An uneasy silence hung in the ornate room. A group of people silently stared at me as I stood before Cityholder Lamuire.

Bastian and Libidi are lucky they don't have to be here for this, I thought, annoyed and waiting as the annoying, pompous jackass in front of me made a big show of thinking. His wrinkled brow and narrowed eyes made me want to smack him, which I hadn't ruled out doing yet.

"So, let me get this straight," Lamuire said, his voice an octave higher than before and his hands in a death grip around his armrests. "You will leave us here, and not just that, but you are taking the only other powerful Prime with you?" As he spoke, his eyes kept drifting to a group of ragtag officers of the armies that had come from deeper inland.

It took all my willpower not to snap at him in anger. The presence of the recently arrived officers, remaining city-guard leaders, and heads of the powerful Tenziran families was the only thing that stopped me from moving towards the douchebag and throttling him.

Especially the newcomers. Something about them was different from the regular guards, and tension hung in the air. Still, Lamuire wasn't making it easy for me. He'd been hiding in his castle with his personal guard and only came out when the cheering had started, trying to claim victory for himself.

"Yes," I said, unable to prevent a slight glare from surfacing from below my schooled calm demeanor.

He stared at me, then leaned back as his eyebrows lowered while his eyes widened. The jackass must have practiced that move in the mirror.

His apparent idea that he had any say in the matter was annoying as hell. I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for Bastian's request, which required some outside help. So, I gnashed my teeth and pretended to be calm, keeping up a civil facade but deciding I'd give him five more minutes before leaving.

"And you still dare ask for," he began.

My hackles rose at the tone, and I decided he could go to hell when a loud sneeze interrupted both of us, causing everyone to look to the side in shock. Captain Gaudalin, her arm in a sling and a few long gashes across her face, wiped her nose before looking around in pretend surprise.

"Ow, sorry," she said mockingly before turning to Lamuire. "Right, that reminds me, have you thought on how to reward Prime Brew for saving the east gate. And the south gate? Wait, am I forgetting something?"

She tapped her chin before raising a finger.

"Right, and the west gate?" as she spoke, a wicked grin spread across her face, and she moved forward before addressing the group of men and women in battered armors and outfits that didn't match. Like Lamuire before, I had the feeling she was talking to someone specific, but her eyes kept moving around the group, never stopping at one person.

She scraped her throat, then regaled my, apparently, inhumanly heroic feat to the joined people in a short but theatrical style.

When she finished, Lamuire's face had warped, and he looked like someone had shoved something bitter and disgusting down his throat. Whispered conversations grew everywhere, and I noticed a few people hide smiles behind quickly raised hands.

"I also hear that he intends to go through the mainland, helping to battle the other Ellison armies that are roaming the Yaldar, Garish and Foulin provinces," Gaudalin finished, her eyes widening.

Yeah…. but not really, I thought. I might help if I passed by, but I was under the distinct impression I was on a timer.

Again.

Still, I wisely held my tongue.

The weary but proud-looking officers looked at me with an intense interest that made me uncomfortable.

"Yes, that's all very well," Lamuire snapped as he got up, crossed his arms, and stared down his nose.

"But that weird demonic tree on the eastern wall you touted about keeps people from sleeping at night, while the vines around it have dragged hapless victims to their doom, and let's not forget that he destroyed century-old statues of our most famous heroes!"

"I'm sure you will be happy to note that the trees only do that when there are demons around," I snapped, no longer able to hold my tongue. My words ignited a second burst of whispered conversation, but I didn't care as I glared at Lamuire. "So you might want to steer clear, so they keep quiet! Yes?"

Lamuire turned red and was about to speak when one of the officers stepped forward. He made an imposing figure with a rugged face, a long graying goatee bound together by a metal ring on the end, and a winged helm above a half plate and chainmail armor. I couldn't recall seeing him before, as I was sure at least his helmet would have drawn my attention.

As soon as he moved, everyone in the room fell quiet while the officers took a step aside to clear the space around him. I saw Gaudaline's eyes begin to gleam and guessed this was the one she had directed her speech towards. The man looked at Gaudaline for a moment, and I had the distinct feeling he knew her, though I couldn't say what gave me the idea. Perhaps the nearest hint of a smile?

Some king? I thought, staring as the man turned to Lamuire.

"I've heard enough," the man said, snapping his hand down when Lamuire seemed to want to speak. "Enough. City holder Lamuire, your selflessness in the assistance of this city, and your many years of service to the Ten Houses have shown you are capable of great things. To that end, and as the last of the council of ten, I command you to take a small delegation and go to Har to request aid in these times of dire trouble. I am sure your esteemed diplomacy will be able to garner support!"

Lamuire turned white, a ghastly look crossing his face, and I barely held back a smile. Apparently, that wasn't what he'd wanted to hear.

"Lord Haydroun, I-"

"I suggest you make haste," the stern man said, interrupting Lamuire. "I expect you to leave within the hour!"

Lamuire made a strangled noise and sagged down in his chair. His eyes rolled up, and he slid down until he lay motionless on the floor before the throne. For a moment, it was quiet. Then an uncomfortable murmur and laughter came from the surrounding people. Lord Haydroun frowned and looked around, causing it to stop instantly. After a moment, he looked at the richly dressed noblemen and women, who were looking back uncomfortably.

"Get him ready for departure. Have him joined by his closest friends, and," he waved at the throne in distaste. "Get rid of that… thing while you are at it. Replace it with something practical."

A pair of posh-looking men rushed towards the throne, casting fearful glances at Haydroun as they carried Lamuire away.

Lord Haydroun followed them with a glare, which disappeared as soon as they did, and he turned to me with a calculating look.

"According to my information, you seem to be in a hurry. I can relate, as I don't have much time either. Now, it would be great if you would stay and help us fight, but I guess that won't happen," he said, looking at me expectantly.

I shook my head, and he sighed.

"I had heard a bit about you before this charade but wanted to see how you'd react. Now. What do you need?"

I frowned as I looked into Lord Haydroun's dark gray eyes, which gleamed with intellect. It annoyed me that he'd let this whole thing happen, but on the other hand, if he was going to help me without making it more difficult, it was probably worth it. Maybe. Besides, I'd rather enjoyed seeing Lamuire humbled.

"The Stonites guarded the east gate all by themselves to buy me time to barricade the wall breaches," I said, letting it hang in the air before continuing. "They were heavily injured and need to leave for a temple of the Stone. They need wagons, food, and a caravan through the Howling Forest to reach their destination. Prime Bastian is waiting outside, and he can fill you in on the details."

Lord Haydroun nodded. "And this is all the payment you desire for your help?" he asked, inspecting me curiously.

I'd not expected the question, and I was about to agree when an idea popped into my head.

"Well, if you can spread my title as far and wide as possible, that would be great," I said.

A wary frown appeared on Lord Haydroun's face as he inspected me.

"Why?" he asked.

I'd partially expected the question while also dreading it and wasn't sure what I should tell him. If I had to explain what I knew, I might be here longer than I wanted. Then again, having someone in power as a friend would probably prove helpful.

"That is not something that should not be discussed in this… setting," I said, waving my hand around.

The man didn't miss a beat but turned to the surrounding people.

"Leave us," he ordered before turning to the officers that had come with him. "Inspect the remaining defenders, find out who is in charge of what, and arrange quarters for the soldiers. Create a new hierarchy immediately. Then, after Lamuire is gone, get his palace for us to move into."

Haydroun's short, curt sentences were instantly obeyed, and even the annoyed-looking heads of the city noble houses left without making a fuss. Half a minute after I'd waved my hand, the room was empty, save for Lord Haydroun and myself.

"Now, I get there is more going on here than meets the eye," Lord Haydroun said. "We've heard… rumors about troubles with some of the Deities."

I stared silently at him, wondering if he wasn't afraid to be here alone with me. Perhaps he trusted I wouldn't harm him?

I wasn't even surprised anymore that he'd heard about the thing happening with the Deities. My misguided idea that these things happened out of ordinary people's awareness had been crushed days before. Then again, he seemed more like a King. Obviously, no common man.

After ordering my thoughts and deciding what to tell and whatnot, I told him about Ux Disir Lar, Nimron, and the war that seemed to be brewing. I also told him a little about the absence of the Deities but kept Boglodon and the message from Rathica to myself and just told him that I was ordered to go to the demon sea to stop the demon lord.

When I finished, Lord Haydroun's face had soured, and he crossed his arms, staring at me for a moment. Then he sighed.

"Is he speaking the truth?" he asked calmly.

What? I thought as my blood turned cold and looked around. We were alone… weren't we?

A shimmer appeared beside Haydroun, and a tall, gangly man with olive skin and a gray-haired woman appeared beside him. Both wore long dark brown robes with hoods, and they looked more like mages than anything I'd seen to date.

"Yes, Hay, he speaks the truth," the man said as he stared at me with orange eyes glittering with curiosity.

"Grem, you old fool. He is Lord Haydroun if people are around! Remember this already," the woman hissed.

The man, Grem, turned on her and glared. "Shut it! I'm not going to, and stop reminding me!"

I gaped at the two, startled both by their appearance and how they acted. Lord Haydroun looked at the two and scraped his throat loudly, staring at them pointedly. The two mages, or whatever they were, fell quiet as one. The woman had the decency to turn slightly red, but the man just sniffed and put his hands on his hips, continuing to look me up and down.

"Can you tell me how you are doing that, by the way?" Grem asked as he pointed at me with a scarred finger.

"Err…" I muttered, not sure what he was talking about.

"Manners, Grem," Lord Haydroun snapped. "Prime Brew-"

"Est," Grem said, interrupting the Lord, as he shook his head and raised an eyebrow. "He is called Est. Brew is a cover name. He's that new Deity's Prime. What's her name? Rathica?"

With each word of Grem, my surprise and worry grew, and suddenly I couldn't hold back.

"How the hell do you know all this?" I snapped as I stepped towards the mage.

As soon as I spoke, I cursed myself. I'd just given away that what he said was true.

"Don't mind Magister Grem," Lord Haydroun said as he glared at the man. "He has the insistent desire to know everything and the knack to find out while simultaneously annoying everyone around him. If he wasn't the best mage at my disposal, I'd not bring him around for fear of starting wars."

Grem seemed unruffled by the allegation and just smiled as he inspected me.

Lord Haydroun ignored him, uncrossed his arms, and put one hand on the worn pommel of his sword.

"More important is that my advisors say you speak the truth, which puts me in somewhat of a bind. This means that the Elison invasion might be more than just the Queen's desire to root out her opposition. If she is in league with this Demon you speak of, that means I am not just up against her armies, but far more. Perhaps worse, any potential help from the Stonites is gone," he said as he inspected me.

"This brings me to a curious point. You, don't look at all weakened. Instead, from what I've heard and seen, you were able to hold your own against a whole army. Normally a feat I'd only have thought Preyatar's Prime's capable of. So, that begs the question. Why are you not affected?"

I gazed silently into the steel-gray colored eyes, wondering how to answer, or if at all. This man was far cleverer than I'd thought, and I regretted telling him anything already.

As the seconds ticked by, I decided it might just be best not to answer, and I held my tongue, which had brought me enough trouble for one day. Slowly Lord Haydroun's face turned into a frown.

"I see," he finally said, waiting for another moment before continuing.

"Very well. I'll make sure the Stonites get what they request and spread your title. Thank you for sharing this information. It has given me much to think about. As you don't seem inclined to share more, I'll go and take care of business."

Lord Haydroun looked at me one more time before moving towards the closed doors.

The female mage followed him, but Grem remained where he was. Lord Haydroun moved out of the door without looking back, and when he left, I turned my gaze on Grem, raising my eyebrow.

"I'm curious about some of the rumors I've heard," Grem said, moving closer. "Can you grow any plant to such a massive size?"

I frowned, then turned and headed towards the door where Bastian and Libidi were waiting for me. "No," I said shortly.

"How big, and how many?" Grem asked as he ran after me and fell in line.

I looked at him, noting slight scarring around his neck that matched those on his fingers. "I'm done answering questions," I said. "Especially if my own go unanswered."

"Ah, right," Grem said, his eyes widening. "You asked how I knew, yes? Easy! I've got spies in most cities. Happy?"

I almost stumbled at the ease with which he said it. Wasn't that something you, I don't know, kept to yourself? Still, a quick look at Grem showed the gray-haired man seemed undisturbed and waiting for an answer.

"As big as they normally grow, and not many," I said before stepping through the door towards Bastian, who curiously looked at Grem.

"Let's go," I said. "We've got things to discuss."

Basian's eyes widened as he looked between Grem and me. Then he shrugged and followed.

--

Four hours later, near nightfall, I ran away from the city, relieved to leave behind its politics. The demolished wall was a few kilometers behind me, while ahead was the continuation of the pass into Fastris. I'd only been in Thendral for a short while, but it was enough for me to know I wanted no part in it. Still, I had a new set of leather armor, my scarred and battered wooden chest plate well-fitted atop, supple boots, and a bag with supplies to last a week.

With some luck, things would improve now. Or at least not get any more annoying. The fact I didn't even find the time to create a mount in between talking with Gaudalin, dodging Grem, and planning things with Bastian was terrible enough. Still, I preferred leaving in the middle of the night versus staying another day and leaving Lamuire with time to plot some vengeful scheme.

"We are being followed," Libidi whispered as she loped gracefully beside me.

I grimaced, wishing I'd knocked on wood a moment before. The way she said it was almost as if she was telling me it would rain.

"How many?" I asked while subconsciously clenching the handle of my ax.

"Can't tell," she replied, cocking her head. "Whoever it is is skilled at moving."

Great. There goes that plan, I thought. I'd hoped leaving at nightfall would make it so we could get away without drawing any notice.

"Where?" I asked.

"Along the side of the mountain, a few hundred feet behind us," Libidi said, making me wonder how she could even know they were there.

"Fine, let's get this over with right away," I muttered as I slowed to a walk, readying my ax.

I took a few breaths, then spun around and scanned the area that Libidi indicated. It was a boulder-strewn swath of land near the steep mountainside, with the occasional bit of brown dirt and yellow grass.

"Who's there," I shouted. "Come out, or I'll show you something fun."

I had no idea how to back up my threat, but it seemed I didn't need to. I'd barely finished my speech when a tall, gangly shadow stepped away from a boulder and came running towards us.

"Are you fucking with me?" I muttered as I watched Greb run towards us, white and gray hair tied in a bun atop his head.

The mage had exchanged his robes for simple leather pants and a drab green and gray tunic. He had a small bag across a shoulder and something between a staff and a club in his hand.

"You found me fast," he said as he looked at me with interest. "Some spell? Or a gift from Rathica?"

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I snapped, surprised and annoyed at the same time.

"Odd way of asking something," he said, flashing more sparkling white teeth. "Lord Haydraun asked me to keep an eye on you, so I decided to do just that!"

I eyed him, barely believing what he said.

"Even if he did, which I find somewhat annoying. I'm pretty sure he didn't mean you should come with me…"

Greb shrugged and began walking in the direction I had before while glancing at Libidi with intrigue.

"Probably, but this is more convenient!"

'For who?" I said as I remained where I was. "Who says I even want you along?"

Greb looked over his shoulder in mock surprise. "What? You are going to the demon sea, traveling through an unfamiliar country rife with war, aren't you? Why would you not want a mage from said country with you?"

I looked at him, then at Libidi, who was staring at Greb, her face emotionless and cold. Her eyes flicked to me, and she shrugged before putting her full attention back on Greb.

Helpful Libidi. Very helpful, I thought, trying to decide what to do.

What Greb had said made some sense. That is, if we forgot about the fact that I had no idea who he really was, had no idea if he could be trusted with… well, anything, and that he might not even be able to keep up! I was about to tell him to go back when a weird sound came from my status. It wasn't a ping like those most standard messages were accompanied by, nor a gong-like one that had come with more important events. It sounded almost like… a message from my VR phone?

I pulled up my status window. A small window floated to the side of the normal status, a single message on it.

> Casiron says to bring him along!

> I've got no idea who he is talking about, but that big idiot is almost tearing the trees apart to get your attention

> So, sorry, but not sorry for spending Karma on this. Anyway, you seem to be getting a lot, and it's really convenient!

> Casiron says you need to bring him...

> This is so annoying! That bloody wannabe dragon won't tell me how he even knows what's going on out there.

More idiotic messages appeared, and I blinked, then again, and finally turned my attention to the status info below, trying hard not to laugh. The long list reminded me that I'd not yet taken the time to look at it.

> Messages grouped together

> Your title, Fearless four-armed Prime, was repeatedly used to describe you

> Status alerts removed

> You've gained Karma: 12101

> Your title, The Deliverance, was repeatedly used to describe you

> Status alerts removed

> You've gained Karma: 16801

> Karma gains pinned to status info while continues increase continues

I stared in disbelief at the numbers, which were still growing slowly. A quick look showed my current Karma was at 200/200, which didn't seem surprising. Then I looked at the slew of messages below.

> Raparion used 12 karma to create: mental purifying carp - male

> Raparion used 12 karma to create: mental purifying carp - female

> Raparion used 12 karma to create: mental purifying carp - female

> Raparion used 12 karma to create: mental purifying carp - female

> Raparion used 100 karma to add features to your small ecosystem

> Raparion used 160 karma to add a new ability to your mindscape: Mindscape messenger

I stared at the line, barely believing it. My mind instantly bubbled with ideas so fast I could barely keep up, and I closed the status to prevent overloading myself.

Libidi stood where she had, her gaze flicking between Greb and me.

"So?" Greb asked, seeming unfazed by my long silence.

"You can come," I said, feeling defeated as I turned towards the distant lands beyond the narrow Gougian Connect.

Then I began running, ignoring the surprised shouts from Greb and Libidi. I wanted to find a safe spot to set up camp and talk with Par.