After his discussions with the Baroness, Elemix quickly headed South to meet with Magus Alix as requested. After that meeting he wanted to quickly continue his journey and speak with Hagar, per the letter he had received from Dr Bruin.
Elemix was very hopeful he could obtain all the information he needed within the coming weeks as he knew Vorns predicament was tenuous at best. He was confident he could count on Emmiline and Typhon to help him rescue Vorn, but they needed a way back and he was hopeful this information would get him what he needed to do so.
When he arrived in Derrien he quickly set about meeting with Magus Alix. He was greatful she had survived.
Winter gleefully led Elemix in to see Alix. She met him outside on a balcony. The air was chilly as he walked out. “Winter is almost here Magus. I see you are well,” she stated.
“The Duke has asked me to ask you what your plans are for the near future and if those plans are mutable.”
“I am pleased to see you are well also. Thank you. As for my plans I must journey to Cameret, but it should be a short trip and I intend to return very soon. What does the Duke request of me?”
She matter-of-factly said, “He wants you to consider being his wizardly advisor and defender, replacing me. This would be a full-time position with pay, this tower, an assigned Redcap, plus personal guards should you need them.”
Elemix was surprised to say the least.
“That is a fantastic offer, but you serve in that role now. Why does he wish me to replace you? Is it your desire to leave?”
“No, I do not wish to leave. I love it here. I am still the Tribune for one more year and I will continue to serve in that capacity, but my service was to his father. That is done. The Guild has other duties for me. While his Grace is somewhat understandably disappointed at the failure to defend his father adequately, the Guild on the other hand was quite impressed given the circumstances and my ingenuity at a short notice. They made me an offer to advise and guard General Lord Roland, the Duke’s heir and your liege lord. I am considering it seriously. To be a war wizard was never an aspiration for me, but these are difficult times, and to be honest this is a politically astute and highly visible move should I decide to take it.”
“Yet, I know being a wizard-in-service in not in your nature. You are more like Vorn, Titus or Xavier in that way,” she said with a slight smile. “But, the price of service is as high in freedom as it is rich in rewards. Adventuring would be over.” she said. “All would be advising and helping your Lord.”
“I agree your ingenuity and quick thinking was exceptional. It is hard to see what more you could have done given the circumstances.
Serving Lord Roland would potentially be a good move as you have said, but I understand your want to stay here.
As for me, you know me well. I don’t know that I am ready to serve in such a capacity, as I have already made a commitment to my friend Typhon. In the Spring we were going to depart on a mission of great importance to her.
However I can not deny opportunities like this do not come often. I could continue to help the people of Uzec, just in a broader capacity.
Should I accept, do you think his Grace would grant me leave to fulfill my obligation?”
“Unlikely as he has the power to wave all obligations to Uzec,” she said. “Word has reached him that the spirit of Hugo may return. The sorcerer who is suspected to help him is still at large and frankly unknown. Despite the Baroness’ arrests, trials and executions, the sentiment that brought people to choose Hugo over the late Duke still simmers though some hold out hope for Duke Arles. But he does not trust me – never really has actually, so I would not be able to stay in service. In fact, he wants a replacement by the end of the year. If not you, the next likely candidate will be the conjurer Magus Sigoléne of Faou. You met her last year. She shares your interest in forbidden teleportation magics. But if not her, then someone from my school.”
Elemix thought about the offer. It really was everything Elemix wanted. It was a position of some power and influence. He would be a respected member of the Duke’s inner circle, and have a good income. He could use his free time to study in the comfort of a building as opposed to where he often studied in his magical hut off of some road. He would also be close to the new guild tower and as such have access to new spells. Still, all of that came with the price of him not being able to adventure or be free to come and go as he pleased. That was a big catch. He would also need to forgo his investment in his tower and shop in Uzec.
He had promised Typhon and he intended to keep his word to her, as she had helped him. But turning the Dukes offer down meant it would very likely not come again.
“I suppose I am torn,” he said after thinking. “The offer is one I had not thought to get given your position with the Duke.”
She said, “No one did. Duke Arles likes you and you were a key part of taking back the Citadel. You should be aware that others disagree with him. He has not asked the Margrave or the Baroness about it. It is a whim. Lord Arles has almost been governed more by intuition and his passions over logic. This is no criticism of you. Frankly you are likely a person that would get along with him well.”
She added with due seriousness, “However, and you will not like this, I do not believe you have the experience to defend a Duke from all his enemies nor are willing to do what it takes. This is no criticism on what you could be. You simply do not think in that manner. You are offense, not defense. You also only have two years under your belt with no knowledge of how thieves and assassins work magical or otherwise. You have no knowledge of navigating Court and the required about of diplomacy and when needed ruthlessness in the name of your Lord. And to be truthful, you care about you more than others, at least at the level of devotion you must if you are to serve a Duke. Are you willing to truly devote yourself putting all your goals in drawer for a decade in order to serve?”
“If you are, an opportunity awaits, but it is a risky one with a high chance of failure. Then again, the greater the risk, the greater the reward.” she concluded.
“I appreciate your honesty, and this may surprise you but I believe you are right. I don’t think I am the best suited to act as a protector of a Duke. I could serve as an adviser on magical issues and offensive tactics as I do with the Baroness, but I am not well versed with navigating court or dealing with thieves or assassins. Indeed I myself was very nearly killed by an assassin on several occasions.” Elemix, instinctively rubbed his neck where he had once been on the unfortunate end of an assassins blade.
“Besides, I have more to do before I could take on a commitment like that.
If I turn down the offer though, it might send the wrong message. I will need to ensure he knows that while I am willing to serve, I don’t feel I am ready to do so in the capacity that you have done.”
“Then the wise move for you to do is to thank him, acknowledge your nascent skills in that area, specifically your focus on blowing things up versus detecting and protecting, and recommend another. To be honest, I am tired of the perpetual alertness and complete devotion to duty I’ve live for these last years. But, that said, you could recommend me. It would be your choice, I am not cashing in my many favors for you yet.” she said.
“Magus Sigoléne is my first local choice, and she has been my major domo and emissary for awhile. I could help her bridge, should she decide to accept.” she noted.
“Else, I know of candidates on Thalassa who could serve. Vorn frankly would also be a good choice. His adventuring days are winding down and he has hinted he wants to settle down.” she added. “You’d need to persuade him to think about it, and I can seal the deal – like you he is secretly in love with me.” she said with a sense of knowing and playful sarcasm.
“In all seriousness, either would be preferable to a random wizard from the Guild.”
“I will tell the Duke as much as soon as he is able to meet with me. I shall recommend Magus Sigolene as you have suggested. I think she would be a good choice.”
“Good,” she said. “She is married to a knight errant who is her companion; in many ways like little Renee is for you and Emmeline. So unlike with myself and the Duke…” Elemix could tell there were some feelings there, buried underneath Alix’s cold wall of logic. She said he wasn’t her lover, but maybe a father figure? Elemix did not know. “…Lord Arles and Magus Sigolene should be without too many whispers from the court.”
“Now to other business. I am still the Tribune and until spring I will be unable to journey to the Margrave, should I take on that challenge. So I have some details to complete. First, the Duchess has granted me the hunting lodge we used for the last conclave. It is a gift for my years of service, plus a sizable severance. I wish you to bring Emmeline there on the first of March for a new conclave where she will hopefully join the Tribunal of the North. By July, the fittings of the Tribunal Guild Tower will be complete I will need you to learn a spell, and along with myself and several of the Tribunal, fortify the building using the Private Sanctum spell. You owe the Guild one month of your time to cast it every day. You need to pick a month between now and July to live in Derrien and do your part. I and all the other are doing so or have done so. The spell cost is discounted fifty percent as the Guild must recoup its costs; however, no profit is made. Any questions?”
“In addition, our arrangement is still in place and I am still doing my best for you – a little here, a little there. Is there anything you need in particular before you head south?” she asked.
“Congratulations on the gift. I have no doubt it is well deserved. I will inform Emmeline. I am sure she will join us.
I will learn the spell and do as requested. Perhaps I can stay with Magus Titus. I am sure he would be ok with a roommate for a month,” Elemix said jokingly.
She didn’t smile so much as raised an eyebrow, “that is not even an slim option.”
“I did want to ask your opinion on requesting a member of the companion guard to serve with me as I lend my skills to the Baroness. I know it is not an official assignment, but I believe the guild has been well represented in Uzec and its defense through myself and Emmeline. Do you think that would warrant at least one guard to be assigned? If you don’t think it is appropriate I will refrain from making a formal request, but I strongly suspect there will be more dangerous activity coming from the north. Possibly even over the winter and I am most concerned in those times where I am alone and not expecting anything to happen per se, though I do take precautions where I can. I have had too many close calls not to do so.
I don’t have anything concrete to back that suspicion up or you would know of it, but I do know that whoever, or whatever opened the gate that tried to attack us near the vale is still out there. Not to mention the goblin threat, the temple ruin threat, etc.”
She thought, “No. The Guild only assigns Companion Guard to Guild officials, ambassadors, or major holdings. We may have a small contingent for the Tribunal tower here in Derrien, but with the war, we are but a backwater. Now, there are Companions, like Renee, who are freelanced. Usually a friend or adventuring colleague such as Captain du Triel was for Vorn. They tend to want to be paid. Now I can arrange for a Redcap to visit on a weekly basis for you. I can also find a Guild-sanctioned mercenary. But again, they must be paid. A mercenary will cost upwards of 50 gold a month plus expenses and housing. A good one, much more. I do know that Nigel Bronson, who worked with Vorn recently – I think you know him – he is available. You could likely get a year contract with him for some 500 gp a year, plus half share in treasure. The Tribunal can likely pay 10% of that, some 50 gold.”
“But, she added,” why do you need a guard? You are surrounded by capable people. Renee is well-trained and is available to adventure with you or Emmeline. Typhon Né is certainly one of the most accomplished warriors I have ever met. And you certainly know how and when to protect yourself. What specifically do you want the person to do? If an all around companion a friend beats a mercenary any day, but friends have their own agendas. If you are willing to pay, I can vet some options for you, perhaps even by the end of the day. Note, many have gone off to war.”
“The redcap visit regularly would be appreciated.
You are correct in that my friends are quite capable, but it is those times when we are apart where I am most vulnerable. Even when I am in my tower, I am alone, and somewhat at risk. With everything that has gone on over the past year or so, I think it would be a good idea to have someone to watch my back when my friends aren’t around. You mentioned Renee, but she is usually with Emmeline, though now that she has had her children I don’t know.” Elemix seemed to be thinking it over as he was responding.
“I suppose I would be willing to pay. I have a place in my tower for such a person to stay. Nigel would be a great choice as we got along quite well.”
“Well he is in town. He is morally suspect, but loyal. I can arrange a meeting.” she said.
“Why do you say he is morally suspect? I don’t recall that about him, though he wasn’t with me all that long. He did try his best to keep me from danger and fought hard when the time came – keeping himself between the enemy and me in the process. That much I remember.”
She nodded, “yes, he is that. He is loyal, but he is a true mercenary. For enough money he will do anything.”
“That’s the problem with mercenaries. But he is a guild member so as long as he is under a standing contract he will abide by it. I’ll meet with him. Thank you for assisting in setting such a meeting. And for the assistance from the guild.
By the way, I have 200gp to pay the guild for dues. Part of the award granted me for my part in dealing with Hugo’s uprising.”
“Thank you for the dues,” she said. “On Nigel, well technically no he is not a Guild member. He’s a friend of Vorn’s and a member of the Mercenary Brotherhood. He has hired as a sellsword for others outside the Guild. May I ask, what as the qualities that you are seeking in a bodyguard?”
“Someone who is loyal, smart, skilled in battle, and who can be trusted in life and death situations. In the case of a mercenary I would want to be sure he or she is honorable enough never to turn on me. If I couldn’t trust him or her enough for that than why hire that person and risk it?”
“Such a person cannot be bought, they must be…cultivated. On Nigel, well Vorn was his friend and while he was one of a number of employers, for the last few years he served Vorn exclusively and that may help you and he’s relationship. He’ll do the job, but he won’t die for you. He’ll protect you, but in the end, if the choice is himself or you…well he may err of the side of himself. His loyalty is coin. The key is knowing that going in and doing what Vorn did – offering a reward for completing his term successfully and giving him a serious bonus. Vorn called it ‘Greed Insurance’, and worked for him; but Vorn is a more cynical man than you.”
“If you want to buy loyalty, intelligence, skill, trust, and devotion to your life, Nigel is likely not your man – though he would do temporarily perhaps. Such devotion frankly doesn’t come cheap. If you want to hire a series of body guards until you find the right one, you could do that and 95% of the time that is good enough, but I think you desire someone unselfishly devoted to your safety, like I was to the Duke.”
“Of course but how would I find someone like that?”
“You had one – the Captain’s daughter Renee. But you dismissed her and your cousin accepted her. I know, I know, she wanted be your apprentice but in the end she ended up the kind of person one would want. The Companion Guard is made of those devoted to the ideals of the Guild, but except for a select core few, they are not employees but an honored part of the Guild. Her father was one for a time, as was her mother. She grew up believing in the Guild and Republican ideals. She will take no lord nor deity before the Sidonian dream. But she is not a guard, more a sniper of enemies I suppose.”
“Now have you in your travels met someone of that nature you can find and have trained, perhaps as a mere assistant or valet to start? According to the Guild Hall log, did you not give a tour of the Guildhall to a ten-year old Huey? His brother Louis is a charioteer, who according to the records is a decent horse driver, but known for his scrappiness, toughness, and overall ability to fight in the arena and out. In my opinion, either of them, or both, are worthy. You’d need to feed them, house them, and give them hope and a future – but if you are the hope of the child, the brother may see you as important to his family. You must do for them, what I have done for you – and others. It is an investment. At least that is how I see it.”
“What about your cousin and her husband? They are skilled adventurers, she a bard and he a scout, maybe they would come here? Would have to be a real good reason through. All that said, you will not find the perfect guard unless you are willing to invest in them, offer them some great reward down the road, or simply buy their loyalty. The fabled House of Silence has the best most loyal guards – but they are extremely expensive.”
“Yes. I will reach out to Huey and Louis. Perhaps there is a relationship we can cultivate there for a long term benefit of all of us. I am sure I could use their help, and there are things I think I could be able to help them with in return. Assuming of course they are willing. Very insightful.
In the short term though I think Nigel would be a good choice. He could hopefully help me at least through the winter months.”
Alix nodded and shortly thereafter Elemix left to run his errands.
The conversation with the Duke went as well as it could. Lord Arles was disappointed, but he understood and said he would take the recommendation from Elemix and Alix under advisement.
The conversation with Nigel was a bit more complex. After exchanging welcomes, Elemix and the gruff Nigel went down to business.
Nigel asked, “So you need a guard? What you don’t know and I should tell you is that I’m planning on starting a bar here in spring with some old army mates of mine. Part of the proceeds of working with Vorn all these years.” he said with a laugh.
“Now, how long do you need a guard and what do you expect young magus?”
“Sounds like a good plan. Congratulations on that. As I travel through Derrien rather often I’ll be sure and make your bar a place I frequent.
As for what I am looking for your timing should work rather well. You see I live up in Uzec in a tower outside of town and I am looking for someone who is loyal to watch my back through the winter months. I could provide you a room in the tower, as well as meals, and pay, if you could provide your services to help keep me safe. Now all that being said, let me be clear that I don’t exactly expect to be hanging out in the tower by my lonesome all winter. I will be aiding the Baroness in the defense of the area should anything occur over the winter, and I also run an alchemy shop in town. I don’t expect you to guard anyone else mind you, even if I travel with others. Your focus would be on me alone, but that focus would need to be tempered in that I will need to complete whatever task I am undertaking even if it is dangerous. You have worked with both Magus Vorn and I in the past so I am sure you understand the kind of help I am looking for.”
Elemix leaned forward at the table then and spoke in a quieter tone.
“There is one other critical thing that I think you can help me with – especially if you would consider yourself a friend of Magus Vorn’s, but I’ll hold on sharing those details until I hear what you think about the rest.”
“I do and that’s the rub. Here’s the deal,” Nigel spoke while leaning back. “So, I’ll guard you. Kill who you need to kill. Do all that, but I’m not your servant. I don’t fetch. I don’t bow. I don’t yessir or nossir you. I just do my job, which doesn’t include rescuing your pals who pull stupid acts, or rescuing kittens in a tree. So that we are clear guarding you does not mean suicide. I won’t be the one going forward and springing the trap and if you have some asshole sorcerer slinging fireballs our way, you’ll not hide behind me as a shield, but actually use the damn spell you know to take him out and not – ‘oh I’ve got to save my spells for some future thing’ – or other bullshit. I’m no meatshield. Now, assuming you are good with that, my fee is a simple 240 gold per month – which is a deal mind you, with a guaranteed half-share of what you and your pals find in you wanderings about. And I get one day to myself every week unless we are out adventuring.”
“Deal?” he asked putting a hand out?”
Elemix didn’t flinch. “As to your terms I agree that you will get one day off a week when we are not out adventuring, and you will not be a servant or be treated like one. But respectfully you must agree to mind your tongue when it is not just the two of us as we will be around others who will expect the same. I don’t expect you to be a meat shield as you put it.
Now that I know you are open to the idea, I can tell you the next bit. Vorn has been captured and imprisoned very far from here. He needs our help. I am working on a shortcut to get there and back. He says he owes you some money, and that you owe him a favor. I am calling in that favor on his behalf. If you agree to guard me through the winter and help my friends and I rescue Vorn, I will pay you 250gp now, and an additional 500gp once we get Vorn back here safely.
Now, Vorn will still owe you whatever he owes, but he won’t be able to pay you a thing if he never returns here. And let me be clear, I don’t think he will be able to return without our help. You two will be square in terms of any favors, you will get a guaranteed half-share of whatever loot we find, and you’ll be at least 750gp richer come Spring to start your bar.”
Elemix ended his statements by setting a bag of 250gp on the table in front of them. “Deal?,” he said.
He looked at the money, then said, “All right. I know how to act around the high and mighty. I can’t promise to ‘mind my tongue’ like you say but I’ll be appropriate. I’ll take the deal – but this isn’t open-ended. I won’t agree to endlessly follow you until that bastard Vorn is saved. I’m happy to help him as we’ll be even, but come March 15th, if he isn’t saved then we settle up. That’s when my partners get here. I might be persuaded to stay longer if we are close, but I want a set renegotiation date. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” said Elemix. “Glad to be working with you again. When can you be ready to leave?
“Half hour,” he said. “Need to settle up here.”
Sounds good. We will leave for Cameret as soon as you are ready.
Many days later, Elemix and Nigel arrived at Cameret and made their way to the home of Dr. Bruin. A ruddy-faced dwarf withbright red hair answered the door, “Hmm. Wizard eh? Might you be young Dungaroon? I be Hagar Kilmeister, assistant and apprentice to the good doctor.”
“Its good to meet you,” replied Elemix. I am Magus Elemix Dungaroon, and this is my associate Nigel.
“Come on in. Have a seat the both of you.” The house was as Elemix remembered it. Both him and Nigel didn’t quite fit, but when they sat it was comfortable.” The dwarf then sat down and said, “Now the Doctor told me you need to talk to my venerable many great uncle? Something about Azenkuul.”
“Yes. Dr Bruin mentioned that your many times great uncle the loremaster Garag Dunkhorr may be able to assist me in learning more about Azenkuul and specifically a rumored teleportation circle that may yet be in tact near the great forge. I am very hopeful that I can find a way to that circle so that I can study it, and I need to do so rather urgently if at all possible. A friend of mine is in some serious trouble and if I could use that teleportation circle, it could assist me in helping rescue him.
I understand the dangers of Azenkuu to say the leastl, but anything I could learn from your great uncle, could be the key to help me be successful in saving my friend.”
The dwarf nodded and after some cross-discussion, the three left Cameret for the Markhelm colonies which took a couple days travel into the mountain foothill. There Elemix saw something utterly new, villages full of dwarves. He and Nigel were the only humans he could see save an occasional merchant. The villages were a mix of hillside barrows and freestanding homes arranged in architectural precision. They went to one house near the outskirts of town where Hagar spoke in dwarven to another dwarf, possibly kin. Elemix recognized the name ‘Bruin’ but that is about all. The dwarf, called Faflir, brought them in to an elderly dwarf sitting on a rocking chair. Faflir warned Elemix to be absolutely polite, speak one question at a time pause and then continue up to a group of 10, and be patient with the time it takes to get an answer.
“Great Maestro Garag, may I present the Thalassan Magus Elemix Dungaroon and his associate Nigel. They have some questions about old Azenkuul.” said Faflir.
“Huuummmann? Hmmf. What do you want to ask? I have little time left in this world so get to it.”
Elemix did as requested and asked his questions.
“There is a legend of a teleportation circle that was once used within the great dwarven city of Azenkuul. I seek to find and utilize that great artifact to help save a friend of mine who has been imprisoned in a far away land. Please tell me anything you know or have heard about the teleportation circle and its location.
Do you know of any traps, guardians, or wards that the dwarves of old would have put around the area and how I may safely avoid them?
Do you know of any ancient dwarven passages that may yet still stand that would lead me near where the teleportation circle may be. I have learned if it still exists it may be very near the great forge.
Though I wish to find and utilize the teleportation circle, I want to honor and respect those that built the great city and those that lost their lives in the terrible events that destroyed it. Is there anything I can do that would help show my respects, and put to rest any angry dwarven spirits that may yet linger in the depths.”
Elemix waited patiently for the responses.
The old dwarf thought for many minutes. Then he sipped some wine and said…
“It is not a legend, it was a secret known only to the Runemasters and the Great King. There were two that could go to the outside world. One is undoubtably lost in the collapse of the the Hall of Warriors. The other was in the Sanctum of Mahrzäna, the Witch Goddess of Magic, Death, and the bitterness of Winter. It was secured first in Vault with a Dwarven Lock preventing entry from the outside. It required a sigil which was committed to memory and written on no parchment and no stone. Lastly, tt was guarded by the Four Fathers to prevent an enemy from forcing their way through. Should all else fail, the ceiling could come down and crush any whom the Runemasters deemed unworthy.”
“The Sanctum of Mahrzäna was in the House of the Winter Undying, the chambers of the Runemasters hardby the Great Forge, which the Runemasters used to enchant the greatest of weapons made by the Smiths of Old. It like much of all, was tumbled and those within mostly trapped. I once heard a rumor that the last few of the Runemasters, cut off from the Circle, and fearing death at the hands of the Forge’s Fire or the Sorcerers Three, slipped from this Earth into the Otherworld to escape. Their secrets went with them.”
“The Sanctum is shielded from detection, but the door to it will be adamantine clad steel with runic inscriptions of guidance and warning in mithril that appear only in magical light cast by a Runemaster. A chosen holder of a Symbol of Mahrzäna, gifted by the King or the Runemasters, may stay Ceiling, hold the Fathers at bay, and may command the Lock. It will not activate the Circle. Other traps, spells, or monsters may be there now. I do not know. But none new are of Dwarven make.
“Azenkuul shifts. No maps in will help for long, for earthquakes move the mountain, chambers collapse as others reopen. I have only visited once in my youth. Never did I make it down there. I was told the door was once twenty yards into the House the Winter Undying just behind the altar to magic where the first Runemaster was buried. It is said the Eterian Sorcerers pillaged it and others came back and took what was left before the choking airs came. The airs arrive quickly and take your life. Then there are the fire bursts. And the burning ice. The mountain’s ghosts of men and dwarves hate everyone. Coming in from above is hard for one could spend months looking for the right way in, but coming in from below it is far easier to leave – you just go up. It is said one runemaster returned from the Otherworld and escaped to the Great Cleft, only instantly die of old age when he saw the sun.”
“If you avoid all of this, gain a dwarven light, gain a Symbol from a Runemaster, and convince them to give you the sigil, then you must tread carefully. Do not take anything that is not yours. Do not pillage. Do not steal. Do not move a bone. Do not curse. Do not give in to any hatred. Thank them for your survival and thank them for not killing you. Then the rage which dwells within may leave you in peace. All else is risk.”
He opened a drawer and pulled out a small silver mirror, “this is a dwarven light. You must attune with it. It merely casts light, nothing more, but it is dwarven. Now you must find a Runemaster…or the Lost King.”
Elemix bowed respectfully. He was genuinely surprised that so much had been shared.
“Thank you for the knowledge you have shared and the gift of the Dwarven light, what can I do to repay your kindness?”
The old man thought for moment. “Return the light when you are done. For the information, that is paid by a favor from Dr. Bruin. You owe him.”
“Do you know where I might find a runemaster?”
“A runemaster will do you no good. You need one of Azenkuul and none escaped the Devistation. It was said a few escaped to the other world as I mentioned before. It was said some fled to the Deep Places and never came up to the light again. It was also said some were taken in chains to Eteria, to Gaol Mammon where enemy mages were kept until slaughtered during the Imperial Triumph. Two of the three great sorcerers are said to have held the fates of last runemasters. One was the butcher Avexis Brennia, great great great great grandmother of Julia Vexia, one of the hundred and friend of Sidonius. The other was the barbarian sorcerer Tuderick Draask the Accursed and Bringer of Devistation, one of the instigators of the second Sorcerer’s War. Both died long ago. The third rumor has it you released…”
The dwarf looked at him sharply. “Ionnis Brennius was killed at the Battle of Kaldr of the Last Glory, or so it was said. If he still lives, he would know what his allies would have done to the runemasters. If some survived, then maybe their descendants live somewhere.”
“I’m afraid none of the three choices are easy,” the old man said.
Elemix knew Em had a way to contact Tuderick, but why should he want to help Elemix? The other option of seeking out any remaining out any living Dwarven ancestors of Azenkuul who also happened to be runemasters was all but impossible.
He had left on relatively decent terms with Ionnius Brennis but he still didn’t trust the man. It seemed Elemix had little choice.
“So, if I do not find a runemaster or Ionnius Brennis you are saying there is no way to gain access to the teleportation circle?
You mentioned if I could come from beneath it somehow it would be easier then attempting to do so from above. How could I access the area below the portal?”
Old dwarf said, “Force. If you can find the right door you could fight your way in, defeat traps crafted by the greatest of Dwarven Masters, and battle the Fathers, which would be terrible for anyone. If you did that, then given years of study and experimentation you could perhaps experiment and craft the right Sigil. It is possible to do in a Dwarven lifetime some say.”
“Teleportation Circles are two-way. If the secret of their Sigil’s was so easy to discern, then the Eterians would have simple invaded that way. But there are being that know. There are always beings that know, but they always demand a high price. The Thalassan’s do not even acknowledge they know the magic, show it to anyone, or speak of it. I am surprised you are doing so, but this is not the first time someone has asked of the magic of Azenkuul.”
“I didn’t say access from below so much as if you find the Sigil and a Symbol, then you can teleport INTO the chamber sight unseen. Then getting out is basically a case of constantly going up, following the flow of the air. Going down to a single point through the mazes is much, much harder for their are few maps and little clue. You could explore for years.”
Elemix was somewhat dejected. This was somewhat of a dead end it seemed. Perhaps he would be able to learn something more, but at the moment he was at a bit of a loss.
“Thank you for the information. Your insight has been most appreciated. Unfortunately I don’t know that it is possible in a short time to find someone who would be willing to share the sigil with me, and I am not looking forward to the prospect of having to use force. Perhaps this isn’t a possibility to use to help my friend.
Is there anything else you could tell me, or anyone else you know who may be able to tell me more?”
“They say in the Otherworld, time is mutable. Remember, one Runemaster returned centuries later, only to age instantly when the daylight saw him. Maybe others still exist there? Else perhaps the descendants of those captured by the Eterians still live somewhere in the East. Else perhaps there are great and wise who know of histories we no not of. The Harbingers may know, they espy everyone and go where they will.”
Hagar interrupted, “Now Great grandfather, you know the Witn do not exist. There is no great force save the gods and powers watching us all.”
He replied, “Only questions and never answers. Only questions and never answers.”
Hagar turned to Elemix, “I apologize Magus, he gets like this. He claims in his youth to have found a fabled Harbinger – a legendary envoy of the gods who watch great events unfold and was able to convince them to answer several questions and then took that knowledge away. Once he gets like this it may take days to get him better. Best let him rest.”