Sean’s POV

Two days of nearly nonstop travel really wears on a person. The first day of our escape from Three Rivers, we traveled nearly six hours before finding the spare oxen that Dramitian had set up. A two hour break to rest our first set, and we set out at a much more leisurely pace, though I was drafted into creating solar orbs so that we could travel through the night. Ten hours was grueling, and I was more than happy to take the six-hour break Dramitian called for.

We were back on the road as the sun rose, stopping only at the way stations to refill our water reserves. The oxen were changed every eight hours, giving everyone a two hour break to stretch their legs. It was nearing the second change on the second day when the main driver pulled Dramitian aside.

“I’m putting my foot down, we can’t go any further tonight.”

“That’s fine.” Dramitian agreed instantly. “We’ve gone nearly twice what they could expect. We’ll take a day to rest the beasts, and go back to traveling during the day only. Do you recommend doubling the number of oxen per cart, or should we give half a rest day of walking without pulling anything, and switch off?”

The driver flinched at first, not having expected being listened to so quickly, before he got a thoughtful look on his face. “Give half a rest day. We don’t have the materials to double the pulling teams. A day of walking will be almost as good for them as a day of rest.”

“That’s what we’ll do then. EVERYONE! GO AHEAD AND MAKE CAMP!” He yelled behind him. “We’ll stay here for a day, and get started tomorrow at dawn.”

Exhaling in relief, I slumped back into my seat in the wagon. Dramitian’s teams merged seamlessly with his brother’s, and camp was set up within a half hour. While that was going on, I took a look at my battle notifications.

Battle notifications!

Level increased from 17 -> 18

Mage dagger 4/10 -> 10/10, Mastered!

Mage blade 4/50 -> 50/50, Mastered!

Dark dagger, dark blade subskills Mastered!

New skill unlocked, Honed mage blade (1/200) journeyman

Magical disguise 40/50 -> 49/50

Slave class removed!

Escaped slave title removed!

New profession option: Slave master (1 of 10 professions)

Mana control 50/500 -> 123/500

Elementalist 175 -> 252

Elementalist bonus acquired!

Shadowmancer 0 -> 275

Shadowmancer bonus acquired!

Photomancer 200 -> 300

Photomancer bonus acquired!

Celestial mage 1350 ->1400

Bonuses acquired!

Elementalist reached 250! +50 mana

Shadowmancer reached 250! +50 mana

Photomancer reached 250! +50 mana

That was unexpected. An additional mana bonus for getting elementalist and its subclasses a quarter of the way to completion was nice, especially if I could keep it going with all the other bonuses. I was just bummed out that I had to kill a handful of people to boost my skills.

“You ok masterrrrrr, I mean Sean?” I looked up to see Elendria looking at me with concern.

“Yeah. Come on and sit down, I don’t want to develop a neck pain just by looking up at you.” I answered, patting the seat next to me. “I just. I hate that I jumped so quickly to killing people back there.”

“What happened?” She asked, and I went over the story for her. How they were aggressive, and plotting to scam us from our reward. She sat silently through my explanation, though her posture got more and more rigid when I explained what happened.

“Sean. There was nothing you could have done. What would you have done had someone on the street pulled a knife and threatened you?”

“Well, I suppose I would have defended myself.”

“And if they kept coming? What if you couldn’t stop them?” When she saw me thinking about her point, she kept going, “That’s what you were up against. Only they were humans and part of the Adventurer’s guild. Humans that were attempting to rob you with a knife to your throat. I know your world is different, but this is Vitae. You have to be willing to use lethal force sometimes, and hesitation can kill you.”

“So what do I do if I resort to lethal force, and there was a way out?”

“Mistakes happen.” She said, shrugging your shoulders. “That you are already worried about it, before it even happens? That puts you better than many people in this world. Keep that feeling in your heart. I won’t say you can’t go wrong, because nobody is perfect. But should you make a mistake, you will find a way to fix it.”

“I don’t know though.” I said. “I just. Every time, it seems to get a little easier. I change a little more with each kill, becoming less the man I was and more something, else.”

“Talk with Bribis about it.” She suggested, rubbing my back. “He will set you straight.”

“Talk with me about what?” Said gnome asked, handing us each a plate of food. “Here, dinner. You worked yourself hard to help us. Thanks.”

“Anytime.” I said, gratefully accepting the food. It looked like some form of stir fry, though a bit heavier on vegetables than what I was used to. Still, for stuff made swiftly over a campfire it tasted phenomenal.

“Sean’s worried because he had to kill again.” Elendria explained. “They were threatening him at the Adventurer’s guild.”

“Really? I thought the guild would be above something like that.” Bribis said, taking a bite. “So tell me, Sean. Could you have gotten out of there with the money you were due, and with no injuries?”

“Unlikely.” I said. “The main guy pressuring us was dating the receptionist. Probably thinking that would give him a bit of protection.”

“There you have it then.” He said, setting down his plate for a second. “Look, I’ll admit I came off on you a bit hard when we first met. I’m not sorry about it, as that skepticism of people has kept me alive. But you can’t let it eat at you boy. This world is dangerous. Sometimes you will have to kill. I see right now that it is eating at you, and that’s ok. You just can’t let it progress to the point where you let it stop you from acting. If you do, then the best thing that will happen is you die.”

“And the worst?” I asked, though I had a hunch I knew where he was going.

“Someone you love dies.” He said. “I’ve been lucky, but I’ve seen it happen to others. They get to live the rest of their life wondering, ‘what if.’ What if I had been faster. What if I hadn’t hesitated. It’s a much slower death, but it’ll kill you just the same.”

“Now, eat up. After dinner, Dramitian and I have some things to discuss with you two. Carrigan as well.” He said, digging in to his dinner. Despite how good it was, I still could only pick at most of it. I tried to hide it, but Bribis had some sharp eyes.

“Come with me for a second.” He said, pulling on my hand. Once I was up and following, he let go and headed back toward the road. Once we were on the other side, and safe from anyone overhearing, he turned back to look at me. “Show ‘em to me.”

“Huh?” I asked, thoroughly confused.

“Your family.” He said, conjuring two seats from stone to sit in. “Use your magical holo-thingy. I want to see them.”

I sat down, and started making their faces using magical disguise. Or. I tried. Something just seemed off. That smile is a bit too manic instead of happy. The eyes are glaring instead of welcoming. Laugh lines turned to anger lines.

“That’s what I thought.” Bribis said after a moment. “Listen, you’re at a crossroads right now. You’re trying so hard to stay the same person you were when you left, and that’s just not possible. Experiences change people. Do you think they’ll be the same people they were when you were summoned?”

“I. Yes?” I answered, flabbergasted.

“Boy, you’ve got a lot to learn. I’ve been travelling for years, gone months at a time. I know what it’s like to be under a strange sky, missing your family. So I’ll tell you what my mentor told me, years ago. Things are going to change, there’s no stopping that. Some folks will tell you that a memory won’t change, but they’re full of shit. Memories fade, and we brighten them up. Always. You have to accept that. The only thing you have the power to do is embrace the change and direct it. Use it to become a better gnome than the one who left home. And when you get back, accept your wife’s changes. Get to know her all over again, and you’ll fall in love with her once again. That’s the best part of this life.” While he was talking, he pulled something out of a pouch by his side and was absentmindedly playing with it. After a few minutes, he handed it over.

“When you finally get past that block, and get those faces how they should be, I want you to take this out. Hold it in your hands, and concentrate on that image. Then bring it to me and show me, ok?” While he was explaining things, I was looking over the object. It was fairly simple, just a smooth river stone with a hole worn in the middle. There was a leather strap tied to opposing sides that made a sort of pendant out of it.

Leaning back, he looked up at the sky. “I never did tell you about Shineheart, did I?”

“Hmm? Oh. No you haven’t.”

“Seeing it change over the years, it’s been a wonder. Some things never change about it though, and always remind me that no matter what, this is home. We built it inside the heart of a mountain, and created a sun crystal at the top of the cave. Oh it’s a masterwork of gnomish enchantment, a topaz that glows when the sun is above in the sky. As the sun retreats, the ceiling lights up with sapphire stars. My dad would point out the shapes of legends in the sky, though different from the constellations out here. Selene Sureshot, the elven lass who battled the Storm King was my favorite. She switched bows so fast, it looked like she was wielding six at once. Neither rain, nor lightning, nor furious wind could pass her, so accurate was her aim. After three days of battle, the Storm King stopped when a bolt of lightning made it through unanswered. He descended cautiously, for it was the first time he ever set foot on the ground. There he found her, propped up by her bows after her heart had failed. He found the village behind her empty, all having made it safely away while she held him off. Touched by her dedication, and in awe of her ability, he swore that from then onwards there would be a sign of peace after his coming. And so it is, that after every passing of the Storm King he leaves behind a tribute of Selene’s bows. So that when you see the rainbows, the Storm King is gone and it is safe once more. Some say that he still seeks someone to challenge him once more, to give him a display of skill to rival that of Selene, but who really knows?” He said, chuckling around the tears in his eyes. He took a minute to compose himself, then went on.

“The houses themselves have changed too. You can always tell the older neighborhoods, as they are brick and mortar. That changed after the magical college was built, and now most buildings are conjured and reinforced rock. Every year the college picks several neighborhoods to reinforce for free, giving the kids a chance to hone their skills. They are forbidden from working on their family homes though, but that’s easily solved. Most of us tend to gather in clans, with the men moving in with their wife’s clan.”

“I’m not sure how you humans do it though.” He said after a moment. “Being in your cities, it tears at me. We gnomes have to spread out, and don’t generally go above two stories. We don’t take heights very well, which is why you’ll never find a gnome working or living in a wizard’s tower.” He said with a shudder. “Besides, build too tall and you block the view.”

“Sounds beautiful.” I said with a nod. “How do most get around? Walking?”

“Oh the city’s far too big for that. The more outgoing can raft the aqueducts, but that’ll only really help getting into the city center. Most just use the trams.”

“Trams?” I asked, confused.

“Aye. Carts powered by mana stones. They run around the city in set loops, and each stop is guaranteed to have a tram come by every half hour. Free to ride for anyone.”

“Sounds like it would be fairly expensive to replace all those mana stones.” I said, wondering how they dealt with that.

“Oh we don’t replace them. They’re rechargeable. In fact, every citizen contributes. All our beds are enchanted to drain mana at the same rate it is produced when you are at maximum mana. So every time you go to sleep, you are helping to recharge the city stores. It’s really a major breakthrough with magitech engineering.”

“Sounds like an elegant solution. So do you have a lot of enchanters and magitech engineers?”

“There are a lot, but we do have a fairly wide spread of professions. There are quite a few gnomes that are more than happy raising mushrooms all their lives. What about your cities?”

“They aren’t nearly as wonderful as yours sound.” I said with a sigh. “We cram ourselves into tight spaces, building as high as we can. Hundreds of stories. We often don’t live near family, and there isn’t free transportation. A lot of the larger cities use buses, which are like your trams, and others use subways. They are like underground tunnels that have several carts linked together to carry people.”

“I don’t think I would like that. And not just for the height. It seems, cramped.” Bribis said with a shudder.

“It can be, but some people love it. I prefer the suburbs myself. Those are like smaller villages just outside of a city, and are a lot like your Shineheart.”

“Bribis, Sean, there you are!” We turned to see Dramitian walking towards us. “You two ready? We have to talk about those books you found.”

“Yeah, we’ll be right there.” I said, standing and stretching. “Thanks Bribis.” I said after a moment. “You’re a lot like my father. He knew just when to pull someone aside and give them the right talk, or sometimes just listen. He also wouldn’t have hesitated for a second in bringing in those prisoners, and giving them his food while he went on rations.”

“I’m honored.” Bribis said, and we headed back towards the campfire.

When we got there, Bribis sat down next to Dramitian while I sat across from them next to Elendria. Carrigan was there as well, but the rest stayed away.

“Ok. This is going to sound strange to you Carrigan, but this is the truth as the gnomes rememeber it.” Dramitian started, before staring into the flames and starting his story.

“Long ago, before the system arrived, the races lived in peace. Relatively. There were the occasional border disputes, especially over resources, but those will always happen. We traded freely, and there was no slavery. Then one day, deep within what is today the Monster Lands, a pillar of energy appeared. Deep purple, it pulsed with a strange energy. Three days after it appeared, the first beings came through. The dragons. Once they breached the portal, a vast deluge of magical energy erupted behind them, forever altering the land and the creatures there. But that wasn’t the worst part.”

“For you see, the dragons were fleeing something. Something dark. Once all the dragons had made it through, they found they had a problem. The portal they had created could not be closed. So Sivraros, eldest and strongest of the dragons, went back through and sealed the portal. For a while it worked, and the dragons sought out a place they could call their new home.”

“But they failed to realize that the seal wasn’t perfect.” Bribis took over. “And more and more mana poured through. This wouldn’t be so bad, but others came as well. When the first of the shades appeared through the portal, the Gods instantly knew. Pooling their power, they enacted the first of the great Divine magics and implemented the system. For the shadows were strong, and the Gods knew the danger.”

“The shades were able to possess the beasts of the land, and found the strongest beasts were much to their liking. Many died, as the powerful beasts gained intelligence under the direction of these shades, and the Gods were forced to take action again.”

“The second of the great Divine magics, they summoned a hero from another world. Demarius was his name, and he was able to force his way to the shadow gate. Though weakened, the Gods were able to channel enough power through him to seal the gate against travelers, though the mana still leaks through to this day. That is why the great beasts remain, and why none may pass into those lands.”

“Alas, the shadow had already learned of our world, and they are nothing if not greedy.” Dramitian picked up the thread of the story again. “A smaller portal was opened, this one deep within the demon lands. And though the mana that made it through was minimal, something far worse came. The first of the lesser shadows. More powerful, and possessing subtlety, they were capable of possessing those weak of will. These gave rise to the dark races like the goblins and nosferatu.”

“Recognizing the danger, the races mobilized. The new portal was located, but the Gods were too drained to seal it. Instead, it is guarded to this day. The demons lead the defense, and have done a masterful job. But even as a master misses a blow, so too do the demons occasionally miss a shadow. It is up to the other races to remain ever vigilant, and guard against a shadow spreading behind the front lines.”

“For a long while, a stalemate was reached. The shadows couldn’t gain a foothold, and we couldn’t close the portal. Any who dared near the portal itself were torn apart by the energy radiating from the other side, and attempts were soon abandoned. After decades of minor incursions, things seemed to be tapering off. How wrong we were.” Dramitian shook his head as he let his brother take over.

“The shadow was patient, and bided its time. When it felt enough had passed, it pooled its resources and sent through something new. Something terrible. The first of the Greater Shadows. Powerful enough to withstand the sunlight, the Behemoth rampaged through the startled demon lines. The Gods were forced once again to use their limited power, and send a powerful message to their high priests. Demarius led the hastily assembled forces of light once more, battling the beast. Arrows and spells split the skies, as the seas raged from the forces unleashed. For nearly a week the lands shuddered under the assault, and things looked grim. Demarius looked around him, and wept as he saw the tattered remains of the forces of light. Nearly eight in ten had died, and still their enemy towered over them. Injured, but defiant. Saying a prayer, Demarius did the unthinkable. Mana surged, as he turned himself into a conduit. Burning his very lifeforce, he forged the mana and divine energy he was still linked to into a massive attack, splitting through the Behemoth and creating the Straight of Demarius.”

“Through his sacrifice, the world was saved. For a time. The Gods realized that shadow would never quit, and so they prepared. Orders were formed, and people trained. The demons maintained their vigil, while the rest prepared. Twice more have Greater Shadows encroached upon this world, and each time they were rebuffed. A summoned hero was needed each time, though none had to go through the same sacrifice as Demarius.”

“But the strength of the Gods was drained with each summoning, and people grew complacent. The nosferatu that had escaped detection put together their own book series, the Shadow Books. Preaching from them, they swayed the hearts of the light races. Those who are swayed are not possessed by shadow, at least not immediately. They are spies and saboteurs, undermining the teachings of the Gods and the lessons of history. All in order to finally bring this world under the reign of Shadow.”

Bribis ended the tale, and we sat there in shock. Things were starting to click into place. The authority in Three Rivers had been usurped, and was being used to actively sabotage the light. The fake hero would lead an army to weaken the demons, while others worked to corrupt the church from within. The Adventurer’s guild was likely in it as well, sending those who wouldn’t be corrupted in suicide missions against dangers they were unprepared for. No wonder a nosferatu nest was thriving so close to a city!

“Bribis, Dramitian. These shadows, do they show on the soul?” Elendria asked.

“They do, why?” Bribis asked.

“The leader of the slave guild. I wondered why he would use a bone wand, and looked at him after I was freed.” She answered, fear in her eyes. “His soul was encased in shadow. The same shadow I saw hints of in my brothers, decades ago.”

“Bruin help us, that means the leadership of the elves has been taken!” Bribis exclaimed.

“Can they be saved?” She asked, tears in her eyes.

When nobody answered for a second, I found my arm moving around her shoulders. “If they can, we will find a way. If not, we will end their torment.” I said quietly as she sobbed. “Bribis, Dramitian. Thank you for telling us this. Do we have a plan going forward?”

“We are far too weak right now.” Dramitian sighed. “First, we will have to send a message to the demons warning them of the possible betrayal from the humans. I’ll be sending messenger birds from every city we make it through, but the only sure way to get it there will be to use the warning stones in Shineheart. We will have to be very clear and careful with our wording, as talking through such a distance is going to take an insane amount of mana. Then we need to get you stronger, as powerful as possible. At some point we need to purge the taint from Ariana’s faithful, and check to make sure Bruin’s and Shalora’s faithful haven’t been corrupted. Once we have the church’s cleared, the nation’s leadership needs to be cleared, and all of it has to be done before the next Greater Shadow appears.”

“Look, as angry as I am at the circumstances, there isn’t much to be done. I have to get stronger no matter what, and helping people along the way is probably the best way to do it. I’m not happy with how the gods went about this, but if they have a corrupted church to deal with they might not have had a choice. Worrying about why they did it isn’t going to do a damn bit of good. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, and I can actually hear their reasons. Until then, I’m putting two points in constitution and heading to bed.” I left the group, but not before hearing some sighs of relief.