemed memories more than anything, seemingly inaudible. Unnoticed by Varik as well.
"Don't suppose you could finally tell me why we travel to Primum?", Het asked, wanting to break the silence.
"No. Repeatedly asking won't help either. You'll find out when the time is right.", Varik said.
"You do understand how disconcerting this is, right?", Het asked. "Here I am, travelling away from where I'm supposed to be, with a male fling from a rival guild, and I don't even know why.", Het said.
"I know. And it's cute you're this concerned.", Varik said, smiling, much to Het's visible annoyance. "You'll just have to put trust in me.", Varikas added.
"I question how wise trusting you is.", Het said.
"As you should. Yet I find you've chosen to trust me already.", Varik said. Hetroth knew it to be true. He'd shared thoughts with the buck he'd shared with none other. "Your interests and well-being are my priority. Followed by our current purpose.", Varik assured, patting the hyena on his bare head.
"If you say so.", Het concluded and returned to his thoughts for a while. He was trying to think of anything else he would like to ask to help pass the time. "So. You say you're not superstitious, yet you've begun to smear paint over yourself like some others from your tribe. Why?", Hetroth asked, curiously eyeing the symbols.
"Well, I guess I am a bit superstitious in that regard.", Varik said. "Every warrior of my tribe painted different symbols onto themselves, their meaning specific to them. Most had a set of symbols taken after their parents, with a few alterations here and there. The idea was that whoever kept themselves alive and well the most, had found the better symbols to adorn themselves with.", Varik explained.
"And you believe that?", Hetroth asked, raising a brow.
"Not really. Although you can't deny that with that approach, it seemed somewhat self-confirming.", Varik chuckled. "I instead paint myself with somewhat adapted symbols from the first artefact I found. As a good luck charm.", he added.
"And you think that works?", Hetroth asked, looking over the set of symbols, now with curiosity.
"Well, that artefact did change my life, and it came to be through sheer chance. If there's any set of symbols that'd help my luck, it's this one.", Varik said with a smile.
"Fair enough, I suppose.", Hetroth concluded.
"Do you believe in the gods?", Varik asked.
"I believe in Tavat.", Hetroth said. "The other gods I'm not so certain of.", he added, upon consideration.
"Because your guild calls the others into question?", Varik asked on.
"It's mostly what I've heard and seen of Tavat that makes me believe. I don't really know much about the others.", Hetroth said.
"So it's only lack of knowledge?", Varik asked.
"It's just that they seem focused on matters not quite as important. That they're borne of mortal wants and subdue true order.", Het said.
"True order?", Varikas asked.
"Prosperity, progress, civilization, peace. Things like that.", Hetroth said.
"What about Zelethon, then? Doesn't progress require knowledge?", Varik asked.
"The way the guild tells it, someone like Zelethon would have the world as we know it end if it meant one of his followers got to see it.", Hetroth said. "That's somewhat exaggerated, isn't it?", Het asked after a couple seconds of thought.
"It is. While he may sacrifice the order of the world to bring knowledge, it'd have to be for the benefit of a greater number of people than that.", Varik said. "He cares not so much that someone at some point knew something, but that the knowledge spread and survive among as many as possible, believer or not.", he explained on.
"And even a sceptic like yourself believes in the gods, huh?", Het remarked.
"It is hard to deny their existence. They made themselves known for centuries, including the last few decades, and continue to do so. There's well over a hundred chosen in the world right now, three of which we know to be true chosen and not just pretenders.", Varik said.
"Huh. So there's will incarnates among other gods as well? I've only heard of those of Tavat.", Hetroth said.
"Of course. We can tell a lot about a god based on the recorded history of their chosens' deeds.", Varikas said.
"So the chosen in the world right now... none of them are of Tavat?", Hetroth asked.
"None of the three we know to have the divine spark. None of them are of Zelethon either.", Varik noted.
"Why-... how do you think the gods decide when to send a chosen one?", Hetroth asked.
"Most likely when they're discontent enough with the hold of their ideas on our world.", Varik said. "And I think Tavat and Zelethon are content enough with the way things are going for the moment.", Varik added with a smile.
This left Hetroth with a number of things to think about during their journey.
***
Hetroth and Varik sat next to each other on a bed roll by their campfire. It'd been a long trek, with more to come the next day. Hetroth was undoing the straps of his armour, while Varik busied himself munching on some provisional dry bread.
"I've been wondering.", Hetroth began, as he struggled with one strap in particular. "Why exactly do you dress the way you dress? You don't seem very proud of your origins, and I imagine there's clothing more protective you could be wearing.", Het noted.
"Oh, on the contrary. I am very proud. Of myself.", Varik said.
"Yourself, huh?", Het said and raised a brow.
"Yes.", Varik said, taking a bite from his bread. "It isn't exactly common for someone from a tribal village that barely knows how to work metal to become part of the All Knowing. Especially since I wasn't a child when I left.", he said.
"I get the feeling you're just making up an excuse to wear as little as possible.", Hetroth said with a smirk.
"That is a factor.", Varik admitted with a chuckle. "But I find my appearance serves not only as contrast to what one expects of All Knowing, but also as an example.", he added.
"An example?", Hetroth asked.
"That anyone can become an All Knowing if they put their mind to it.", Varik said. "People see a tribal among the guild, and a prospect seemingly only attainable to the high born and educated becomes a lot more attainable.", he explained, then took the last of his bread in his maw. "And gods know our guild needs less prissy nobles and more warriors.", he added.
"Do you actually need warriors?", Hetroth asked.
"Well, were it not for my abilities, we wouldn't be here right now.", Varik said, gesturing around them.
"This campfire, you mean?", Hetroth asked with an innocent smile, clearly trying to make a joke. Varik simply tilted his head and ruffled Het's hair in response.
Finally done fumbling with his armour's straps, Hetroth freed himself of the cloth tunic he wore over his torso, bearing his chest to the wind. Varik reacted with some enthusiasm, bringing himself closer to the undressing hyena.
"Ready for bed?", Varikas asked, even as his hand slid down along Het's chest and towards his pants, his whole form pressed up against Het's back.
"Yeah.", Het said, leaning into the eager buck.
"Just the two of us in the wilds like this...", Varik said, slowly lowering his voice to a whisper as he reached down Hetroth's trousers. "Brings back memories, doesn't it?", he asked, just as he found and gripped the hyena's soft genitals.
"Not so distant memories.", Hetroth noted with a smile, his own hand wandering behind. "Pleasant ones, though.", he added as he grasped around the buck's easily accessible soft parts, enjoying their feeling.
Just then, Varik's ears perked up and he paused, looking out towards something he'd heard, although currently seeing only darkness.
"Wh- what is it?", Hetroth whispered, pulling his hand away from the buck's nethers.
"Don't know. I think I hear armour.", Varik said, likewise relinquishing his hold of the hyena's maleness.
They both reached over and took hold of their respective weapons, gazing into the darkness in anticipation. Soon Hetroth began to hear what Varik had described as well. Het looked towards the stag questioningly, feeling they should prepare for this better somehow, when he noticed the buck finish whispering an enchantment, his eyes faintly lighting up. He could now see beyond the dark. Unfortunately, Hetroth still could not, and all he had left was to stare off into the darkness.
They sat there crouched for a while, ready to do battle in case anything leapt out at them, when suddenly Varik gave out an annoyed sigh and abandoned his readied stance. Hetroth looked at him with some puzzlement, yet the buck didn't even bother to explain himself. "What is it?", Hetroth asked in hushed tone, glancing towards what Varik was looking towards.
"It's one of yours.", Varik said, stowing his weapon.
"Huh?", Hetroth mumbled out, squinting into the darkness at the oncoming sounds. "Who's there?", he called out.
"Just me.", they heard a feminine voice call out. It sounded as though it resonated out of a closed metal helm, yet Hetroth recognized it.
"Ivid?", Het called back apprehensively.
"Yes.", she called back, now slowly moving into view, the metal parts of her armour reflecting more and more of their fire. She pulled the front of her helm upwards.
"What are you doing here?", Hetroth finally asked, feeling as though he was dreaming or hallucinating.
"Searching for you.", Ivid said with visible signs of annoyance. "Wanted to come and bring you back to the guild. Although I expected you to be more restrained rather than willingly wandering off.", she added, looking at the unfamiliar buck.
"Uh. Sorry?", Hetroth said with some caution.
"What are you doing? You could be expelled for this.", Ivid said.
"We're going to Primum.", Hetroth said, only then realizing he wished he had more of a justification.
"What for?", Ivid asked on.
"I... would you believe I don't know?", Het asked, feeling himself sweat in embarrassment. It was now really starting to come to him how irrational this journey was.
"What?", Ivid asked, then looked towards the buck.
"I can't tell yet.", Varik said, crossing his arms.
"Gods under, Het.", Ivid said.
"I know, I know.", Het said. "Honestly I thought the guild had given up on taking me back after what they'd sent me off to. Didn't expect them to send you.", he explained.
"I... wasn't sent.", Ivid said with some apprehension.
"Huh?", Het looked at her in puzzlement.
"I came here of my own volition.", Ivid said.
"And you say I risk expulsion.", Het said, raising a brow.
"Oh, I don't risk anything. I've risen in rank while you were gone.", Ivid explained.
"You're now a seeker?", Hetroth asked in disbelief. Ivid nodded with a suppressed smile, apparently proud despite herself. "How did that happen?", he asked.
"Thieves got in the guild. Three of them. By chance, I confronted and captured them.", Ivid said.
"Huh.", Hetroth stalled for a moment in wonder. "Oh, uh. Congratulations.", he added in stammer, still feeling somewhat stunned. He should've been happy for his friend getting ahead. Yet at the moment he was far from happy.
"Either way, I can now afford to travel as I see fit, for the most part. And I can try swaying the guild to be more forgiving towards you.", Ivid said.
"I see.", Hetroth said, contemplating if this actually changed his position. He was thinking maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to simply abandon their journey and follow Ivid's advice. At the very least he'd sooner find out where he stood, even if it meant going against Varik's wishes.
"If we start going back now, we could-", Ivid began.
"Is there anyone with you?", Varik asked.
"Wh- what? No.", Ivid said, looking towards the stag with some confusion.
"Someone's coming this way.", Varik said, peering off into the distance. "I think-... oh, it's another one of you.", he said and sat back down as he apparently saw someone come into view.
"Huh?", Ivid looked towards the darkness. They stood there for a while, looking dumbfounded into the black night until a cream-coloured mutt came into view, donned in half-plate, his head bare at the moment.
"Good evening.", he called out. It was Roeterik. Suddenly the scene had become even more dream-like.
"And what are you doing here?", Ivid asked.
"Not after me as well, are you?", Hetroth asked.
"No. I've been sent to bring Ivid back safely after she wandered off after you.", Rette said plainly.
"Huh?", Ivid raised a brow. "Why?", she asked.
"Apparently the guild is worried you're heading into danger.", the dog said. A courtesy the guild hadn't extended to Hetroth, the hyena remembered. "I honestly don't know, however. I just do as I'm told.", he added, smirking at Hetroth knowingly.
"Well, we can go back once I say we can.", Ivid said, to which the mutt shrugged lightly. "So how about it, Het?", she asked, turning towards the hyena. It didn't take him long to decide now.
"No. I'm sorry, Ivid, but I'm not ready to return yet.", Hetroth said, sounding rather bitter. Ivid stood there for a while, occasionally glancing towards the buck.
"Look, Het. I understand you don't want to cross your... lover.", Ivid began, apparently trying to pick her words carefully. "But I assume you still want a place in the guild, and this could jeopardize it.", she said.
"I realize that, Iv. But... I've committed to this road. And recent events in the guild suggest I'm not welcome either way.", Hetroth said.
"What exactly do you hope to gain this way? You don't even know why you're going there.", Ivid asked.
"I trust Varik.", Het said with some uncertainty. "These last few days I've seen a broader world than what the guild has shown us. And I want to see what else I can learn before I return.", he explained. For a while they stood in uneasy silence.
"The guild knows what happened. Hermund's been... reprimanded.", Ivid said, now realizing it may've not been enough to sway Het positively. Perhaps it'd even have the opposite effect.
"So a slap on the wrist for that.", Het said after a moment's pause.
"It's still on-going. It's been somewhat chaotic with this situation, to be honest.", Ivid explained.
"Either way, you have my answer. Go back to the guild. I'll return once this is done.", Het said, looking towards the buck, who was listening in, but was otherwise seemingly disinterested. Yet another awkward pause ensued.
"I'm going with you, then.", Ivid announced, much to Het's surprise.
"What?", Hetroth asked.
"I'm going with you till you return.", Ivid said, then leaned in and lowered her voice. "You may trust that tribal-looking buck, but I do not.", she whispered vehemently.
"I... I don't think this is necessary. They saved my hide when I got sent off into that... that deathtrap.", Het said. "They wouldn't permit me to come to harm.", he assured.
"It's not the physical I'm concerned with. They've done enough to sway your mind already, I can tell.", Ivid said. "Although I guess the physical did play a part in that.", she added, sparing a glance towards the buck.
"Oh, come on.", Het began. "I wouldn't-"
"You say that, yet you're here, with a big, muscular tribal.", Ivid said, cutting him off.
"What do you mean by that?", Hetroth asked, raising a brow.
"Well, from where I'm standing, it seems to me you're with him for the wrong reasons.", Ivid said.
"You don't even know him.", Het said with some annoyance.
"Either way, we are coming with and that's final.", Ivid said, crossing her arms and looking to the white mutt for confirmation.
"I'm not so sure about that. I'm supposed to be bringing you back.", Roeterik said.
"I'm your direct superior and I say we follow. You can bring me back once this is done with.", Ivid said.
"I'm not even sure they'll let you in.", Hetroth interjected.
"Can't ask your friend to extend the courtesy?", Ivid asked.
"I suppose so. He might not like it, however.", Het said, glancing towards Varik, who now looked somewhat bored. "Come, let's get settled around the fire.", he urged and moved towards the buck.
As he sat next to Varik and looked on as his two guild mates unslung their packs and pulled out their bed rolls, a thought hit Het that turned his nervousness into a sense of annoyance.
"We're not going to be able to continue where we left off, are we?", Het whispered to the buck.
"Not unless you're comfortable with an audience.", Varik noted. "I know I would be.", he added, making Hetroth suppress a groan.
***
The next morning they were on the road once more, the four of them travelling in a loose group. Hetroth walked with Varik while Roetterik and Ivid hanged back, speaking silently between each other. It wasn't the most pleasant atmosphere for travel.
"Your friends seem rather secretive.", Varik said.
"I guess they don't trust you.", Het said tentatively. "Then again, I'm not sure they trust me either.", he added, looking ahead in thought.
"Not the finest friends, in my opinion.", Varik said.
"They did commit a day's travel to go after me. Well, one of them did.", Hetroth said.
"And these are your only friends?", Varik asked.
"No. Although Rette I hesitate to call a friend. Yet. He acts a bit odd.", Hetroth noted, glancing back to the white canine, considering whether to divulge his little secret. "But yes, I have friends other than Ivid.", Het said with some uncertainty, thinking back to how they'd seemingly disappeared from around the guild when he'd returned.
"If you say so.", Varik said.
"Speaking of which... there isn't going to be a problem letting them into the All Knowing, is there?", Hetroth asked.
"Would you prefer that there is?", Varikas asked.
"No. At least I don't think so.", Het said, his mind swimming in doubt. "Then again, I don't even know why we're going there.", he added, hoping to finally gain some understanding of their journey, although not expecting any results either. In accordance with his expectations, Varik shook his head with a smile.
"Not finding out just yet.", Varik said. "Although I guess it's pretty obvious your friends might find it questionable.", he added.
"How so?", Hetroth asked, hoping for more of a hint.
"Well, there appears to be scant little your guild doesn't find questionable.", Varik said, to which Hetroth simply rolled his eyes.
"With the 'my guild is better' talk again.", Hetroth sighed.
"The superiority here would depend on your preferences.", Varik noted with a chuckle. "Can't deny your guild is more strict on a lot of things.", he added.
"Suppose not. Although whenever you talk of it, it's with this air of superiority.", Het said.
"Force of habit, I suppose. Guess I'll have to avoid speaking of it, then.", Varik said. "Still, I wish they didn't make it seem like they're plotting something the whole way.", he added, looking back at them. "Perhaps hang back and speak to them about it?", he suggested.
Hetroth nodded and slowed his pace enough for the two to catch up to him, leaving Varik to lead on solo. As they neared him, he caught a faint fragment of their conversation.
"...not like this is a kidnapping.", Roeterik had finished saying, although to no further response.
"What are you two going on about?", Het asked, immediately thinking he may've phrased it somewhat confrontationally.
"Oh, this and that.", Rette said. "Trying to decide what we make of the situation.", he added, likely not wanting to leave Hetroth with the wrong impression.
"And what's the current consensus?", Het asked, looking between the two.
"We stay the path. Stick with you.", Ivid said. Hetroth gave out a mild sigh, not really believing that was all their talks amounted to.
"So that's the only reason you two are hanging back from me and Varik?", Het asked.
"Can't have a private conversation any more?", Ivid countered.
"To be honest, I struggle to think of what you two could be talking about in private.", Het said.
"Well, I was wondering how you two met. Just some gossip to pass the time.", Rette said with a faint smile, although Het still had his doubts.
"I see.", Het said dryly.
"I was hoping for something more interesting, honestly.", Rette commented. "Not much else to talk about on the way.", he added.
"Well, you could try talking to Varik. He's got something of a story.", Het said. Initially Roetterik seemed to respond with distaste at the suggestion, but his face betrayed a rapid thought process that seemed to have included a change of heart.
"Hm. May as well.", Roetterik admitted and moved ahead, leaving Ivid and Hetroth behind, somewhat to both of their surprise.
"Huh. Thought you two would have greater inhibitions talking to an All Knowing.", Het noted, watching as the cream-coloured mutt struck up a conversation with the buck.
"Well, I'm not looking forward to it. Though I consider it a necessity.", Ivid said.
"Are you going to keep up with this mistrust all the way?", Hetroth asked.
"Until I learn of something that'd suggest I'm wrong, yes.", Ivid said.
"You're quite stubborn.", Het said.
"And you're quite naïve. And prone to poor decisions.", Ivid said.
"So you say.", Hetroth scoffed.
"Need I bring up the duel with a high artificer you instigated in our first year of mentoring? Or the time you decided to try a drink with the keepers?", she asked.
"I remember. But they weren't that significant mistakes.", Hetroth said.
"They were mistakes you stubbornly stuck to despite my warnings.", Ivid said.
"You also warned me of a number of things that turned out well enough.", Het noted. "Can't expect guild commands and rules to guide you your whole life, Ivid.", he added.
"They've worked out much better for me than straying has for you thus far.", she said, sounding proud of herself.
"If only because you ran into three thieves, and not a magic user that knew how to swing a mace.", Hetroth said defensively.
"Oh, so you attribute my success to fortune?", Ivid questioned, crossing her arms.
"Fortune on your part, poor luck on mine, yes. But it wasn't adherence or disobedience to the guild that put us in such positions in the first place. It's not like I strayed from the rules much before that encounter.", Het argued.
"It's the rules that gave you the opportunity in the first place.", Ivid said. "Rules that put you ahead of everyone else for a chance at retrieving an unguarded artefact from a new ruin a couple days away.", she added.
"A lot of good that did for me.", Hetroth said.
"Anyone else would've killed for that chance. You got it by being the son of someone more important than everyone else eligible.", she said.
"Anyone else would've ended up much like me.", Het said.
"Well, that's up for debate in the guild. Much like my advancement is.", Ivid said.
"Huh. So I guess you know what that feels like.", Het noted.
"Yes. And I was hoping you'd be more supportive.", Ivid said, prompting a moment's silence.
"Sorry. I suppose I'm just bitter I missed my opportunity.", Het said with some resentment. It wasn't all he thought of it, but he decided to hold his tongue for the moment, preferring to de-escalate the atmosphere.
"I guess I understand. It's just been rather tiring back home.", Ivid said, letting her arms finally drop to her sides. Hetroth felt like mentioning a lucky break didn't much compare to accusations of treason and depravity, but once more decided to keep it to himself. "I'm sorry too.", she added after a moment of pause, only for more silence to follow.
Roetterik and Varikas, on the other hand, seemed to be chatting away quite enthusiastically up ahead. Or at least Roetterik was, with Varik maintaining his usual smug demeanour.
"So, you and the buck.", Ivid began. "Are you in love or something?", she asked cautiously.
"I... I'm not sure.", Het said, lost in thought. "Not sure what I'd call the feeling.", he explained.
"So just physically attracted to him?", Ivid asked on, albeit without awaiting a response. "Were it love, I think you'd know it.", she added.
"Well, I guess it's not what some song or rhyme would describe as love. But I find I'm quite fond of him.", he said.
"I see.", Ivid said with something of a constrained grimace.
"You were hoping I'd change my mind about him?", Het asked.
"Well, yes. I'm finding it hard to look past that he took you by force. And that he's an All Knowing.", she said.
"Considering I was trying to, ah, stab him with my sword...", Het began to explain, deciding to forego the details of where he'd tried to stab him. "...I just can't hold it against him that he got back at me that way after sparing my life.", he said.
"Not sure I'd have the same outlook.", Ivid said mellowly.
"Maybe you'd have a change of heart if you got to know him.", Hetroth suggested.
"Going to have to sooner or later, I suppose.", she said, looking ahead at the two ahead of them. "May as well be now.", she added with a sigh and quickened her pace. Hetroth raised his brow and likewise sped up. As they approached, the on-going conversation came into earshot.
"...stay afloat primarily by printing copies of books, correct?", Roeterik was asking.
"Yes. Mostly for nobles and clergy.", Varik said.
"And you'll reprint anything?", Rette asked on.
"Indeed. I see no reason why any knowledge should be above us.", Varik said.
"Even if it's nonsense? Doesn't that go against Zelethon?", Rette asked.
"Part of the pursuit of knowledge is distinguishing the truth from the lies. But also hearing someone's ideas in itself is knowledge of who they are and what they believe.", Varik explained.
"I see. Seems like a rather broad approach. Doesn't seem to be enough time in one's lifetime to sift through everyone else's opinions.", Rette noted.
"Which makes it all the better there's more than one of us.", Varik said.
"Still doesn't seem like enough.", Rette said.
"I'm glad you agree.", Varik said with a smile.
"Not trying to recruit my guild mates, are you?", Ivid asked semi-sarcastically. Varik raised a brow at the somewhat confrontational question.
"I find we needn't try. Simply telling people what we do tends to be motivation enough for those with a curious mindset.", Varik said.
"Not the highest recruiting criteria. Seems like a good way to end up with a bunch of weaklings and cowards.", Ivid noted.
"Works well enough for our needs. Don't need strength to become a scribe, for instance.", Varik said.
"You don't leave the dirty work to the scribes, though, do you?", Ivid asked.
"No. But there's little enough of it that we make due with the more physically capable members.", Varik assured.
"So muscle like yourself?", Ivid asked on.
"Ivid.", Hetroth groaned.
"I guess you could say so. I can certainly put up a fight. Better than a number of you, apparently.", Varik said with a smug smile.
"Of lower rank, perhaps.", Ivid countered.
"Oh? So you would be more of a match for me than Het? I hear you're of higher rank.", Varik asked, his smile only broadening. She merely scoffed and stared off into the forest.
"Maybe.", she said, more in annoyance than conviction.
"You seem quite jaded.", Varik noted.
"Can't say the situation is much to my liking.", Ivid said, continuing to sound bitter.
"And yet you feel compelled to follow.", Varik said. "That's some devotion for a friend under perceived threat.", he added.
"Seems like the best moment for devotion.", Ivid said, now eyeing the buck with overt suspicion.
"Best moment would be upon seeing a real threat to them. One you could stop.", Varik said.
"This threat seems very real to me.", Ivid said.
"Even so, if we really were this coven of blood-worshippers you imagine us to be, what good would your intentions be when surrounded within our guild halls?", Varik asked. "I mean not to threaten, but to point out how futile this is.", he added.
"Don't need a legion to find a way of escape.", Ivid said with some hesitation. "And even were the situation hopeless, I would still rather try than leave a friend in peril.", she said with renewed conviction, bordering on zeal.
"Spoken like a true friend.", Varikas admitted with a smile, then gave Hetroth a knowing smirk, much to Het's confusion. Ivid's demeanour seemed to soften a bit, if remaining visibly resentful.
They walked in silence for a while, passing through a bright clearing below a thinly shrouded sky. The sun was at its zenith, its rays baking their scalps. Rain seemed a distant prospect with the still winds around them and relatively clear sky. Walking along the road, they found a mild curio along the way - an old, overgrown wooden shrine, vaguely shaped like a plain rat, seated cross-legged. It was devoted to some long-forgotten entity, worshipped in this part of the world no more, likely on account of gods much more proven. Yet Varik seemed to give it a small bow as they passed.
"Is that also a god you worship?", Hetroth asked.
"No. It is a god I know and remember.", Varik said.
"So something they prayed to in your village?", Het asked on.
"No. A god that no longer exists the way it did.", Varik said.
"That's somewhat vague.", Het said with some annoyance.
"What exactly do they teach you of the gods at your guild?", Varik asked, directing his question to all three around him.
"That Tavat is the one god who wants our world to thrive.", Hetroth said.
"That's getting a bit far ahead. I mean at the very basics, what do you think they are?", Varik asked.
"Well, there's the gods and undergods.", Roeterik began. "Gods are powerful, eternal beings that reside in the heavens and strive to mould our world into one of their ideal. Undergods, on the other hand, reside beneath us and aim only to bring us destruction.", he said.
"Huh. Thought you'd say all but Tavat are undergods.", Varik noted.
"That is a popular theory in our guild, yes.", Roeterik said.
"Didn't think you a cynic, Rette.", Ivid said with some visible resentment.
"I simply find it hard to believe someone like the goddess of trade or the god-thing of fertility would be plotting to destroy us.", Rette said with a smirk. Ivid rolled her eyes.
"They serve only to diverge us from the path of progress.", Ivid said.
"We hold a somewhat different theory altogether.", Varik said. "But first, tell me what you know of daemons.", he added.
"Servants of the undergods.", Ivid began to answer this time. "Sent here to manipulate us into aiding their dark gods, and wreak havoc in general.", she said.
"And what do you call the servants of the high gods?", Varik asked.
"Tavat's servants...", Ivid began, trying to enforce the idea that Tavat was the only such god. "...known as heralds and champions, serve to inspire and protect us from the evils of the undergods.", she said.
"I see.", Varik said contemplatively. "And doesn't that all sound a bit like an arbitrary distinction?", he asked.
"Pardon?", Ivid asked.
"That the servants of ones are daemons and the others champions?", Varik asked.
"They are what they are. Daemons are malevolent, champions are benevolent.", Ivid said plainly.
"And how would you even tell them apart?", Varik asked.
"We know each and every one of Tavat's servants. We would recognize them.", Ivid assured. "Of course, it's not like they come down here.", she added.
"So not physically?", Varik asked on, trying to steer the conversation.
"Well, they do say the undergods and their servants are twisted and malformed.", Roeterik stepped in. "Can't say for sure. Haven't seen any.", he added with a smirk.
"What does that have to do with the shrine figure?", now Het asked.
"Patience, Het.", Varik said. "So wouldn't you say most gods fit that description?", he asked. "4 arms, 6 eyes, wings on wolves and claws on bulls?", he added.
"I suppose." Rette said.
"Tavat is free of such deformities.", Ivid interjected.
"Indeed. For the most part.", Varik began, then quickly moved on before Ivid could protest. "And much like the figure from the shrine, he's been worshipped as a god for longer than most among our pantheon.", he noted.
"And what does that tell us?", Ivid asked, sounding impatient.
"I'm getting there.", Varik said. "Some of his servants not so, and some are as strangely shaped as the other gods.", he said. "What I'm trying to say is there's a correlation between how old such a being is and how plain their form is.", he explained.
"And how does that relate to the shrine?", Hetroth asked again.
"It must've been a very old god if it was no different than a common upright rat. Yet it is no more.", Varik said.
"Assuming it ever existed in the first place.", Roeterik noted.
"It did. At least as far as our accounts from a couple hundred years ago suggest. It was as real as any god we know today.", Varik said.
"So what happened to it?", Rette asked.
"Consider this. This god of fertility, called Akhlon, disappeared around the same time the goddess of lust, Hokia, vanished as well.", Varik said. "They weren't the only entities of the time that disappeared, nor even the only deities of their particular fields, but they were the most prolific.", he added. "And yet today we worship a different god, of lust and fertility alike.", he said.
"So you're suggesting they merged somehow?", Reoterik asked.
"That is our belief of what happened. And how gods in general seem to exist.", Varik said.
"That... doesn't sound very divine.", Ivid noted.
"I guess that depends on your idea of divinity.", Varik said. "Not exactly a thing mortals can do.", he said with a smile.
"Yet it is something some creatures are known to do. Like... like the plague-beasts.", Ivid said as though with some sickening realization. "I find it hard to believe Tavat or his servants would work like these... these parasites.", she said with visible distaste.
"As you say. Difficult to believe. But that is our current, most popular theory.", Varik said.
"Considering you primarily worship Zelethon, couldn't you just ask for the true story?", Hetroth now asked.
"Zelethon doesn't provide answers. He merely provides the means to pursue them.", Varik said. "Much like now I merely provide you with a theory. It's up to you to find the truth behind it.", he added with a smile.
"Then you won't mind if I disregard it?", Ivid asked.
"Not at all.", Varik chuckled.
Hetroth, on the other hand, was left to contemplate how true what he'd just said could be. After all, he didn't know Varik to be a liar. At most someone who withheld vital information. Although there was the distinct possibility, one he himself would likely not deny, that he might be wrong. It was not a pleasant thought to imagine their deity wasn't as divine or transcendent as they'd imagined.
"Even if it's true, they're no less gods, right?", Hetroth asked.
"What?", Varik asked back, uncertain what he meant.
"I mean, they're still the ones answering prayers and intervening in our world. And they're what awaits in the afterlife, are they not?", Het asked.
"I'm not entirely sure about the afterlife, but they certainly do make their will known and felt, whether you believe them divine or parasites.", Varik said.
"Oh, don't just take his word for it.", Ivid said.
"Hasn't been wrong so far.", Het said.
"I take it he hasn't talked much of how gods work thus far.", Ivid said.
"That is indeed somewhat of a recent development.", Varik admitted with a smirk.
"I haven't exactly got much reason to doubt it right now.", Het said.
"Other than your immortal soul.", Ivid said with resounding sarcasm.
"Were I to blindly trust some of our guild preachers, I'm apparently long since condemned to the underworld.", Het noted.
"I wouldn't let the words of a few overzealous shits paint your impressions of the whole faith.", Ivid said.
"I suppose. Although those few do catch the ears of our fellow guildsmen, and the other preachers don't exactly go out of their way to contradict them.", Hetroth noted. Ivid wasn't sure how to respond to that, apparently seeing some truth in what he said.
"In the end, it is Tavat's word, not theirs, that decides where our souls go.", Ivid said.
"And you find it a comfort to know he would condemn others less faithful?", Varik asked.
"Not at all. We do not know for certain where the line between salvation and damnation is drawn. We merely try to make sure we're on the right side of that line.", Ivid said.
"A fair approach, I'd say.", Varik admitted with a smile.