SCT-Novel Book 5: Chapter 22:
Book 5: Chapter 22:
Book 5: Chapter 22:
The crab walked sideways, easily climbing dunes and scuttling down the other side. The only difficulty was keeping their balance, as the beast didn't understand the commands to be careful. They had to stand to one side as the other was bitten wide open by the worm, exposing the crab's innards in a gory display.
What made you think of using the crab? Quinny asked as she tried to keep her balance.
Heather leaned on her scythe to maintain her balance and answered with a smile. We lost the palanquin, and I dont want to walk: especially since we need to go over the dunes.
Good thinking, Frank replied as he dug his claws into the shell.
Breanne floated over it in her banshee form, the only one of them who appeared to be comfortable with the means of transportation. I would like to know how you managed to animate something so large.
Heather waved the staff as she explained channeling the animate dead through the weapon.
I thought we discussed that, Breanne remarked. We don't know how safe it is to use that power or how much power it has.
No, we asked Legeis to look at it, and he suggested it might operate like a battery, Heather replied. He doesnt have the right tools to know for sure, and we dont know anyone who does. The only way were going to find out is if we test it.
I understand your point of view, but I worry you might need that power later. I would hate for you to need it and not have it.
Heather nodded but looked ahead as they crossed another dune. I did need it, and we don't know if it will run out of power. It might slowly recharge or never run out at all.
Breanne floated closer, moving around Heather's side to look her in the face. Or it might be draining you, using whatever that essence power is to fuel the effect.
Heather ran her hand along the handle, small arcs of electricity tickling her skin as it passed. Everything I do has a risk attached to it. I cant even use my true powers in the open without risking bringing bounty hunters down on my head. She paused as Webster arrived at her feet and bent down to pick him up before continuing. But this is getting out of control, and our inability to travel quickly is hampering us. Hathlisora was clearly heavily involved in a lot of things, either directly or indirectly. Her friends left markers all over the land and hints that there is more to find. If I am going to be painted as her second coming, then I want to know who she was and what she was doing. She wants me to know. She left the staff for me specifically.
Thats because you were working with her, Quinny reminded.
Yes, Heather replied and looked ahead as her hair blew in the wind. So she says, but I have no memory of being here before my recent arrival. I can even tell you what I was doing that day before I went to bed.
I know we have talked about this before but do you think they could have reset your memory? Quinny asked. Like maybe they abducted you before, and you did get involved with Hathlisora. Then whatever you did made them wipe your memories to stop you, so you think you just arrived again.
Heather stumbled a bit as the crab crested a dune and held Webster tight until they were balanced again.
Have you ever heard of that happening before? she asked, looking back to the others.
Frank shook his head as Quinny voiced a solid no. Legeis scratched at his head and said the idea made sense, but he, too, had never heard of it happening before. Breanne was more constructive, pointing out that many of the necromancers did display a certain measure of detachment after being reset. She also pointed out something disturbing, that many of them vanished and nobody knows where they are.
So we have to accept its a possibility, but we have no precedent to base it on, Heather surmised. It would answer a lot of questions, but there is one that still stands out.
What is that? Frank asked as Heathers gaze fell on Umtha.
They all read her thoughts as Umtha looked around, confused. It was the one mystery that made no sense but kept coming up again and again. Heather looked exactly like Hathlisora, and the goblins were convinced she was her. The statue they had just viewed was a stark reminder that Heather and Hathlisora were so similar they could be twins.
Wait a minute! Quinny cried excitedly and turned to Umtha. Didn't you say Hathlisora had a friend you referred to her as her sister?
The one she called the other, Breanne added as she remembered the conversation.
Her name Issicara, Umtha said. She and Hathlisora look same. We call her sister to Hathlisora.
See! Quinny said excitedly. Maybe thats you.
No, Umtha insisted. Issicara is queen of Abbadon.
Which is one of the hells, Frank said before nearly falling as the crab crested another dune. Heather couldn't be from there.
Quinny stumbled a bit and turned to glare at him as if his statement made no sense.
Why not? Maybe she originally picked an infernal as her race, she insisted.
But infernal players start in the main world, Frank said. They have to travel to hells if they want to get there. Not to mention, didn't you say Abbadon was supposed to be a prison?
Well, that's what I heard, Quinny replied and looked away. I read about it too, something about it being a one-way trip.
Heather laughed as she thought back to the conversation from weeks ago when she found the crown. I seem to recall Umtha said Hathlisora opened a portal to this place for the necromancers, but they never came back; this Issicara did. She is also the one who gave Hathlisora the crown.
Yes! Umtha insisted. Payment for helping the necromancers.
So Hathlisor found a way to open a portal into a prison on hell allowing its queen to step through and present her a gift, Heather surmised.
Wait, this is where that strange crown comes from? Legeis asked as he listened to the confusing conversation.
Breanne looked back at him with a firm nod. Yes, and when she puts it on, somebody else takes control. The crown is a curse more than a reward.
It didnt do anything the time I used it in the mountain, Heather insisted. And I have a way to take it off now.
That leaves you unconscious, Frank reminded. I don't like that crown or what happens to you when we try to take it off. That voice that screamed out insisted it was there to help you, but I don't trust it.
It also said Heather agreed to let it help, Breanne pointed out.
All of that sounds super creepy, Legeis commented as he leaned forward in his suite. I take it you got rid of it.
All eyes turned to Heather as she smiled slightly and leaned to the side as the crab started up another dune.
She left it in the magical vault, Breanne said.
Umm, not exactly, Heather interjected as Breanne frowned at her.
Please tell me you didn't bring it with you, she insisted.
Heather wobbled for a moment and turned to face them all as she clutched Webster in one arm.
I thought we might need it, she replied. Its inside my backpack in the chest.
We wont ever need it. You should have left it at home, Frank insisted.
I can probably melt that thing down and use the metal for something more useful, Legeis offered as Heather looked to him with narrow eyes.
No, this is important to this crazy nonsense going on. I am not turning away from these things anymore, she added and held up the scythe to draw attention to the staff. This was left specifically for me, and it was already attuned, so nobody else could use it. There is no point in pretending this is a coincidence; we all know the truth. I am meant to do this. Why? I have no idea, but I am not running from it anymore. I am going to research and test everything she left behind until I understand why. Then I am going to put it all to good use. Honestly, I have been thinking of putting the crown on and asking the voice for help.
Absolutely not, Breanne insisted. I have always firmly believed you were meant to do something related to the necromancer kings. However, once that thing is on your head, anything could happen, and we have a very narrow window to take it off. She could escape and run miles away with your body before long before we could do anything about it.
Frank, nows your chance, Quinny whispered.
My chance for what? he choked as Quinny giggled.
Heather turned to give Quinny a firm stare before turning back to Blackbast, who was now only a few steps away. Those green eyes seemed almost hypnotic as they stared back with desire.
We just need a place to stay for the night, she croaked, her voice breaking.
Of course, I will see to it you are very comfortable, the cat-woman said as she arrived directly before Heather. Tell me, are you travelers of the desert road?
Heather felt strangely uncomfortable to have another woman so strongly stalking her. She thought of Quinny's words in the pyramid, and a sense of indignation washed over her. With a smile, she leaned forward as if challenging the bold woman to continue.
We were sent here by Iskathet. We need shelter for the night, and she said you knew about an old library lost somewhere nearby.
So, Iskathet sent you to me. She must have known I was bored and needed some company to satisfy my needs.
We are not here to satisfy your needs, Heather growled back with folded arms.
Oh, you refuse to play, but you need something from me. Ah yes, the library, it is a dangerous journey, and few have reason to go there. Surely you would find a stay at my temple more pleasurable. I have such a pretty collar you could wear.
Heathers face flushed pink, then red, then near purple as Quinny started to laugh out loud.
We are looking for the library, Heather reiterated with a clearing of her throat. Could you possibly be a little less forward?
Blackbast smiled, her eyes watching them as her tail swayed gracefully. Why play the games of cat and mouse? she cooed. Let us be honest with our desires and share in the reward such honestly brings.
A cat race was a perfect pick for her, Quinny said.
I thought so, Blackbast replied. But this is a gift of my goddess. If it loosens your belts, I can take a more human appearance.
You dont need to go out of your way for us, Heather said in a dry tone. Do you know where the library is or not?
And now we are getting rude. Since you do not wish to play, I have no need of you, the woman replied with a slight smile. You may stay the night, but you must leave first thing in the morning.
Heather felt frustration and anger building as she looked to the others for support.
What game do you want to play? Quinny asked.
Isnt that obvious? Blackbast purred. One night is all I ask. Look around you and see, this place was made for comfort and relaxation. A place to share in all one has to offer without regret or concern. Come, let me show you how wonderful a night here can be. You will be eager to come back, I assure you.
What is wrong with the players in this world? Heather said as she put a palm over her face.
I did try to tell you that a lot of players didn't see it quite the way you did, Breanne replied and stepped up beside Heather to put an arm around her waist. Do give us a moment to discuss your offer, she said to Blackbast, who bowed deeply, arching her back seductively and giving Frank a wink.
Breanne shook her head and steered Heather away, taking her to some pillows along the far wall.
She is just playing her role, Breanne said. You dont need to be rude.
Heather held her head with one hand as she let out a tired sigh. Listen, it's late, I am exhausted, and all I want to do is eat a few grapes and go to bed. I don't need another predator stalking my friends or me.
I understand that, but would it hurt to be nicer? Breanne asked.
Are you interested in her offer? Heather quipped, looking up into Breanne's eyes. I doubt she is picky. Why don't you go and enjoy her comfort.
Breanne took on a stern gaze as Heather smiled victoriously. Not so easy when the shoe is on the other foot?
I grew up in a different time, Breanne insisted. Men and women had well-defined roles back then.
Defined roles don't seem to matter here, Heather said and turned to look back at Blackbast, who was now talking with Frank and Quinny. Sometimes I wish I could just let go and do it.
So do I, Breanne said with a smile. But I'm an old-fashioned kind of girl. I like there to be a little time to get to know my partner before I jump into bed with them.
Heather sighed and headed back across the room, walking directly to Blackbast as the cat women turned to her with a smile.
Are we ready to let me take that anger away?
I am not angry, Heather said in a controlled voice. I am very tired and need to sleep, preferably alone.
Ohh, a warm chest to rest your head on is so soothing, Blackbast cooed.
I appreciate your offers, but I really need to sleep and then move on. If you could please tell us where to find this library, I would greatly appreciate it.
Hmm, the cat-woman said as her eyes narrowed. I have a bedroom you can use. It has a door you can lock if that is your desire.
Thank you, Heather replied and began to look around the room Until she remembered where she put Webster. One second, she said and run to the cushion to sweep him up and carry him back.
What is this? Blackbast asked.
This is Webster, Heather said. Hes my familiar.
Blackbast smiled and shook her head. And I thought you wanted to sleep alone.
I do want to sleep alone, Heather replied, not sure where the conversation was going.
Very well, come this way, the sultry woman said, curling a finger as she headed for the back archway.
Heather stopped before Frank and Quinny with a weak smile on her face. Don't let me stop you from enjoying yourselves, she said. I will see you in the morning. With that, she headed for the hall and was led to a room that was clearly laid out for purposes other than sleeping. The bed was large enough for six and plush beyond belief. It had four tall posts holding up a silken canopy. There was even a separate tub in this room, large enough for two with a table beside it set with wine and glasses.
You're always ready to entertain, Heather observed as she stepped onto a thick rug of red.
I like to see my guests are comfortable, she replied with a wink to Heather. I hope I have not been too forward with you. I only meant to make you feel welcome.
Heather set Webster down on a pillow before turning to look Blackbast in the eyes. I do feel welcome, thank you. Maybe we could talk more after I have had some sleep.
Of course, Blackbast said with a dipping bowl. You have your sleep; I will be waiting for your affections in the morning. She turned and let herself out, shutting a red paneled door behind her.
Heather flopped back into the bed, grateful to finally be alone. She sank deeply into the layers of blankets and closed her eyes, eager to embrace sleep. Outside her friends were left to fend for themselves, but part of her felt a pang of regret.
As her mind drifted away, she saw a flash on an image of a woman with soft lilac skin and blue lips. She had three green eyes with sharp curving horns on a head of golden hair. Forget the library; the egg must come first, the woman said. Begin the process, and set us free. There was more but Heather was tired and slipped away letting lifes problems wait until the morning.