Champion of the Gods
Copyright© 2025 by QM
Chapter 31
“We also spotted various creatures moving with purpose around the necropolis,” Firios confirmed. “All creatures of legend, according to Demala.”
“My former master studied ancient history, including the fossilised bones of long-dead creatures,” Demala added. “These resembled some of them, though I was unaware that they possessed intelligence.”
Darras explained the throne of command that the First Ones used and how it could be used to command any creatures who were of a weaker will than the one sitting in it.
“Interesting,” Demala nodded. “Though none of the modern races could use it?”
“Not according to Erren, no.”
“Understandable, the First Ones were well in advance of us power-wise, as we are discovering with their flying disk,” Demala replied.
“Well, you got it to fly,” Darras chuckled.
“True, though it’s exhausting to make it ascend, if easy to control once the thing is in the air.”
“Not found a way to make an easier version yet?”
“That may take years of study,” Demala admitted. “There is so much we are learning from it and the crystal tablets, though.”
“An astonishing and welcome find,” Darras nodded. “All because the Dark Lord wanted to end advanced civilisations.”
‘I won’t let that happen, I promise, ’ Erren added silently in Darras’s mind.
“How long will we remain?” Klea asked.
“Until we have scouted the environs,” Darras replied. “We will not attempt entry this time.”
“Yes, judging what you told us of this Menulith, that would be most unwise,” Tinara nodded. “We need to find a way to get close without being observed.”
The next couple of days were spent moving around the periphery of the necropolis and seeing if there was an easy way to approach. Unfortunately, except for darkness or inclement weather, there was no straightforward approach, as the Chickrith constantly foraged in the open area before the buildings and only retired in the evening to a series of tunnels dug into the ground.
“Looks like when we return, we come in at night and find a place to hole up until daylight,” Darras opined to the group as they made preparations to leave.
Agreed, friend Darras,” Firios replied. “There only appears to be one area of activity in the necropolis, so finding shelter will not likely be an issue.”
The party set off back to the alternate gateway, using farstriding to get there swiftly. From there, they visited Erren.
“So, you believe that our enemy has turned their attention to Gresh?” Casal asked one of the Chickrith scribes.
“Our patrol reports building work in the valley leading up to the main entry point,” the creature chittered. “They spotted the Dwarven creatures building a fort.”
“Dwarves?” Casal hissed. He’d expected Elves, eventually, but not Dwarves.
“That is who they are,” the Chickrith confirmed.
“This is not good,” Casal replied. “It means our enemies’ plans are well in advance of what we thought.”
“We have seen no sign of the Elven types.”
“You would be unlikely too,” Casal grimaced. “They are superb scouts and not likely to permit themselves to be spotted.”
“This likely stems from our attempt to poison the land of Asulnarath via the spore growths,” an Ubaid pointed out.
“Another scheme of the Dark Lord,” Casal hissed, hiding the fact that the plan was his and the Dark Lord had merely approved it.
“It appears likely that an invasion is a possibility.”
“Indeed so, our efforts to improve the defensive works here must carry on apace.”
“As you command, Lord.”
“Do you wish us to scout?” a shadow asked.
“Do so, though do not possess any you find, merely kill them,” Casal deliberated. “No sense in involving this agent of Erren.”
“As you command, Lord.”
“Welcome, all of you,” Erren merrily hailed the party as, despite leaving at one-minute intervals, all appeared on the lawn at the same time.
“Good to be home,” Darras replied with a smile, as the Elves bowed in respect.
“Come, rest, and enjoy,” Erren smiled.
Soon they were all relaxing in the pools after washing each other down, the Elves and Erren sipping wine, and Darras enjoying a chilled ale.
“When I return, I will be taking up the blade in the presence of my father,” Klea informed Erren.
“Good, though ease your fears, even if you struggle, you will not harm him,” Erren replied. “Simply command him, something he will likely refuse to do, forewarned as he will be.”
“That is good to know, Wenderos,” Klea replied happily. “Though the main issue will be when I am with others.”
“Yes, though I believe you’re getting there,” Erren smiled.
“The mental discipline was taxing, but yes, I do believe I will manage ... though not quite yet.”
“It’s my opinion that we could walk her through an Elven town or village and she would pass for one of us,” Firios added.
“Certainly possible,” Erren agreed. “Though I’d advise against it.”
“We won’t,” Firios chuckled. “Though it could be useful if we ever run into one of our patrols.”
“Indeed so,” Erren agreed. “Though I’d rather that not happen either.”
“Sooner or later, they will encounter a patrol,” Darras opined. “If they haven’t already.”
“More likely they’ll spot the fort the Dwarves are building, though the presence of Dwarves will send alarm bells ringing throughout Casal’s people,” Erren replied.
“Will they attack?” Darras frowned.
“It’s possible, though there are Elven archers in the vicinity.”
“Shadow possession?”
“The Scouts are warded against that,” Erren replied. “As well as the spores.”
“If attacked, our people know to run,” Firios added.
“I expect them to be able to outrun most things,” Erren nodded. “Sooner or later, though, casualties will occur.”
“How long till we can move against them?” Tinara asked.
“Two months, more or less,” Erren replied. “The Dwarves will be improving the defences to the point where invasion will prove most difficult.”
“It might be worth pulling the scouts back now,” Darras mused thoughtfully. “We’ll stick to our group scouting out the Necropolis, as I can deal with most of the Dark Lord’s servants.”
“Yes,” Erren finally agreed. “I’ll get my priests to advise the commander of the scouts.”
“It’s getting more dangerous now,” Darras said after their friends had left and he and Erren sat in front of a warm fire.
“Yes, though I want certain measures in place before I request the aid of our forces,” Erren nodded.
“Measures?”
“The fort and defensive works fully instituted in the pass, and the neutralisation of Garsimunel.”
“Ah, yes, Garsimunel,” Darras sighed.
“The Elven forces of Trunavisia are on their way, though they are still weeks from the place.”
“No issues from their leadership?” Darras asked.
“None, my high priest carried the day against the high lord and his reluctance to involve himself outside of Trunavisia,” Erren smiled.
“Your name carries a lot of weight with Elves,” Darras chuckled.
“It does, though not so much with others,” Erren agreed. “Still, I normally get my way when I ask the right person.”
Darras was in the city of Keeltia in the kingdom of Surrant, looking into the activities of rogue merchants who were trying to monopolise the production of paper and charge the now burgeoning print industry elsewhere excessive prices. Paper was a Surrant speciality, and its people kept the secret of its manufacture close to their chests to keep it that way. Though Darras, through Erren, was aware of the techniques they used.
Keeltia was a lively place with representatives of many races taking advantage of the wealth of its citizenry to sell a range of products from around the world. These merchants, surprisingly, included Dwarves from the neighbouring kingdom of Kalband, though there was no particular animosity between them and the Elves.
‘There are laws against causing disturbances against various races here, ’ Erren explained. ‘Both sides know them and both sides keep to them.’
“Sounds like something both Dwarves and Elves should put in place elsewhere,” Darras smiled. “Jizzard and Burral spring to mind.”
‘Only enact laws you know your populace will obey, ’ Erren giggled. ‘Not in my book, but very true.’
“The hostility runs that deep?”
‘Jizzard is isolated from the world by Burral, and only Hrasstic is marginally friendly to it as a neighbour, ’ Erren explained. ‘All their trade gets hit by customs dues or gateway costs.’
“And the Dwarves see no reason to lower them?”
‘None at all, they keep them at a level where Jizzard can trade, but not really profit.’
“So not worth going to war over?”
‘Exactly, though the Elves of Jizzard have negotiated a lower rate for the trade run to Callande, which helps.’
“No doubt that will irritate Burral,” Darras chuckled.
‘It does, though, again, not enough to go to war over. A war they know I’ll disapprove of.’
“Is this why the Dwarven Realm is more successful in trade?” Darras queried.
‘One of them, they will sell to anyone and don’t overcharge for transit, unlike Fordel used to.’
“I take it Fordel doesn’t now?”
‘Not now, no, they are trying to attract trade, not overly profit from it.’
“That could take a while,” Darras smiled.
‘It will.’
“We’re here,” Darras announced, looking at an ornate building that housed the Papermaker Guild.
‘Remember, you’re negotiating for Rachtelin to obtain a cheaper source of paper for their university printworks, ’ Erren reminded Darras with a giggle. ‘Not to burn the place down.’
“I like the second idea more,” Darras chuckled.
‘Not in the narrative, ’ Erren replied. ‘Your actions will delay things, but the merchants’ activities already have the Dwarves of Sorrak and the Elves of Iversirion looking into manufacturing their own paper, something they will succeed in doing.’
“Just not quite there yet,” Darras nodded. “Which is why I’m here to deal with the cartel before they stifle the nascent print industry elsewhere.”
‘In five years, they’ll be ready, that’s why you’re here.’
Darras had now entered the building and spoke to an Elf at the reception, stating his aim to negotiate for a paper supply for the University of Rachtelin.
“You’ll have to make an appointment,” the Elf haughtily replied.
“Really?” Darras asked loudly. “I have a contract to negotiate worth thousands, and you’re saying you aren’t keen to take my money?”
“The merchants are busy, and our system is not open to bribes or coercion,” the Elf sniffed.
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