Dexter

Dumag was right about the trail. I was surprised it was considered a road at all. It was just a path of tamped dirt, risen an inch or two above the rest of the field it cut through. I couldn't imagine it going for more than a week without needing repairs. The road it split from at least had a layer of potholed cobblestone. I furrowed my brow as I saw it stretch out towards the horizon. "Who in their right mind would drive down a road like this?" I wondered aloud, idly gripping the sword at my side.

Bruga shrugged as she pointed down the cobblestone road. "It is a quicker path north." She explained. "This road was built before the caravan began making its journeys through Gashur. They typically depart to Varthug along that path. They come this way when they approach Snakhagr from the east. There's a small town that way; for the life of me I cannot recall the name."

I nodded as I glanced down the road. It snaked its way through a field and under some trees before disappearing into the forest beyond. I looked out along the path again before glancing to Gremach beside me. "Are you sure I should be here?" I asked skeptically. "I encountered the guy once before. He didn't seem too happy about my presence."

Gremach nodded as he reached into his shawl to check that the two small vials were still there. "Happy or not, you are still a champion of battle. You may be able to coerce his cooperation with your authority over him."

I shook my head as I glanced into the field. The farm would be somewhere in that direction. "I'm not about to threaten the guy," I said defensively. “It wouldn’t be right. It would go against my principles. Plus, I’m sure he wouldn’t take kindly to threats in his own home."

Gremach let out a low hum as he turned to look out over the field. "You have a point." He mused thoughtfully. "Flies are better trapped with honey than water."

I chuckled at the oddly familiar turn of phrase. "In any case, we should start making our way over there," I said, pointing out over the field. "It took us way too long to get out here and I'd rather get back to the city before sunset. Hopefully Dumag's brother is willing to cooperate." Bruga and Gremach nodded as we began walking out into the field, heading toward the thin plume of smoke in the distance.

Amelia

Salthu and I carefully perused the shelves in the Illusion section of the library. Evidently, their idea of illusion magic allowed them to expand their senses as well as fool the senses of others. The essence tracking spell was one of those enhanced senses incantations, allowing the caster to 'see' the path the target had taken. Salthu explained this to me as he ran his thumb across the spines of the books on the shelf above him. Most all of the books in this section had a dim or black exterior, devoid of light or color. I frowned slightly as I looked at the books. I imagined they had a symbolic purpose, the magic in this world seemed obsessed with color, but I preferred it when the colors it created were bright and glimmering, not as if they'd just walked into Hot Topic. I shook my head and banished the distraction as Salthu pulled out a book and began rifling through it before putting it back. I skimmed the titles on the shelf in front of me as a question floated to the surface. "What kind of scenarios would you encounter that require you to enhance your senses?" I asked curiously. "There can't be that many times that someone needs tracking down."

Salthu grinned slyly and he pulled a book out before returning it to its place. "Do not limit your thinking." He said encouragingly. "There are a great many cases where a better observation is required. Astronomers, for instance, use ocular enhancing necklaces to better mark and track the stars and planets in the sky. Spoiled meat is better found through a strange quirk of the nose, allowing the scent of decay to become more apparent. I have even heard tell of a spell that betters your fishing chances by increasing the sensitivity in your fingers, allowing one to distinguish the size and weight of potential catches."

My eyebrows raised curiously as he explained the potential uses. "Those all seem pretty handy," I remarked admirably. "How long does it usually take to learn something like that?"

Salthu shrugged as he pulled out the third book and began flipping through the pages, reading the passage as he spoke. "Not long. Freedom from precision will make the task particularly useful. In all honesty, our spell may expedite the process."

I furrowed my brow as Salthu continued to read. "Our radar spell is like the one we're looking for?" I asked curiously.

Salthu nodded as he gestured towards the center of the library, where the sections were muddied and the shelves were a mix of different fields of magic. "Our spell combined the art of illusion with the art of Natura." He explained. "It causes a change in the field of magic and senses the respective change. In all honesty, I found myself referencing this spell to properly create the illusion construct for the incantation. The difficult part was creating a functional pulse for said construct. Natura is an art that is rarely compatible with others. I am in awe that we were able to manage it at all. Fortunately, your curious outsider symbols helped us understand the proper modifications to make."

I grinned and nodded as he quietly read from the book. "Hopefully this spell will be easy to modify," I remarked. "We can't afford to spend a week creating another radar spell.”

Salthu shook his head as he tapped the page he was reading. “It will be swift.” He assured me. “We may not require a spell for the blood at all.” He tapped the page again as he read. “Ensure the essence sample is pure and untainted. Accuracy and clarity are sacrificed if more than a single essence is tracked. The extents are as yet unknown, but the mixing of blood creates a muddled trail, suggesting multiple targets cannot be tracked with this current incantation. Interestingly, numerous trails were found departing from the home of the unioned pair that gave samples.”

My eyebrows raised at the passage. “That sounds pretty convenient,” I remarked in surprise. “Do you think it could work for Dexter's plan?"

Salthu let out a low hum as he continued to read. "Perhaps," He mused. "We would require the samples to be sure, but we may only require this spell to track Orthan. Any others would only interfere with this one." I nodded as I turned my head to read the page. My eyes grew wide as I saw the spell. It was called 'Essence Trail' and it was by far the most complex spell I'd ever seen. One page was composed of a description of the effects and notes of the experimentation of the spell. The other was filled with three paragraphs of arcane phrases, topped with a blown up and complex symbol inside a circle. Salthu turned the page to reveal two more sheets, each displaying the single and double-handed gestures for the spell. It was a complex and thorough spell. Then again, considering the target of the spell, I shouldn't have been surprised that such complexity was required.

I let a groan as I skimmed the page containing the incantation. "This might take a while to learn," I remarked apprehensively. "I've never seen a spell this complex."

Salthu nodded as he turned the page back to the description. "It is indeed extensive." He replied thoughtfully. "It will take approximately five minutes to cast the spell. Fortunately, there are many repeating phrases, making memorization mildly simpler." He turned to me as he tapped the entry one last time. "We may be able to depart on the morrow. Considering the haste of our goal, it is fortunate that this spell has such an effect. Every moment we dally hastens Orthan's chances of demise."

I nodded as I rubbed my head, recalling Uloth's desperate pleading. He wouldn't be the only one affected if we failed. I gestured towards the book as I let out a sigh. "We better get started then. I can try to help you study the incantation, but I don't guarantee I'll be able to cast it. This is still far more advanced than anything I’ve ever done before."

Salthu gestured dismissively as he closed the book with a snap. "Only one of us needs to cast the spell." He replied. "I am still grateful for your aid. You were most diligent when we were creating that strange radar spell." I grinned as I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, glad for the encouraging words. Salthu glanced about as he gripped the book in his hands. "Where should we begin?" He asked. "We could head to your abode, or …" He gestured about, the library full of nooks and crannies for mages and wizards to study in.

I glanced down the aisle as I considered the notion for a moment. "Here should be good," I replied, pointing in the direction of one of the study areas. I knew a fireplace was next to it, fighting the chill that occasionally permeated the Institute. Salthu followed as he cradled the book in his arms, the incantation within soon to be learned.

Dexter

The farm was a little lackluster if I was being honest. I expected a large red barn, a grain silo, even a sprawling field of sprouting crops. Unfortunately, it seemed Dumag was right about the state it was in. The cold loose dirt was barren of life, save for a few tenacious weeds poking up through the soil. The farmhouse in the center was composed of wood and covered in dust, the sod covered roof the only green part of the entire building. A modest vegetable garden lay on the far side of the building, a few budding vegetables growing in the dark brown soil. In the distance I could see a few paddocks, miscellaneous animals milling about within. I slowed down and began approaching the building with caution, Bruga and Gremach keeping pace and passing me to head to the lone building. I rubbed my head nervously as my face twisted in apprehension. “I don’t think this is a good idea.” I voiced tentatively, the vision of the orc floating to the surface of my mind. “I know most of you orcs still dislike me, but for some reason, he seemed particularly angry towards me. Just showing up here might be insulting to him.”

Gremach turned to me and let out a low hum before gesturing about. “If you feel as such, then perhaps it would be wise for you to wait outside. If you feel apprehensive about this endeavor then intimidation is not an effective option."

I let out a sigh and rubbed the back of my neck as I stared at the farmhouse. I could hear a mutter of conversations drifting out from the building. I could very easily imagine those mutterings turn into bellows as Dumag's brother began laying into me. I did not want to lower our chances of getting those samples. I let out a sigh as I sat in the field and crossed my legs. "Go on ahead," I said, waving them towards the farmhouse. "I'll just remove myself from this part of the equation. Shout if you need my help though. I can at least handle myself with this." I tapped the scabbard tied to my waist.

Gremach and Burga nodded as they glanced towards the house again. I could see the two formulating speeches for Garthan. Gremach turned back to me after a moment and motioned towards the farmhouse. “I am certain we can handle this peacefully. Wait here. We shall be out shortly." I nodded as they then turned and walked the rest of the way to the farmhouse. I let out a sigh and rubbed my head as I cursed the choices that led me here. "I knew I shouldn't have let Gremach talk me into this. Salthu was fine to find the spell on his own. He also seemed pretty confident in learning it himself. I don't see why he couldn’t. In terms of skills, wizards and mages don't seem to be too different. It must be raw power that distinguishes the two then. Of course, experience always outmatches power. If Salthu practices enough to match the knowledge of a more powerful mage, he’ll outclass them just from the experience of learning the spell. In any case, I just hope we’ll be able to make a sufficient sequencing spell for the sample. We’ll be on a time crunch too, about a week if what Amelia said was right. That’s assuming their blood is similar to ours, something I don’t have the equipment or knowledge to-”

“Hello” I jumped as a soft voice suddenly radiated from my left. A young orc was kneeling in the rough soil beside me, his eyes giving me a curious look. He looked to be about ten, around the time questions were all that kids knew. One of his budding tusks was strangely tilted, point away from his face and towards his right ear. His eyes widened slightly as he gazed at me. “Woah.” He gasped. “What happened to your eyes?”

I frowned hesitantly and instinctively brought a hand to touch my face. “Don’t go sneaking up on someone like that.” I chastised gently. “And nothing is wrong with my eyes. I was born like this. Besides, that was rude to ask. Do you want everyone to ask about your tusk when they first see you?”

The young orc tilted his head curiously. “Why would they not?” He asked in response. “Mama says it what makes me special. Why would they not want to know me?”

I furrowed my brow as I stared at the young orc. Now that the initial shock of his appearance was over, I could think a little more carefully about the situation. If he came out of nowhere … “What's your name, kid?” I probed cautiously.

The orc glanced towards the house in the distance before responding. “I am not sposed to tell outsiders, but I am Bulthan. My father said to stay away from your kind. Your intentions for Gashur are ill.”

I frowned again as I glanced towards the house as well. A soft murmur of conversation was drifting over the barren fields. I’d imagine they were trying to explain the theory behind the blood samples. I wasn’t sure if they understood why we needed both, but the mixing theory connected well enough with their understanding of tracking. I stretched my neck and caused a few soft pops to emanate from my shoulder as I quelled my unwarranted anger. “Well I’m sorry you have to hear this, but your father isn’t always right,” I growled a little annoyedly. “I’m not here with bad intentions, not today at least. I’m just trying to fill a quest and your dad happens to have a crucial ingredient for a tracking spell. As for Gashur, the brand on my back should be statement enough on my devotion to the tribe. Some people just don’t seem to accept it. I suppose they think the world would be a better place had I not stuck my neck out for my friends.” I turned back to the young orc beside me. His face had shifted to one of apprehension, his body leaning back as if to avoid a bomb that may detonate at any time. I sighed and shook my head as I forced myself to calm. “Your dad’s concerns aren’t that unwarranted though,” I admitted begrudgingly. “The last outsider here did something terrible to you people. They’re not at fault for what was done to them. I’m just exasperated that I have to bear the brunt of his ire; that I’m left to bear the brunt of all their ire. … It’s honestly a little tiring. Ya know?” I glanced at Bulthan again, concerned about his reaction.

Thankfully, his expression had calmed as well, his brow now furrowed in curiosity as he stared. “Ex-as-per-at-ed?” He asked, confused.

A grin crept across my face as I chuckled softly. “It means I’m annoyed,” I explained. “I’m a middle child so I don’t like it when things get blamed on me. What the last guy did was monstrous, but I had no part in it. Unfortunately, people like your dad don’t seem to get that. I can’t do anything about it either; I don’t have any control over their thoughts. All I can do is keep moving forward and hope they come to their senses.”

Bulthan nodded again as he glanced at the house once more. “You don’t seem all that mean.” He admitted innocently. “I spose you are not the outsider father warned about.”

I grinned gently as I nodded solemnly. “That, you’re right about,” I confirmed. “That outsider is far from here; hopefully not even aware of my presence. That would just complicate things.” Bulthan nodded again as he continued to stare at the house, his hand gently scratching his forearm. I looked down as I noticed he was grimacing slightly. My expression turned into one of concern as I noticed a dry streak of blood running along his dirt-covered arm. I cringed at the thought of particulates making their way into his wound as I gestured towards him. “What happened there?” I asked apprehensively.

Bulthan glanced down at his arm before continuing to pick at the injury. “A stray nail is difficult to spot in a mound of feed.” He answered matter-of-factly. “I am better now. I will know better in the future.” I cringed as I reached back to scratch a spot of my shoulder. I wasn’t sure what Tetanus was, nor what it did, but I was guessing it’s not a pleasant disease to get.

I sighed as I gestured a spell into the dirt between us, causing the soil to sink and change into a shallow basin. Another gesture caused the basin to begin filling with clear water, perfect for a quick wash up. I jabbed a finger towards the crystalline puddle. “Wash that arm of yours. I’ll fix the cut once you clean it up. Hopefully it’s not infected yet.” Bulthan gave me a hesitant look. I gestured insistently as I explained. “That dirt on your arm isn’t good for that cut. It could get it infected and make you sick, very sick. I’m not fully informed on the whole microorganism stuff, but a lot of things would kill us humans before we learned to defend from them. It’s better to be cautious with things like this. Just trust me for a while and start scrubbing.” Bulthan didn’t move for another moment before leaning forward and dipping his arm into the impromptu basin. He grimaced again as he ran his palm along his arm and pulled specks of dirt from his skin. I nodded encouragingly as I watch him clean his injury. A dark red scab appeared beneath the grime, a corner gently crying fresh blood. It was barely thicker than a fingernail, but it looked painful. His deep green skin was reddened slightly, hopefully from the rubbing and not anything infectious. I motioned him to move his hand away as I strung together a short few gestures. “This’ll sting a little,” I warned. “I’ve been told my healing is kind of painful.” Bulthan nodded hesitantly and grimaced for the upcoming incantation.

I let out a nervous sigh and tentatively placed my hand on his arm. Bulthan let out a pained gasp as I felt the scab dissolve beneath my palm. “It stings like ember ants.” He groaned.

I nodded apologetically as I finished the repair and lifted my hand away, revealing the fresh skin beneath it. “I swear I’d done the numbing part right.” I sighed in aggravation. “It shouldn’t be doing this.”

Bulthan continued to grimace as he rubbed the healed spot on his arm. “It burns still.” He muttered. I let out a sigh and rubbed my head as I stifled my annoyance at the series of events. “Why the fuck does that happen? My cursory knowledge of the body should strengthen the spell, not weaken it. I need to ask Amelia about looking into it. She might be able to find out an explanation I haven’t thought of. Maybe it has something to do with the nerves.” I looked up as I noticed Bulthan turned towards the house. He was no longer groaning in pain, despite the hand still clutched to his arm. I turned to see what he was looking at and I felt my heart sink. Another orc was standing near the small house, making his way towards the door as he leered our way.

An uneasy feeling materialized in my stomach as I gestured his way. “Who’s that over there?” I asked Bulthan. “Is he a family member?”

Bulthan nodded grimly as he continued to rub his arm. “That is Kulthan; the oldest of us. He is most like our father.”

I growled as I watched him disappear into the house. “Then my day is about to take a sour turn,” I muttered angrily. I stood and stretched as I motioned Bulthan away. “Get out of sight. I don’t think you want your father finding out you were talking to me.” I hear a quick shuffle before the patter of feet retreated away. I let out another sigh before stepping forward and making my way to the house.

I had barely made it a few feet before a roar of ”WHAT!” bellowed from the house and the door burst open again. I grimaced as I saw the scowling mug of Garthan glaring out at me. His eyes burned with contempt as I put on a calm facade and continued walking. Garthan suddenly scoffed turned and bellowed back into the house. “Leave My Abode. I Do Not Accept Your Aide.”

Another voice joined his and shouted a “Garthan!” towards the door.

I gestured calmingly as I stopped in front of him and began explaining. “I know you don’t trust me, but this is more important than that. Your son is-”

I stopped as Garrthan whipped around and glared down at me. “Do not speak to me of my kin.” He growled. “Gashur does not need your kind here. I do not want here. You are a scourge on this land, bringers of death and destruction for all those that are not yourself.”

I muffled my anger at his venomous words as I continued trying to reason with him. “We all have bad days and I’m sorry if you got caught up in mine, but right now someone else is probably having the worst day of their entire life. Regardless of what you think of me, time is running out for us to find your so-”

A sharp pain suddenly radiated across my cheek as Garthan swiftly wound back and slapped me. The blow sent waves of pain through my cheek and I felt it burn red. I cradled the targeted area as Garthan roared at me. “I Said To Never Speak Of My Kin Again You Little-”

“GARTHAN!” The mysterious voice suddenly shouted again. I turned to the source as yet another orc stepped into view, her hand quickly grabbing Garthan’s as she glared at him. She yanked his arm and he gave no resistance as she pulled the both of them out of sight and began berating him. “I Don’t Give A Sard What They Have Done, It Is Not Proper To Strike A Guest! Now Sit Down And Rest. You Mustn’t Open Your Wounds.” I stared in wide-eyed surprise as a moment later the orc returned to the door frame, brushing a strand of dark hair away from her face. “I apologize for my husband.” She said in a much calmer tone, her hazel eyes glancing at the fields outside before turning towards me. “Recent circumstances have put him under a great deal of stre-” She faltered and gasped as she finally saw me, her hand jumping to her mouth in surprise. “So the rumors are true.” She gasped. “Your eyes. They are-”

I sighed and nodded as I rubbed the cheek that had been slapped. “Yeah, I know,” I muttered. “Not many people with this condition. Can we just get to the business at hand? Your husband might not believe this, but I’m here to help him. We need to find Orthan as quickly as possible.”

The orc appeared to come to her senses and nodded as she gestured me inside. “Of course. Come; have a seat. Can I fetch you anything to drink?”

I nodded as I followed her in. “Water if you can spare it,” I replied as I glanced around. The inside was just as unimpressive as the outside and a lot more cramped than I expected. I had to stoop to avoid a bundle of herbs hanging from the ceiling. There was a tiny kitchen area filled with cabinets and a stove that was presently sitting empty against the wall, a single pipe plunging into the roof for ventilation. A dining area sat next to it and it was currently packed with people. Gremach and Bruga were sitting at a dining table, their eyes still pulled wide in shock. Garthan sat at the head of the table, scowling as he clutched his arm. Only now did I see the bandage binding it. Kulthan sat beside him, a similar scowl on his face as he glared at me. A door sat on the opposite wall, but it was closed and I wasn’t about to go snooping.

The female orc gestured me towards an empty seat next to Bruga and Gremach as she smiled warmly. “Of course we can. Rest your legs. I shall return in a moment.” She shot Garthan a glance before disappearing out a back door.

I sighed as I sat beside Gremach and knitted my fingers together in front of me, waiting patiently for the orc’s return. The silence that remained in the small farmhouse was pregnant with contempt; both father and son glaring daggers at me as I maintained my air of calm. I felt a twinge of annoyance at their hostile judgment of me, but I let out a sigh as I reminded myself that an outburst wouldn’t help the situation. “So what do you grow out there?” I asked, trying to break the silence. “I noticed the vegetable patch out there, but the fields must be for something more substantial. What kind of crops does Gashur usually grow?”

Garthan let out a growl as he continued to glare, the table being the only thing between the two of us. I cleared my throat nervously as the silence once again permeated the small building. We waited there for another moment before she finally returned with a pitcher full of water. She grinned and held it up as she rushed to a cabinet and began pouring us cups of water. “The rain was torrential the other day.” She explained cheerily. “Our well is almost overflowing. The barely will be glad this season.”

I gave her a grin as she turned and handed out the cups, trying to break the ice with Garthan and three of us. “Thank you Misses …”

“Shagar.” She beamed as she handed me mine. I grinned in kind as I accepted the drink and she stepped back to tend to something in the kitchen. She began scrubbing dishes in a shallow sink, a grin appearing at the corner of her face as she worked. “I must say I am relieved to hear your interest in this matter.” She said over her shoulder. “A mage of your accomplishments will surely find our son.”

“Supposed accomplishments.” Came the mutter from Kulthan.

Shagar shot him and look and he tensed as he bit his lip. I saw her smile gently as she turned back to her task. “So what does your guild require of us?” She asked unexpectedly. “Will an article of clothing suffice for you tracking spell?”

I glanced at Gremach and Bruga as they sat there silently. They had not fully explained what we needed of them. I let out a sigh as I decided to just rip the bandage off. “We need you and your husband’s blood,” I stated plainly, setting the cup on the table in front of me.

What followed my declaration was a clatter from Shagar and a loud “What!” from Garthan as he jumped to his feet. I looked at the two in surprise as Garthan began berating me. “You Want To Take Our Blood? Our Very Life Essence? What For? What Could You Possible Need It F-”

“Garthan!” Shagar bellowed suddenly, causing him to halt his shouts. She glared daggers in his direction as she dared him to continue his berating. They stood still for a moment, each not budging an inch, until Garthan begrudgingly sat back down, returning to his contemptuous scowl. Shagar continued staring for another moment before turning to me, an expression of confusion overtaking her. “May I ask what for?” She said calmly. “I suppose you were never told, but blood is a precious substance to us. To ask one for their blood is to ask for a part of their being. Very few would willingly give a part of themselves to an outsider, even if their very lives were spared because of them. Why do you not feel the same? Why do you hold no such hesitation for such a question?”

I glanced at Bruga and Gremach nervously, their faces holding their expressions of fear at being asked such questions. I sighed as I tried to calm my racing mind. “I was never told their blood was considered sacred. Considering how tribalistic they are, I’d have thought they would be okay with a bit of blood sharing. Why was I never told this? Why am I never told anything? Calm down. Just try and explain. Maybe they’ll understand.” I let out a sigh as I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t know if my theory is correct, but it sounds right in my head and Amelia agrees it holds up in the medical area. Aparently Blood is naturally sterile. Anyway, if we get a sample from the two of you then we can track where your son went. It’s a practical solution to a serious problem. I apologize if I offended either of you. I wasn’t aware of how serious the topic was.”

Garthan glared silently at me while Shagar grinned and gestured dismissively. “Pay it no mind. You are an outsider after all. You have not been raised to know our ways. I do not anticipate your quest to become a Champion would inform you of our culture.”

I let out a sigh of relief as Shagar continued to grin understandably. At least she was being nice about my unfamiliarity. I smiled at her and nodded as I continued explaining. “Now that I know, I can phrase this properly. I wouldn’t be asking this if I didn’t think it was absolutely necessary. The spell we’re using needs an essence sample and since we don’t have your son’s we’ll just need the next best thing. The two of you came together to make him, so we should theoretically be able to use your essences to make a sample of your son’s”

Shagar furrowed her brow as she nervously turned back to her task. “Are you certain you can accomplish this?” She asked. “You may have been successful at the mountain, but this is another matter entirely. How can you know your spell will work? What if you are led astray? How do you know your notion will yield fruit? How can you be certain your understanding of essence is not flawed?” She turned to me, her hands still working furiously at the sink as she gave in concern. A wave of unease washed over me as I saw the strain in her arm. I’m not the best with body language, but even I knew when someone was hiding something; keeping something hidden deep down. “Can you find my son? Can you return my baby to me?”

I let out a sigh as Shagar stared at me expectantly, her hand working the dish in front of her vigorously. I glanced away as I tried to find the right words to comfort her. There were so many uncertainties, so many ways this could go wrong. I couldn’t even consider them all. There were too many unknowns. This was even considering he was alive at the moment. We were being optimistic just thinking that far ahead. I opened my mouth to try my hand, but Bruga got there first. “We will find him.” She said assuredly. “He may not be able to properly explain the idea alone, but we will most assuredly find your son. The outsiders are a most capable and intuitive bunch. It is only a matter of time.”

Shagar maintained her desperate gaze as she stopped her scrubbing. She seemed to be thinking deeply about her decision. I nodded encouragingly as I gestured towards Bruga. “We can do it. We only need the tiniest bit of blood in return.”

Bruga nodded again as she continued. “Do not give yourself for us. Give for your son.” The room fell silent after the final remark, none willing to break the moment.

Shagar finally let out a nervous sigh as she gazed off, her arm relaxing at last. I glanced towards Kulthan and Garthan as the two of them gazed at her apprehensively. Shagar finally whipped around, everyone understanding the impact behind her next words. “Garthan.”

That single word was all that was needed for Garthan to jump to his feet again and begin bellowing. “I Refuse To Give My Blood To An Outsider! Do Not Trust Their Honeyed Words; Their Intentions Are Impure!” He suddenly reached under the table and pulled out a sword. I jumped to my feet and gripped my hilt as the room was suddenly filled with noise; everyone clattering to their feet and backing away as Garthan and I began a standoff.

“Sir, Calm Down For A Moment!” I shouted, trying to diffuse the situation.

“Get Him, Father!” Kulthan bellowed, a wild smile appearing on his face.

“Garthan, Please!” Shagar begged, not daring to approach her husband.

Garthan kept a stern expression as he pointed the weapon at me, his fingers wrapped gently around the sword. A crescent moon was carved into it, just above the handle. “Your accomplishments with the sword as supposedly legendary. Let us see how pitiful your swipes will be.”

I let out a growl as I gripped my sword tighter, my knuckles growing white from the strain. “I don’t want to do this,” I warned. “I didn’t come here for a fight. This can only end ba-” I stopped as I noticed something strange. The sword in front of my had shallow divots in the blade; the glint in the metal frozen in place even as Garthan’s angered pants lifted and lowered the weapon. My expression turned to one of confusion as I saw the painted guard, the gray tinge halting half-way and revealing a smooth curve of timber. My shoulders relaxed and I looked up curiously at Garthan as I realized the implications. “Are you threatening me with a wooden sword?” The ruckus of the room suddenly vanished as I asked my question; everyone present staring at the drawn blade in incredulous shock. An owl could have broken the silence as it glided by.

Garthan, Kulthan, and Shagar were equally surprised at my query and I saw Garthan’s face grit and grow flush with rage. He suddenly turned the blade to inspect it and roared with anger as he smashed the weapon over his knee, spitting a shower of splinters into the air as the sword was split in two. “Sarding FEXT, Orthan! You And Your Cursed Pieces! Where The Sard Is My Sword!?” He turned and charged through the door at the back, disappearing as a clatter began emanating in his wake.

Shagar gestured for us to leave as she kept an eye on the doorway. “Depart quickly. Your words hold, but my husband will not see it as such. I am sorry we could not fulfill your request, but your own lives are more valuable than any amount of blood.” I tried to protest, but she quickly shooed us out the door. “Quickly, before he finds his blade.”

I had but a moment to protest, before the door was pushed closed behind us, leaving me, Bruga, and Gremach outside the small house as the clattering continued inside. I turned to try entering again, but Bruga, placed a hand on my shoulder, stopping me. “I do not believe we should enter again. Garthan is of no threat to us, but it is not conducive to our reputation to demand such a sacred request.”

I growled and rubbed my head as I realized we had failed to get the blood. “Damn it. This is not how I wanted this to go. All because I was here too.”

Bruga shook her head as she let out a sigh. “You are only partially correct.” She assured me. “If you had not noticed, his blade was inscribed with the sign of Xutjja, the messenger of the night. He, above all the gods, holds blood to be the most sacred. Garthan would not have given his blood even under the best of circumstances. His believers trust scantily anyone.”

I let groan as Bruga revealed that tidbit. That put a stopper on our whole endeavor, regardless of how we phrased the request. “How essential was the sample to the spell?” I asked as I turned to Gremach. “Can we manage without it? Or are we utterly fucked?”

Gremach sighed as he closed his eyes and thought deeply. “I am uncertain.” He admitted. “The essence spell is merely the simplest way to track him. There could be other spells, or we could find his trail the traditional way. … Too many possibilities exist; I must consider a new theory.”

I pinched my temple as Gremach fell silent, his face frozen in concentration. This was not what I wanted to happen. I just needed one good day, one day that wasn’t full of stress and concern. I turned to Bruga as I felt a sense of defeat well up within me. “Thanks for the support back there,” I said, trying to distract myself from the series of events. “It’s nice to know you think so highly of us.”

Bruga nodded as she meekly rubbed her arm. “I am astonished at the progress you have made in the Institute. Many newcomers would find difficulty in completing a few days of work so quickly, yet you and your companion accomplished an entire semester. You were visibly exhausted from the endeavor, but you still managed the feat. Your outsider magic was also essential for discovering the rumored Archive. You and your companion have much to be proud of.”

I grinned at her remarked and gestured dismissively, my mind momentarily distracted from the most recent failure. “Don’t get too ahead of yourself. This is a lot more important than that last one. Last time we didn’t set out to save a life.” Another loud clatter suddenly emanated from the door behind us, causing me to glance towards it. “Speaking of lives; we better get back. We don’t want to stick around for much longer.”

Bruga nodded as she glanced at the door herself. “Indeed. Come; we can teleport a ways away. It is wise for us to distance ourselves from this place.”

I nodded as I tapped Gremach’s shoulder, causing him to look up in a start. “You can think while we walk,” I assured him. “We’ll come up with something. We just need time.”

Gremach sighed as he rubbed his head nervously. “I hope you are correct.” He groaned. “There is something about this that does not sit right with me.”

I gestured dismissively as I turned back to Bruga. “Let’s just go. There’s nothing else for us here. Bruga, would you do the honors?”

Bruga nodded as she held out her hand, inviting me and Gremach to take it. We complied as she threw together a string of gestures, quickly muttering her way through the spell. The world around us momentarily blurred then we disappeared from the field with a soft pop, leaving only our footprints behind.