Chapter 210 - The Night Storm (End of Book 3)

“What do you think?” Marcela asked.

Hump didn’t know what to think. The manor was along the south side of the cliff, facing away from the city. It was a quiet, relaxing spot, with a garden that had a clear view of the plains below. The house itself was large for a property in the Upper City, the walls made of white stone and intricately patterned, it had its own gate, and fancy designs engraved in the bricks to give it that rich flare. It was the kind of place Hump had always viewed as entirely out of reach, yet it was supposedly his. There was some damage here and there. One of the walls to the left had crumbled from an impact, and the front garden was muddied and ruined, but other than that it was perfect.

“It’s big,” Hump said. “It’s giant.”

She snorted. “You like it then?”

Hump nodded. “I can hardly believe it’s mine, even seeing it in front of me.”

She held out the key for him, and he took it.

“You’re a wealthy man now, Hump. Why don’t you get settled and I’ll come by to speak with you again soon. Give you all a chance to discuss my father’s offer.”

“Thank you, Marcela,” Hump said. “For the library access too.”

She smiled at him and then waved, heading back out onto the streets.

Hump led the way through the gate and up to the front door. The key turned with a satisfying click, and he led the way inside. It opened into a hallway with a staircase ahead of him. To the right was what looked to be a dining hall, and to the left, the living quarters. He headed into the left room first, setting his dragon egg pouch on a table near the door and then gazing around. They explored the house together. It was three stories tall, with five bedrooms, and more space than Hump ever expected to have in a home he owned. Let alone one is such a prestigious location. Eventually, they all returned to the living room and settled down.

He could hardly believe it was his, yet there was one more thing that he was even more excited about. He’d read the card Countess Daston provided regarding his staff, but he wanted to see the details in his book. He almost felt guilty for it. While the pieces of his staff had been recovered, it was broken. There was no repairing it. He’d lost his heirloom staff, though he was sure his predecessors would not fault him.

He studied the runes of the new staff, running his hand along the shaft, marvelling at the glossy finish and perfect characters. It was created by a Chosen of Loften, which meant they were not runes he was familiar with. That would not limit their effectiveness though. Each etching was perfectly made, the focus clear and glimmering. When his spellbook shook, he pulled it from his belt and opened it, watching as ink took form on the page.

Item Index
Staff of Damnation

Artifact | Universal | Gold Rank

Description

Crafted from the wood of an Etherash tree that was aged in pure essence for ten years, this magical staff has an almost perfect essence conductivity. The focus is cut from the heartstone of a Tree of Damnation, and has a large capacity for essence.

Origin

Crafted by Sir Isaac, Headmaster of Sheercliff Academy and Chosen of Loften.

Abilities

Arcane Amplification: Enhance the power of spells cast through this staff, increasing their essence efficiency and effectiveness.

Essence Channelling: Enhanced focus and control when channelling essence through this staff.

Essence Store: Condense and contain essence in the focus that can be used to empower spellcasting.

Sphere of Protection: Using the stored energy in the staff, cast Sphere of Protection in an area around you, manifesting a powerful impenetrable barrier for five seconds. This effect requires recharging between uses.

To possess four such powerful effects, it was no wonder the staff was classed and gold tier. The first two effects seemed like improved versions of his old staff, but the latter two were active effects. There was no understating the value of having an essence reserve, even after his own advancements. Sphere of Protection, however, seemed even more valuable. It was the perfect emergency tool.

It would indeed serve him well, that much he was certain of.

“What is it?” Emilia asked.

Hump turned the book over so that she could see.

Emilia read it and then just laughed. “I can’t say I’m not jealous.”

“The White Flame Wizard, huh?” Bud said. “Fancy name.”

“Fancy name for a fancy wizard, what can I say?” Hump grinned.

“I heard talk of you at the academy today too,” Dylan said. “Rumour is already spreading about how you faced down a demon from another realm and burned all the trees across Sheercliff."

“You’re joking!” Hump said.

Dylan shook his head, a helpless smile on his lips. “You’re famous.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much,” Celaine said. “In the versions I’ve heard, you’re as handsome as a knight. Nobody will ever recognise you.”

Hump narrowed his eyes. “You’re hilarious.”

Now it was her turn to grin.

“So they’re calling the Baelkor a demon, huh?” Hump said. “That’s an interesting direction to take it.”

“Better than causing mass panic I suppose,” Bud said. “The whole kingdom would be fearing the end of worlds if they learned that Uvdar’s servant has returned.”

“And they thought I faced him down?” Hump chuckled at that. He’d always known to not trust tales, but it was another thing entirely to be a part of one.

“Oh here we go.” Celaine scrunched her nose. “Just look at that smugness. I miss the days where you called yourself, ‘just a hedge wizard.’”

“I’m not being smug!”

“Uhuh.” She looked to Emilia. “What do you think?”

She smirked. “Smug as a peacock.”

Hump waved her away.

“The gods do play funny games,” Bud said. “To think, a wizard would save Sheercliff. I told you Kelisia had a path for us.”

“That you did,” Hump said. “It’s a bloody shit path though. Maybe the next one can be somewhere with sunshine and warm fires.” Hump frowned. “Scratch that, that sounds like Hell.”

Bud smiled. “You say that, but you didn’t have to do what you did today. You walked straight into Hell and burned it all down. You may talk badly about the gods, but you’re doing their work.”

Hump slouched into his chair. “You’re giving me too much credit now. We succeeded together. I may have cast the final spell, but it was all of us, and Corvin’s party.”

Bud laughed. “That’s very true. I’m proud to have fought alongside every single one of you.”

The cheer in the room calmed at that. Hump caught the underlying message.

“Why do you say it like that?” Hump asked.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. There’s an air of finality to you.”

“You heard what the count said,” Bud explained. “The king is ordering all Chosen return to their holds. That includes me. Unless you intend to accept Count Daston’s job offer.”

Hump frowned at that. “I intended to leave Sheercliff sooner rather than later. I fear who might come looking for me if I remain here.”

“I too do not intend to remain in the count’s service,” Bud said. “It’s about time I faced my father. It’s been more than a year since I left home, and I would like to be there for Arthur’s funeral anyway.”

“That’s alright,” Hump said. “We can accompany you there.”

“Hump,” Celaine interrupted. “Your egg will hatch any day now. You’ve manifested your soul—now is the perfect time for you to face the Dragon Keeper Trials. Drakarlyn is far from here, and it is protected by Owalyn herself. You will be safe from whoever hunts you there.”

“Perhaps,” Hump said. “Though you said it yourself, your people might just as easily kill me for being an outsider.”

“Before, maybe. They might have killed you and tried to find a new bond for your dragon. But it’s too late. Once it hatches, there is nothing they can do but accept that you are bound to each other. It has already been more than a year. The Dragon Keepers may already be looking for you. Better you go to them first.”

Hump frowned. He didn’t like these choices.

Hump shook his head. “We can’t go without Bud. Especially not if he will be sent to war in the Fallen Lands.”

He knew it was foolishness, but even saying the words was enough to drive a wedge of fear through Hump. There was no place in the kingdom more dangerous. He didn’t have a family. This was it. His friends. His party. The people he could trust with his life. He didn’t want to lose that.

“It’s not just Bud,” Dylan said. “I’m a Chosen of Krioc. I owe my allegiance to Alveron too.”

“And I may not be a Chosen, but my family will be expected to answer the call just the same,” Emilia said.

Hump looked between his party members, seeing the same apprehension in their eyes. They had fought alongside each other, protected each other, it didn’t feel right to end it now. Yet at the same time, he got the sense that Celaine was correct. He had to face his trials, and the rest of them had their own trials to face.

He looked at Celaine.

“If you insist on staying, I won’t argue with you,” Celaine said. “But I think you’re making a mistake. The Dragon Keepers will come for you either way, better you go to them.”

His heart was racing now, his stomach twisting. He thought on the River and Waves to calm himself and think clearly. He knew the right decision already, but he didn’t want to admit it. It was time for a change, and for new responsibility.

Hump let out a long sigh. He’d been holding onto some vague hope that there would be a way they could stay together, but that was all it was. Hope. He knew he’d jinxed himself when he’d said it earlier that day, and once again the Wizard’s Law proved true.

“So this is it, huh?” Hump said. “Feels like the end of an era.”

“Not the end,” Bud said. “Just a pause. We will reunite, I know it.”

Hump nodded. “Once the trials are done, I’ll come find you.”

The decision put a damper on their discussions. Bud, Dylan, and Emilia would return to House Blackthorne together and await the king’s orders, while Hump and Celaine would go north to Drakalyn. To the Fallen Lands.

***

There was a knock at the door a few hours later, and Hump went to find Vivienne there. There was a sadness in her eyes that made her look very old suddenly. He showed her inside and sat her down, fetching her a drink from the stores in the kitchen.

“How did it go then?” Hump asked.

She shrugged. “She spoke, though she had little to say. Sir Roderick was present, and it seems she adamantly claims her innocent, framing Hump as the villain.”

“How could she do that?” Dylan asked. “Surely she doesn’t believe anyone is stupid enough to believe it.”

“Did you ask her about the Silver Circle?” Celaine asked.

Vivienne shook her head. “Eliana didn’t mention it, and with Chosen present, it seemed better to keep it secret. At the very least, I do not believe she will mention it to the authorities here.”

They told her of the meeting with the count and countess, along with their decision to split up and leave Sheercliff. She asked them to elaborate in places, but in the end, she came to the same conclusion. It was time for them to part ways.

“You’ve made your decision too?” she asked Dylan.

He nodded. “I want to go with Bud and Emilia. I think it’s time for me to find my own adventure.”

“You’ll grow quickly at his side. It will be strange without you though.”

“What will you do?” Hump asked.

“Justine has asked me to remain in her service,” Vivienne said. “I intend to do so. It will be good for me to remain here. I can keep an eye on Emilia, and with an ear close to the countess, it will be a simple matter for me to learn of any developments. If anything turns up, I’ll try to contact you through the Temple of Vesta.”

“Thank you,” Hump said. He stood, walking over to his pouch and taking some parchments from inside, then handed them to her. “While you’re here, I wanted to give you this too.”

Vivienne read over the papers and then looked up at Hump with a shocked expression.

“It’s a copy of the River and Waves and Spirit Well techniques,” he said. “You said your goal is to breech the seventh rank, and if I’m right, I believe this might be one method to do so. I’m not sure if it will be completely suitable for you to train, but perhaps you can incorporate some knowledge from it.”

She smiled at him softly. “Thank you, Hump.”

“No need to thank you me,” Hump said, smiling back. “Just let me know if you figure it out.”

As Hump moved to sit back down, he felt a strange tug on his soul. The bond with his dragon suddenly drew essence from him. Only a little, but it was enough for him to turn and watch his pouch on the table nearby. Something shifted within, and Hump stood quickly, rushing over to it.

“Hump?” Celaine asked.

He didn’t answer, unravelling the pouch to reveal the egg within. Gold light shone between the cracks in the scales, brighter than before. It shook back and forth, rocking on the table. The rocking grew faster, and a crack formed along the longest part of it. One of the scales came loose, and a black snout pressed out, breaching the egg. A head popped out, and it gasped. Pale pink liquid ran over it and down the shell.

The crack widened, a foot pressing out behind it. The hatchling squirmed, squeaked, and grunted as it fought its way free, worming its way out onto the leather pouch. Hump’s heart thundered. He leant forward, using his hands to keep it steady.

“Hi!” he sputtered, excitement racing through him.

It looked up at him with rich, shining violet eyes. He felt a connection, his bond flared with happiness, and he laughed at the sight of it. Reaching out a finger, he petted its head. It leant into him, a quiet grunt escaping it, like a new-born piglet.

Hump laughed. It was no bigger than his forearm from head to tale. Most of it was black, but golden scales flaked its body, highlighting its spike and the edges of its head. Joy washed through him, and suddenly, he knew everything would be alright. He had what he needed here. Never again would he be alone, and he felt that feeling reciprocated.

“That may just be the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen,” Emilia stated.

“It’s amazing,” Dylan said, holding a hand over his mouth.

“What will you name it?” Celaine asked.

Hump already knew. It was a name that came easily to him. One he’d been thinking on for a while.

“It’s a she,” Hump said, sensing it. “And her name is Nishari, the Night Storm.”

***

Hump stepped out onto the balcony of his manor and took a seat, carefully placing Nishari on his lap. She snuggled up against him tiredly, her body hot, and the bond between them pulsing with a warmth that wiped out whatever cold of essence overuse remained. He stroked her idly as he looked out at the plains. He wondered if the Silver Circle were already hunting for him, and who else might be out there in the night having sensed his spellbook.

His master had told him that it was alive and would grow with him, but how could a book be alive? He’d flicked through every page he could in search for an answer, but all he’d found were empty pages and far too many words. Even from him, the book was hiding its secrets.

Or I’m looking in the wrong place.

Careful not to wake Nisha, Hump pulled the book from his belt. He’d never learned much by simply browsing its pages. It didn’t let him flick through lists of spells. It showed him what he needed to know. What he wanted to see.

If it was alive…

“Show me your heart,” Hump whispered.

For a moment, nothing happened, and then blue light glimmered along the inside of the spine of the book, where the pages were bound. It shone between the pages, wisps of essence rising from it. he leather shifted beneath his fingers, bending inward. Essence poured through the cover, illuminating the grain of the leather like cracks of lightning, until the entire book was riddled with blue light. It gathered toward the centre, an empty circle forming there. A place the essence didn’t touch. A speck of blue rose from the core of it, piercing the leather like a piece of ice. It expanded, growing outward and widening at once. In moments a perfectly cut spherical essence stone the size of Hump's hand filled the once empty space.

Pressure descended on Hump’s soul, weighing down on him as if a great power had appeared before him. Beyond Starick and Anthony, beyond even the phoenix. It was as if he were in the presence of a god. The many facets shone with a deep, radiant blue, but at its centre it was darker, as if Hump was peering into the infinite depths of the ocean. The simple leather cover was no more—the leather becoming somehow richer in colour, a silver pattern emerging to reveal the feathered face of an owl.

The size and clarity were beyond any essence stone he’d seen, but it was the runes inscribed upon it that shocked him most. So small, he had to lean in and squint to read them. Each facet seemed to hold a formation, with the most detailed of them being at the centre, and joined together by minute strands of essence. Hump couldn’t recognise the runes, but the formations beyond complicated. Beyond any formation he'd seen even on a grander scale.

Hump heard voices approaching, and the heartstone sunk back into the leather. The presence vanished. The silver owl disappeared. The rich tone faded to old, worn leather. Once more, it was his old spellbook, yet the memory of what he’d just felt remained with him.

He’d been afraid of who might come for it before, but now he was terrified.

***
And with this, Book 3 is complete! Man, that was a long book... I hope you enjoyed it though. It was definitely the most fun to write.

Book 4 should continue on the usual schedule, so I think there will be a chapter on Saturday. I intend to up my release rate, though that might be after I've finished the edit on Book 3. Not sure how effectively I'll be able to work on both at the same time.

If you would like to support me further, leaving amazon reviews when the book launches in May is a massive help, along with downloading the book on Kindle Unlimited. Also, there's nothing better than genuine recommendations on places like r/progressionfantasy, r/fantasy, and r/litrpg on reddit or facebook. It means the world, and that kind of word of mouth is what helps a story to grow.

Thanks so much for reading. Patreon is at its all time high for members right now, and it's been awesome to see all the comments coming in.

Other than that, I guess I'll see you Saturday!