Heather the Necromancer

Book 4: Chapter 15: How do you feel?

Book 4: Chapter 15: How do you feel?

Maybe we should go back? Quinny asked as she looked down the tunnel. A few minutes ago, it shook as an explosion rocked the mountain. Stones and dust fell from the ceiling, obscuring the tunnel as Frank worried for Heather and the others.

That must have been one of Heather's skeletons, Frank said as he looked down the long passage. If ones gone off, the tunnel may be blocked.

We should have used the statue and gone back sooner, Quinny insisted. Why are you so afraid of it?

Im not afraid of it, he replied but wasnt sure that was true. He found it hard to explain why he didnt care for the idea of being changed into a bird. He even wondered if it would work, his being undead and all, but then it worked for Quinny already. He supposed it was simply the fear of being stuck that way. Who knew how the magic of that thing worked, and how it could go wrong? He felt better keeping his form and walking back, besides the tunnels they were in were unusual.

The pit dropped them deep into the mountain, and it was only his ghoulish ability to dig that saved them. He snatched Quinny from the air and got her to grab on as he then used his digging skill. He buried his long claws into the wall, cutting furrows in the stone as he slowed their descent. It was just enough for them to drop into the room with a firm thump. The skeletons, however, hit the floor in a shower of broken bones and fragments. The ghoul knight flattened out with a sickening squish, black blood spraying the walls. The floor had a few inches of stagnant water on it, but that did little to break the falls.

They lay on the ground panting for a few moments before getting up to explore their surroundings. A small ledge of stone rose just above the waterline with a well-lit tunnel beyond. This tunnel was very different from the others with clean walls and floors. He guessed the wizard and rogue must have secret tunnels all over the mountain used to avoid the dangers. This must be a way to get to the bottom of the pit so they could loot any would-be invaders who perished in the fall. Considering the distance they fell, the wizard probably assumed nobody could survive it. They were less than a hundred steps into the tunnel when Breanne appeared to tell them Heather was safe but alone. She urged them to use the statue to fly up and join her, but Frank wasn't prepared to try.

He wasn't sure if it was sound logic or just an excuse, but he insisted they explore the tunnels. If they were secret passages, there would be a way up and potentially something important to find. Breanne relented and flew back to tell Heather, and a few minutes later, the explosion went off. Now he was pretty sure there was no going back. The tunnel had better lead someplace, or they were going to be stuck there until the pit trap repaired, assuming it was part of a player home. If it wasn't, he and Quinny would be haunting that tunnel for a long time.

They followed the passage as it curved to the left, and to his great relief arrived at stairs up. As they began to climb, he had a thought that plagued him since the swamps, but never had a chance to explore it.

Why did you compare us to a harem anime?

Quinny looked up her pale white skin and black eyes, making her unmistakably undead. However, she added only a slight scar to her lip and jaw, and another gentle mark on her cheek. She never had any blood or gore on her face, and when she wore one of Heather's dresses, she almost looked normal. Despite being undead, she was still attractive in an odd sort of way, and she smiled broadly.

Why are you asking about that now? Quinny replied.

It just surprised me, he sighed and scratched at his head. Sometimes, I think you are insinuating that something is going on between Heather and I.

And that bothers you?

Frank shrugged. It doesn't bother me. I just worry it will bother Heather. She is my best friend, and I don't want to upset that.

Frank, be honest, is that all you want her to be? she said, causing him to close his eyes. Truth be told Heather was pretty, so was Quinny and Breanne for that matter, but he wasn't. He liked having Heather around because she was the first girl who treated him with respect and care. It was a stark contrast to the real world where he was an outcast, and few girls gave him a moment's notice.

Even if I did want something else. She wouldnt be interested.

Quinny laughed. See you are the oblivious anime protagonist.

What do you mean? He asked, not bothering to look back.

Quinny shook her head and ran a few steps to walk beside him. Frank, youre surrounded by women who fight over your attention. When are you going to open your eyes?

None of you fight for my attention, he argued.

Pfft, you keep proving my point, Quinny said.

He turned on her and looked her directly in the face, pointing a long-clawed finger at her.

All of us are friends, he insisted with narrow eyes.

Then why do you spend so much time with me? Quinny asked.

He rose taller at the odd question, wondering what she was implying. I spend time with you because you're a zombie, and I feel you understand what it's like to be undead. Besides, you spend most of your time underground like I do, and I like talking to you.

Yes, but you spend that time talking to me about Heather. I cant figure out which of us you like more.

I like you both equally, he protested. I have spent more time with you recently because Heather is always reading that book, and I don't want to bother her.

Quinny rolled her black eyes as she twisted her head. So, if she wasn't busy, you wouldn't spend time with me?

Of course, I would. I like spending time with you. In fact, because we share being undead, I feel closer to you, he admitted.

Quinny smiled and twisted slightly. Is that why you dug a secret tunnel to link my bedroom to yours?

Frank stood tall and nearly stumbled back as the insinuation hit him like a hammer. What? No! I did that so we would have an escape route from our most secure rooms.

Quinny batted her eyes and stepped closer. So, you had nothing else on your mind?

He stumbled away and shook his head. Why are you acting like this?

Ha! Classic anime protagonist. Soon you will trip and somehow end up with Heather and me in your arms.

He dropped his hands while rolling his eyes. Will you look at me, I am a ghoul, nobody is chasing after me for a relationship.

Quinny tossed her head. I have to admit you're hard to look at, but the more I get to know you, the less I care. Heather hardly cares at all. I saw how snugly she got with you in her chair thingy.

She was trying to show me her panel! he argued.

Quinny shrugged. That's right; go on making excuses.

Youre just saying this to annoy me, he countered and turned about, heading up the stairs.

Why would it annoy you? Quinny asked. Have you been thinking about it?

No, he replied with a wave of his hand. And neither should you.

You know this is a fantasy world. There is nothing to say the different races can't share a little romance, we're all human on the inside, Quinny insisted as she followed. I bet the ladies like some of the exotic races.

Now youre being gross, he groaned. You watch the wrong anime.

Oh, don't tell me you never watched any of it! Quinny argued. Why do you think I made myself look like a cute zombie girl? I am not afraid of a little attention if it comes my way.

I went for horrible, bloodthirsty ghoul, Frank countered. I don't worry about attention.

Can't you change it? Quinny asked.

Why would I?

For Heather, Quinny insisted. You know she likes you.

She is my best friend, he replied. Not my girlfriend.

Will you stop that already, Quinny sighed. She comes to you with all her problems and listens to what you have to say. Whenever she needs something important done, she trusts you to do it. She trusts you with everything, even sharing her panel. I can' think of anything she keeps secret from you.

Friends do that, he replied.

Oh please! she groaned as the stairs turned slightly to the left. Most people's friendships are shallow and empty. We lie to our friends just like we lie to ourselves, putting on an act. What Heather does is different, it's genuine. She is exactly who you see and treats you special.

She yells at me all the time, he pointed out.

Thats because you are her rock in this world. Youre the emotional anchor that keeps her going. You mean the world to her, and she would die to protect you.

You're crazy, he replied, wishing he had never brought this up.

You want to see crazy, watch Heather when you get hurt. When she thinks you're injured, or when a monster gets you. She goes berserk, just look at what happened when that lake monster bit you.

She does the same for you, he replied. Because were her friends.

Why are you fighting me over this? Quinny asked.

He stopped as his shoulders drooped. Look, I have never had a girlfriend before. Or any friends that were girls. Now I am here, looking as horrible as fantasy possible, and I am surrounded by them. Do you think I don't consider it? Of course, I do, but I didn't make this character to have a romance. I wanted to make a grand undead adventure. I never planned for girls or even friends.

Quinny walked up and took his hand, looking into his lifeless yellow eyes. And a woman came along and decided to stay with you. She picked a class so she could help you, and share in your adventure. Now she panics anytime you're in trouble and comes rushing to your rescue. She was so upset that you might die; she pushed her healing into that strange blue glow. She cares about you, so stop pretending she doesn't.

He pulled his hand away to hold it up so Quinny could see the long bony fingers covered in putrid rubbery flesh. The nails were black and crusted with dried blood as they hooked viciously. He dropped the hand, and she saw the narrow gaunt face, with slits for a nose and the mouth full of jagged colored teeth.

She doesn't care, Quinny said.

I care, he replied. Why are you pushing this all of a sudden?

Quinny shrugged. Youre the one who asked. Besides, I wanted to see how you really felt, and if you were interested in me.

Do we have to talk about this he groaned, hoping a golem would attack them to end the conversation.

We dont have to, she replied. But I thought you would be happy to know I was thinking about you.

What? Why would you be thinking about me? He couldnt believe this conversation was happening nor that he could be more uncomfortable.

Quinny shrugged. Like I said, you're ugly as sin, but you have a heart of gold, and you fight for your ladies just like a knight from a storybook. You are a good guy. Besides, you have a secret tunnel directly to my bedroom.

He came to rest on his chest with his arms stretched out. He lifted himself slowly to find Quinny and Heather side by side underneath him, looking up.

Ha! Hahaahaha! Quinny began as Frank panicked and stumbled to get off them. I told you it would happen!

Will you shut up! Frank insisted and reached out to pull them up.

Frank? Heather asked as she reached up to touch his face. Why do you look so normal?

Normal? Frank replied in alarm and reached up to touch his face. What do you mean normal?

Are you blushing? Heather asked as Quinny doubled over in laughter.

A bolt of fire crashed into the wall beside them, saving him from answering that question. They turned around to find Legeis had managed to anchor himself to the floor and was throwing the last of his bombs at the wizard to little effect.

Spells are useless against that bubble, Heather said. Nothing low level will get through, and he is too fast for me to catch, even sprinting.

Whose the warrior with the shield? Quinny asked between gasps.

Heather smiled a gently as if proud and replied. My bone champion.

Champion? Frank asked, pondering the name. He watched her nod gently as she held out a hand calling her scythe to her grip. She then led the dash back down the hall and quickly explained summoning him.

So, this is a necromancer's tower? Frank asked in disbelief.

Yes, Heather replied. I think that wizard built his base into an old necromancer lair. It's why his protection spell only protects some of the halls. He doesn't own the others.

But you cant connect basses like that, Frank said. Not unless both players are working together.

Heather shrugged and put on a sudden burst of speed, using her talents to close the gap while the wizard was focused on Legeis. The poor goblin was reduced to a dagger in each hand, tumbling around the floor as the wizard hurled blue balls of fire at him. She leaped into the air the scythe, making a whistling sound as the wizard darted out of the way.

Hold still! she shouted as her scythe cut a line in the wall behind him.

The wizard laughed and went to cast a spell on her when Frank grabbed Quinny and used one of his abilities. With surging strength, he hurled her the distance, turning her into a ballistic weapon as she laughed, sword leading the way. She passed right through the bubble, cutting the wizard with a deep gouge before sailing passed and into the wall herself.

Arggh! he growled and doubled over inside the bubble. He looked up with murder in his eyes at Frank, and then his bubble raced around a corner carrying him away to safety. Frank had to duck as a red laser burned across the wall, the bone champion holding the golem from behind. The two were locked in a wrestling match trying to overpower one another.

Quinny? Heather gasped as she turned the woman over.

That was fun! Quinny said as she sat up. What made you think to do that? she added as Frank ran up to squat beside Heather.

I just felt like it would work, and you wouldnt mind, he said in a panic.

She twisted her neck to test it and then shrugged. It almost worked, but I bet he has a lot of health.

I have wounded him a couple of times, Heather admitted as the golem rammed its back and her bone champion into a nearby wall.

Do we help the bone champion? Frank asked as the two continued to battle.

The wizard is getting away, Heather remarked, helping Quinny up. I don't have any more magic to use unless I tap into essence, but that's a one-use trick.

Better not, Frank suggested, afraid of Heather passing out in battle.

Where is Breanne? Quinny asked.

Heather took on a curious expression and looked Quinny in the face. I sent her back to you.

She never came back, Frank said in concern.

I got nothing left by my knives, Legeis said as he joined the conversation.

Heather nodded and looked to Frank as if upset. He could see Quinny smiling out of the corner of his eye and let out a deep sigh.

I am sure she is alright. She can pass through walls, and her banshee wails are some of our most powerful attacks. We must have gotten far enough ahead of her that she hasn't caught up yet. I bet she shows up in a minute or two.

Heather nodded, and they turned to run for the hall the wizard fled down. The hall led to an arched doorway with glowing runes. Frank ran recklessly through them to make sure it was safe, and the others followed. Here the mist resumed, and thus the illusions. They heard echoing laughter from both ahead and behind as they proceeded into an oval-shaped room with an upper balcony. There was a door on the opposite side and a stairwell set in one wall. Frank led the way into the center of the room, carefully watching the balcony. As the others joined him, the wizard appeared in the doorway. He pointed a wand, and white ropes fired out, wrapping Legeis in binds and anchoring him to the floor.

Wand of webbing! Legeis cried.

Heather raised her scythe to charge, but there was a sudden golden glow in the air. The mist retreated, and suddenly there was a sort pressure. A circle of two lines with symbols of yellow light formed around them, burning into the floor. Frank tried to approach the lines, but an invisible force pushed back at him, trapping him inside.

It is useless to try and escape, The wizard said. Its a circle of undead warding. Undead cant enter into, or in this case, out of it.

Heather charged the wall but was thrown back with such force Frank had to catch her. He stood her back on her feet as the wizard pulled a bottle from his robes and drank it. They watched the wounds he carried start to melt away as he began to walk calmly around the circle.

You undead have been the only challenge I have ever faced here, he said. I am rather grateful you came, I was getting kind of bored now that nobody plays in the swamps.

They would if you hadnt ruined the nearby city, Heather argued.

He smiled and kept on walking, forcing them to turn to watch him.

I had no intention of ruining it, only using it to spread my control. However, Gwen refuses to see the wisdom of joining our power.

She doesnt want to get married to you, Heather countered. I can see why.

The wizard laughed and shook his head. I am not interested in that! The marriage would only be so I could use some of the stone's power properly. I don't care who she loves and spends time with. I just needed the stone to further my research, and she refused to let me even look at it. You have no idea what power is locked in these tools.

Frank looked to Heather as the wizard took on an almost friendly demeanor, speaking as if to equals. He could see her eyes taking on a thinking expression as she watched the wizard circle them.

What have you learned? Heather asked, now showing a peculiar curiosity.

The wizard stopped, turning to face her as their eyes met. These are pinholes into the magic beyond this world. The energy the visitors use to shape it. They give us some basic control over it so we can modify the land around us, but I think the necromancers were right. I think they can be used for so much more.

The necromancers? Heather asked. What do you know about them?

The wizard smiled and leaned close to the edge of the protective lines. I have a question first. Tell me. What class are you?

Heather folded her arms with a defiant look on her face as the wizard smiled wider. Its pointless to play games now, dont you think? You used the circle in the chamber of focus, that can only mean you are a necromantic class. Maybe a spirit caster or soulshaper could activate the circle, but none of them can summon an undead minion of such power.

I am a necromancer, Heather replied with a flat tone in her voice. Are you happy now?

The wizard nodded and stepped back, resuming his leisurely pace. A zombie necromancer, how is that possible?

Frank's eyes went wide and glanced at Quinny as the wizard reminded them both that Heather wasn't undead. They looked to Heater, who was smiling in return, eyes fixed on the wizard with deadly focus as she quietly spoke the spell of dismissal. They saw the color returning to her skin as her undead appearance faded, but the arrogant wizard wasn't paying attention.

You obviously dont know many necromancers, Heather replied as her hand tightened on her scythe. Or you wouldnt be asking that.

I knew many! the wizard replied and turned about just in time to see Heather leap across the ward, her scythe raised high. Oh dear! he said as she cut downward.

Frank watched the scythe cut the man open from shoulder to hip as he flailed back. A spell suddenly went off, and there were four of him staggering about the room in great pain.

A guise! the wizard growled. I should have known.

I hate illusions! Heather roared, cutting the nearest image in half only to have it vanish before her eyes. She raced after the next one as one of the forms ran down the hallway.

Heather, it has to be that one! Frank shouted and pointed to the doorway. Heather nodded and ran after the escaping wizard, leaving the three trapped in the ward.

Cut me loose, and I can go after her, Legeis suggested.

But then how do we get out of this? Quinny asked as she tried to approach the glowing lines.

Frank wasnt sure until he looked down at the floor. We go under it, he replied and flexed his claws. It will take a few minutes, but I should be able to tunnel through this. Use your sword to cut Legeis loose, while I dig.

See, youre brave and smart, what girl doesnt want that? Quinny teased.

Frank suddenly wished he had an excuse to throw her again and triggered his digging ability. His claws cut into the stone like it was soft dirt, tearing it away in chunks. In a few moments, he had a hole and started widening it as he flung material aside.

How come you never used this on the stone golems? Quinny asked.

Yeah, that would have been a good idea, Legeis added as she cut the webbing away.

Frank froze a moment and blinked his lidless eyes. I never thought of that.

Well, maybe not so smart, but still brave, Quinny teased as Legeis came free and ran after Heather.

Frank ignored her and kept digging, cutting through the stone at a fantastic rate. When it came time to dig under the ward, he braced himself to be repelled, but the magic didn't penetrate the ground, and he easily passed under it. A few minutes later, a hole opened in the floor beyond, and he clawed his way out. He reached down to pull Quinny up before running after Heather, hopeful they wouldn't be too late.