Chapter 41: Teasing the guest

Excerpt from the book “Dimensions” By Seng

You know, some dimensions are not material. You may wonder; how do you step into them if they are not material? Well, every dimension with such a unique constitution has its methods.

One such dimension is the spirit dimension. A unique place found within your dreams. Some are naturally born able to visit it but most require a very special potion. Few things can be carried between this dimension, yet some items break this rule. It's how we found out about such a dimension, someone brought back an odd-looking plant. Seemingly materializing out of thin air upon them waking. An exceedingly strange phenomenon that resulted in the discovery of the dream dimension.

The information was handed over to a coven specializing in the brewery. Since I was involved in its discovery, I was privileged to explore it with them. Since the spiritual body that enters is rather durable, and the only danger being present is an odd entity. It’s an extremely safe dimension.

I dreamt a hazy dream, wandering the landscape. Pink skies illuminating the earth. It was peaceful, yet eventually, you must wake up. Waking up I find myself very well-rested. Stretching comfortably within my body I step out of bed. Feeling good I equip my Armor and head to the same shop that I had breakfast at before. I am feeling like being a little unhealthy.

Stepping out I check my mailbox, finding a letter from Jengal.

Hey boss, found a lead on that ghast tear you wanted. I’ll visit your house at 6pm today to talk about it, see you soon.

Excellent, that will be very useful. Mentally noting to keep an eye on the time. I continue on, quickly eating a wonderful breakfast. Looking around the building is quiet, but a few more people are present. One other eating breakfast and 2 others sharing a drink. I came prepared though, pulling a cloth hood over my head while I eat.

People must think of me as a criminal with how determined I am to hide my face. Chortling at my own humor. It's much easier than listening to whispers about my odd appearance. Maybe if I found a way to shapeshift… another time it may very well require me to murder someone. I don’t want to do that.

Having enjoyed my breakfast I head out, finding the same spot untouched. I continue my painting, focusing on tiny bits, slowly building up from them. I do this for a while, falling into a peaceful trance. Time flies by but suddenly I am knocked out of my stupor. “Ouch, was that a rock.” Looking down I see 2 children, one of them is throwing stones at me.

Dropping down dramatically, a little bit of flare should make them listen to me is my logic.

“You know, it's rude to throw stones at random people,” I say in a lecturing tone.

They just giggle and run away, audibly sighing “Bloody children.” Packing up my art supplies, I take a nice walk around town. It feels smaller now that I know my way around roughly. Heading back into the center I look around, finding that same library. Walking towards the clerk, he cocks an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything.

“I was wondering if this library sells books, or if you know somewhere that does.” Attempting to complete one of my long-standing tasks.

He quickly realizes I won't go away by him just ignoring me. He tells me that in this place you can only read not buy. A bookstore is located in the upper part of the town, giving me rather poor directions, I head towards it.

I nearly got lost, but the time of day means that lots of people are out and about. Asking around I find the rather small store. Reminds me of a storage locker. Entering I find a wide array of rather poorly kept books; what a shame. Selecting a wide range of history, geography, and academic books. I also grab one or two religious’ texts for research purposes. I couldn’t find anything on customs and culture, but it’s a small town in the middle of nowhere; I wasn’t surprised.

Still, I am happy with my haul, resisting the urge to burn the rest of my day reading. I need to find somewhere else I can enjoy my time. I wonder if they have any places, I can have a good board game. I could use some mental calisthenics. Heading back into town, the rather helpful crowd strikes again, directing me to a carpenter. Finding a tall, broad man with heavily calloused hands. A store littered with wood, an apprentice whittling away at some kind of wooden object. Suppose this is the place.

Taking a deep breath, relaxing my shoulders from the stress of finding these damn shops; I speak. “Hey, I hear you are a solid carpenter, was wondering if I could hire you to work on a bed for me, apparently handcrafted stuff is better. I was hoping that includes beds.”

In a deep voice that almost vibrates the room he speaks. “Yes, I can do that,” before tossing a piece of paper with the list of items and prices. Carefully selecting what I want my bed made of. I also enquire if he knows where I can get a nice mattress, he assures me for even more money he can do it for me.

Before leaving, an idea strikes me; turning back I speak in a soft devilishly charming voice. “You wouldn’t happen to be interested in a unique variety of wood I have.”

I watch as his ears perk up, before dropping. Clearly, his hopes aren’t high, none the less I take a variety of wood from my storage, including all witchcraft logs, and some nether logs. His face twists between caution and excitement; rather funny to watch. He breaks his man of few words vibe and speaks. “A stack of each and everything you have asked for; I’ll do in exchange.”

My devilish smile raises slightly, let the bartering begin. I manage to get him down to 24 blocks of each variety. It seems he really just wants to experiment with the new woods. I could have given him a lot but it would seem rather unnatural to throw my weight around so much. I also give him a single ender letter, in case he is interested in more, or potentially a larger variety of wood. He carefully places the letter within a safe. Might be a good source of money.

With all that done, I head home to speak with Jengal. Finding my door vacant of the agile young man, I sit on the curb and start reading. Sifting through an enrapturing book on the local geography. My mind is shaken by a gentle tap on my shoulder, “Ah Jengal how are you?”

In a chipper tone, he replies “Great,” a wonderful smile blooming on his face.

Before I forget, I give him some ender letters, to make it all far easier to contact me in the future. Then begins a very long-winded story that boiled down to a trader, heard that an auction has one in stock. But they don’t plan to sell it yet. I give him a couple diamonds an enchanted sword I was playing with as thanks. Inviting him inside for tea.

While brewing a cup of tea for each of us we talk. “So, any luck on the bat?”

He sighs “Sorry no, bad luck suppose” he pauses for a moment before continuing in a fast tone. “You sure giving me such valuable stuff is alright, this sword is like super expensive.”

I reply calmly, “It's no issue, consider it an incentive to work hard. I don’t have the time nor talent for it personally.”

He finally drops the issue, “So got anything else for me to look out for?” Silver Imperials dancing across his eyes.

Pausing for a moment to think, “I suspect you won't be able to find this, don’t judge me for wanting it… but I still need it. A demon heart, or the blood of a demon heart. A large red heart gained from killing a greater demon using a summoning circle.”

He pauses stunned, maybe I shouldn’t have asked for it. He looks at me before speaking, sizing me up I suppose.

“May I ask what you need it for?” Nervousness bleeding into his voice.

“The blood is an important ingredient in binding familiars to your soul.” I look at him, seeing his reaction is rather tame I continue. “The only way I know to get it personally requires… a sacrifice. Which morally I refuse. So I want to trade for it if I can. Although I am sure given time, I will find a less barbaric substatute.”

He seems less shaken now, although concern was still written on his face. “I didn’t know you were a witch. You're not going to like curse me are you?” A half-joking half-serious tone.

Putting a bit of fear of God into him “I need a familiar to make real strong curses” his face drops, laughing at him for a moment I continue. “I am just teasing you; you know not all curses are bad, anyway I wouldn’t waste the ingredients or energy unless I truly needed to. I suppose I could make you a curse protection poppet if you wish.”

Watching his face bloom with indecision warmed my heart, lightly chuckling as he considers whether to accept. He finally makes his choice, “Okay.”

Maybe I should test him, let’s bring him to my island, not like he can find it normally anyway. Placing a Telepad, I inform him to stand on top of it and select home, before stepping on it and solemnly saying “Follow.” Always wanted to do that.

After stepping through the portal, it takes a few moments before it reactivates, finding a frazzled young man panting on the floor.

I offer him a bottle of water; he sits eyes closed. I understand the sentiment, teleporting takes some time to get used to. After a short while, he opens his eyes. He is just wide eyes. His normally speedy voice is deathly silent. Enjoying his amazement, I give him a short tour of my castle. Just roughly showing him around the actual furnished areas.

He struggles to get out any words but he manages to speak the odd word of awe and surprise. It's nice having someone be amazed by something you built. After stepping out I show him to the edge of the island. The moment he looks over the edge, realizing he is over 100 blocks in the sky; his face was priceless, it will color my memories for a long time.

Guiding him to the witchery area, I begin crafting his poppet. It’s a very simple and cheap item, which I craft 4 for myself while I am at it. Taking a taglock kit, while he's not looking, I jab a needle into his arm, taking the drop of blood. I place it into the jar. “Ouch, what was that for.”

His ignorance is amusing, “I'm binding the poppet to yourself.”

Crafting the taglock kit and hit poppet together. I hand him the completed poppet. “This is good to save you from one curse attempt, if someone attempts to curse you it will crumble. Keep it on you at all times.” I also add “If it does at any point crumble, immediately find me. It’s a matter of life or death, although I doubt that will ever happen.”

He just nods dumbly as he accepts the poppet. “Thanks” he manages to get out, all too overwhelmed by what I can only assume is a complete mind blow. It was annoying pocking myself for the taglock kits but I produce 4 curse protection poppets for myself.

It was actually surprising finding a different variant of the poppet, it's similar to the voodoo protection poppet but specifically designed for curses.

While I was inside my own head, he finally speaks. “Who are you?”

Smiling, I remove my helmet “I am Aeternum silly” he definitely was not satisfied with the answer. Sending him back through the portal to my house. I send him home. He just walks off bewildered. I did take the time to make a poppet shelf. Which now houses my Curse protection poppet and a voodoo protection poppet. When I get drops of luck I will improve my selection of poppets. Looking enviously at the death protection poppet in NEI. Another day I suppose. I need that bloody demon blood.

At this rate, I’ll just sacrifice a clone. I hope it doesn’t come to that; I don’t know what consequences that will have.

Side note I now know that my island is amazing and to be careful who I allow onto it, although that’s exactly what I was going to do anyway.