Chapter 415 - This Silly Little Dance

Kinda feeling some pressure with this chapter :P Hope you like it!

“Everyone,” Hump said. He stood in his chair and held up his glass of wine—a drink he did not typically indulge in but today was a special occasion: their celebratory dinner. A location chosen on the recommendation of Emilia Rike herself, and by all accounts, her favourite food in the world. His party looked up from the platters of food, waiting for him curiously.

“I just want to say a few words before we tuck in.” Hump gazed over his companions, a sense of warmth filling him, though that might have just been the win. “A year ago, we fought a gorger and very nearly lost. Well… all of us but Emilia.” Emilia smiled at that, and the others chuckled. “But today, we did not just defeat one. We destroyed it. It’s clear how far we’ve come, and despite all the uncertainty of the future, I can’t help but look forward to where we go together next. Success or failure, there’s no one I’d rather live this adventure with.” Hump raised his glass. “So this is to all of us. Cheers.”

Everyone clinked their glasses enthusiastically, a chorus of “Cheers” filling their corner of the restaurant.

They chatted over good food and wine, then toward the end of the mean, discussion turned toward the mission. What worked, what needed improvement, and what they could change before the next expedition.

Hump eagerly took out the Book of Infinite Pages, slamming the great tome on the table and writing: Shopping List at the top of a page, followed by: LOADS more troll blood.

“You can’t use your book for that!” Dylan said, flabbergasted.

“Why not?” Hump asked. “It’s not like there isn’t room.”

Dylan rubbed his face with a hand. “Because your future inheritors will see you writing the word ‘loads’ in big letters. Gods, Hump, imagine what people would think if they knew…”

Hump leant back in his chair, closed his eyes, rubbed the stubble of his chin and gave his most wizardly nod. “A good tip for anyone.”

Celaine sighed at his side. “Oh Hump…”

“Don’t worry, Dylan,” Bud said. “There’s a whole lot of nonsense in there. What was that chicken spell with the rant about the ex-girlfriend?”

“Chicken Fix?” Hump asked with a grin. “That was by the great and wise, Wizard Ajax. He always seems like he’d be fun. I’ll show you once we’re done with the shopping list.”

It was a good evening.

***

The next few days would be busy, but Hump tried to stick to a schedule. After spending a night at the tavern with Emilia as his ‘watcher’, the two of them went to train with the rest of the party back at the Rike Estate. There wasn’t a huge amount he could improve before the next expedition, but he could only work with the time he was given. Progress with his new spells was good, and he was certain the added utility would prove useful once he had mastered them. Especially Grasping Hand—he hadn’t expected it, but it seemed he had a knack for the spell. His progress with essence manipulation had come a long way since his youth, and despite typically favouring powering over finesse when it came to magic, this was a spell he could manipulate with ease.

As well as individual training, they worked on strategies. They would almost certainly return to the fissures, which meant more battles with shades. Hump wanted a few methods to defeat the swarms more easily. The ring he’d created with Titan’s Wrath had been effective at keeping them at bay, and the troll blood as bait, but what they really needed was a way to either kill them or avoid them. While Frostfire had slain entire hosts of them, there had been more to fill the gaps.

It was a problem they would need to solve before they braved the fissures.

Following lunch, Hump headed to Elenvine Academy, however he was not there to see Wizard Jentris. Instead, Wizard Torvik had been kind enough to meet with him on short notice. Hump was met with a wide grin as he stepped into the man’s office, followed by an overly enthusiastic handshake.

“How are you, Humphrey? I was so pleased when I received your letter.”

“Very well thank you, Professor,” Hump said. Seeing the man’s face, there was no doubt that he was genuinely pleased to see him. “I’m sorry to ask to meet on such short notice. Time seems to be getting away from me of late.”

“Not at all! It is grand to see you in good health. Jentris told me that you were part of the expedition to the Remannt Realm. It all sounds rather exciting. I would be fascinated to hear more if we have time, but I presume that is not why you wished to speak with me. Did you have a chance to read Starris’ letters?”

“Many of them,” Hump said. “I’ve brought them with me actually, if you want me to return them. It’s clear the two of you had a strong friendship. I think it’s safe to say my suspicions have been laid to rest, so I do apologise for my previous hostility.”

“In your position, it’s only natural. There’s nothing to apologise for. And please, keep the letters. They are certainly more use to you than they are to me.”

Hump hesitated a moment then nodded, smiling gratefully. “Thank you.”

They were an interesting read, and there was much he could learn from them. In terms of the people that were pursuing the Book of Infinite Pages, they had raised more questions than answers, but it was useful to know that Starris had struggled with many of the same issues. More importantly, that despite his attempts to conceal his soul and hide the book, the enemy had still found him. Above that, however, it had just been good to learn about the man that had once carried the legacy that Hump was now a part of. It seemed that above everything, Starris was a scholar.

“Ah, and regarding that tattoo you found.” Wizard Torvik shuffled through the papers on his desk, seeming to know exactly where to look in the chaos that it was. “I have had some success!”

“You have?”

The man handed him a thick, leather tome, opening it to a bookmarked page. The chapter title read: The Mysterious Magic of the Ka-hari. Between the blocks of text were a number of ink illustrations depicting the same tail-eating snake, surrounded by strange runes and patterns much like the one the assassin in Fort Nordric had been marked with. When Hump had given Torvik a copy of it, he hadn’t truly expected results, especially not this quickly.

“Where did you find it?” Hump asked.

“My collection is quite extensive, though I’m afraid this one may prove of little use. It’s a children’s book on the magic and gods of different nations, so while it certainly looks similar to the design of your tattoo, it gives tells us little more than we already suspected—that this comes from the far east.”

Hump frowned. “Not these Ka-hari mentioned in the title?”

Torvik shook his head. “The Ka-hari were destroyed many centuries ago. Perhaps there is a connection, but it is not one that will bear particularly tasty fruit. All is not lost, however! We wizards are scholars, are we not?” There was an excited grin on the old wizard’s face—a childlike glee in his eyes that made Hump a little envious. “A clue is before us, and it would not do to leave it uninvestigated.”

Hump felt a little excited himself. A clue was more than he’d had before. He would need to ask Walt to look through Lich Queen Irila’s library for mention of it—perhaps her records would hold something. “You’re right. This is brilliant news, Wizard Torvik. Even if it’s not much, it’s a start.”

“You do not appear too happy. Was there something else on your mind, lad? I presumed this was what you wished to speak on.”

Hump paused for a minute, but then decided there was nothing to lose in gaining the man’s opinion. He was an old and powerful wizard, and no doubt far wiser than he. Hump explained the situation with Wizard Jentris, Elenvine Academy, and his desire to access the archives. By the end of it, Torvik was clutching his stomach as he bellowed a deep laugh.

Torvik shook his head. “They are troublesome, aren’t they?”

“I have found dealing with the Wizard’s Society… difficult at times,” Hump said diplomatically.

“Difficult indeed. Though I am not surprised by this offer. You are quite the rare catch, I dare say, and they think they’ve found the right bait. It is not often I have seen a wizard with your potential, though that only makes sense knowing the legacy you now carry. In this case, it is a matter I can most certainly assist you with.”

Hump raised an eyebrow. “You can?”

“I have been a professor at this academy for a very long time, and that comes with a few benefits. One of which, is the authority to employ a number of assistants. A part time position of course—one where you may come and go as you please. But such a position would grant you full use of the academy’s facilities so long as you are with me.”

Hump was taken aback. “Are you sure that’s okay? I don’t want to cause any trouble for you. Having you escort me around the archive sounds like I would be wasting your time.”

“Nonsense.” Torvik laughed. “You are the heir of a very good friend of mine, and a young man in trouble. It is just the kind of thing I am very glad to use my time to assist. In fact, I have an opening in my schedule this afternoon. We can head to the Archives together now if you would like and begin our scholarly adventure. I assure you, it’s just as exciting as any stroll through a mystical realm.”

Hump smiled at the thought. “I would like that…” Hump trailed off. “Actually, I must apologise but I have an appointment I cannot miss.”

Torvik’s face fell. “But we have a mystery to solve, man! What could be more exciting? More important?!”

“I’m sure we could debate its importance, but I’ve been invited to go wine tasting with Count Daston,” Hump said. “I think my party would be rather disappointed if I didn’t show up.”

“A count! Oh my, that is rather important. I suppose this matter can wait.” The man chuckled. “What an exciting life you lead, my young friend.”

“A little too exciting these days,” Hump said. “I feel like I’m being torn in every direction at once sometimes.”

“Stressful, I’m sure, but enjoy it while it lasts. While many say that youth is the best time of a man’s life, I find that statement does not fit everyone. Rather, as someone that has lived a very long life indeed, I find I prefer to say that youth is one of the most unique times in a person’s life—a time to experiment, to take risks, and to try new things. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no time quite like it. So take your time and savour it.”

Hump had heard similar things around the campfires and mead halls in the days of his apprenticeships, usually far less eloquently put by an old mercenary that had drunk far too much. Hearing it from Wizard Torvik, it hit a little differently.

“I’ll do my best,” Hump said. “Though lately I’ve been savouring some particularly unpleasant monsters. I suppose that’s part of the experience too.”

Wizard Torvik winced and wrinkled his nose. “Hmm, perhaps you should try to savour those ones from far away. A wizard must always keep their distance, eh?”

***

Wine tasting was a… new experience. The drinking part went well, but Hump felt so far out of his element that he wasn’t quite sure what was going on all evening. Turned out, they were not the only people Count Daston had invited, and the other guests were very, very interested in the story of the White Flame Wizard.

By the end of it, Hump was exhausted from being dragged from one conversation to the next. Though, it didn’t escape him how much of a favour the count had done for them. He was giving them a chance to mingle in the most prestigious circles, and build their own political connections.

And for all the trouble with the company, Hump had to admit, it was better than any wine he’d had before. Now did that mean it was worth the fortune it had cost? No. Absolutely not. Would he go again if someone else offered to pay, even if it required socialising with a bunch of pompous nobles? In a heartbeat.

They received their new orders in the debriefing the following day. Three days rest, and then they would be going on an overnight expedition to explore the fissure where they encountered the gorger, led by Marshal Anara herself. It would be good to work with her again.

***

The news Hump had been waiting for finally arrived the following morning. The convoy from Fort Nordric was close.

By evening, they poured into the city. Hump stood in the streets, away from the main crowds and near where Count Daston and other Chosen waited to greet them. He watched as an army rolled into the city—knights in polished plate, adventurers clad in mismatched gear, soldiers marching in step. Horses, wagons, and banners stretched back beyond the horizon, a force that made the cobbled streets tremble with their weight.

And there, among the commanders, Hump spotted Wizard Aldric. The mans at atop his sturdy black horse, his black robes weathered by the long journey. He sipped from his silver flask, eyes scanning the crowd until they set on Hump.

Aldric gave a small nod, and then a voice echoed in Hump’s mind. “We will speak soon. Await my letter.”

“Send it to the Rike Estate and it will find me,” Hump responded. Hump exhaled sharply, nodding to himself. He had expected Aldric’s arrival, but seeing him here, among an army, made everything feel suddenly more real. His heart was beating hard in his chest. Finally, the time had come for him to meet the Three Eyes. Finally, he could speak with wizards that had gone beyond the barrier of the seventh rank.

He didn’t pay much attention after that, waiting quietly with the others as various greetings were exchanged. Priests came from the Temple District to welcome and bless the arriving Chosen, while other priests stepped forth from the convoy. Soon, the commanders left to go to the palace grounds where they would meet with the king. The crowds started to part, and Hump and the others contemplated leaving.

It was then that Hump heard a familiar voice. “Hump, is that you?”

Hump turned to find a handful of priestesses in white robes, bearing the yellow cross-star of Lady Light, walk past. Amongst them, he spotted a face he hadn’t seen since Sheercliff City—Luna. Her blue eyes shone, her golden hair caught the last light of the sun, framing a face that was older, and more tired than he remembered, though no less pretty.

“Luna!”

Her face lit up in a bright smile. “It is you! I wasn’t sure at first! You’re taller than when we last met.” She hesitated only a moment before beaming again. “How have you been? It’s been so long.”

Before Hump could answer, one of the older priestesses snapped, “Luna!”

Luna winced, turning toward the woman before looking back at Hump with a regretful smile. “Sorry, I can’t talk. But we must catch up. Come find me at the Temple of Light, or send a letter—promise me!”

And then, just like that, she was gone, vanishing into the shifting crowd of the convoy.

Hump was still standing there, staring after her, when Celaine’s voice cut in dryly. “Why do you have a gormless grin on your face?”

Startled, he turned to her. “What?”

Celaine’s eyes narrowed. She studied him, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

What have I done now? Hump thought.

“Why are you staring at me like you’re about to kill me?” Hump asked warily.

“I’m not!” Celaine said, affronted. “Why do you always say that?”

“Fear?” Hump said helplessly.

Celaine let out a noise somewhere between a sigh and a growl of frustration. “I just realised something.”

“What’s that?”

Celaine stepped closer—uncomfortably close. Hump hadn’t noticed, but he’d almost caught up to her in height. His eyes were just about level with hers.

Celaine’s gaze was unwavering. “Do you like that pretty priestess?”

Hump swallowed a lump in his throat. “As a person?” Hump shrugged. “Sure.”

“That’s not what I meant. Romantically, Hump. Do you like her?”

“Oh.” Hump’s face felt hot. He cleared his throat, the back of his mouth feeling like it was closing up. Hump shook his head. “No. I… like you. I thought that was pretty clear.”

“I like you too,” Celaine said.

Hump’s throat felt tight as anything. “I see,” he croaked out. Her eyes were pretty—were they getting bigger.

No, she was leaning closer.

He didn’t have time to react before he felt the soft brush of her lips against his. It was brief—a whisper of warmth. Then she pulled back, a satisfied smile on her face, cheeks flushed.

“There!” she declared. “It is done!”

“Celaine!” Emili’s scandalised voice rang out. “That was so forward of you. We’re in public!”

Celaine waved her off dismissively. “My people do not do this silly little dance you people do. This is simpler. And Hump is a bit of a wuss. Better I say how things are.” She looked at him. “Right?”

Hump stood there, frozen as a statue, his brain still trying to catch up.

Celaine raised a brow. “Right?”

Hump nodded. “Right.”

From the side, Bud and Dylan were gawking at him. Both had wide grins stretched across their faces. Dylan stepped forward, clapping a hand on Hump’s shoulder before pulling him into a bear hug—a very tight bear hug—and then dragging Celaine in too. Celaine yelped in protest, but relented soon after, her laughter joining theirs.

By the time Dylan finally let them go, Hump was breathless, grinning like an idiot. He still wasn’t entirely sure what had just happened, but he wasn’t stupid enough to complain.

Bud smirked as they parted ways. “So,” he said, nudging him. “Anything to say?”

Hump straightened his robes, clearing his throat. “Just one thing,” he said smugly. “That, my dear friends, is how one picks up women.”

Celaine cast an unimpressed look back at him. “Women?”

Hump coughed. “Woman. Singular.”

Her lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. “That’s right.”