Chapter 309: Pyre (2/2)

The man sighed deeply as he looked towards the crystals above them. Different elemental spells started shooting out from the crowd, first only a couple but soon a sea of spells added to the colors of the ceiling. “When I went under… I didn’t expect to come back.” He spoke, Ilea looking at the man. “To come back. And now I’m back to bury all the people I had known, the kingdom I founded. It’s not how it was supposed to go.”

Ilea looked up too then, “How was it supposed to go?”

He just smiled lightly, “Well I suppose it could be worse. At least Elana is still around.”

“As far as I’m concerned, we just defeated Death. I think you can cut yourself some slack.” She said, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“I’m not your grandfather that needs to be comforted Ilea.” He said but didn’t move her hand. “I’m the king of Rhyvor, feared necromancer and legendary womanizer.”

“Still human.” She said as the spells started to subside, the house now fully ablaze, chunks of wood and stone falling to the ground.

“So what are you going to do now, having killed Death itself?” He asked.

Ilea looked at him, finding him staring back at her, “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to ask?”

Maro laughed and shrugged, “Perhaps it is. It isn’t a question I can answer right now. Now being King sounds lovely though.” The first people started entering the dead land, walking towards the two still standing alone. The mansion actually burning down probably convinced them that the lord was dead. Ilea hadn’t really thought about the significance he had held in the dungeon. Seeing the dark ones not getting hostile, she was glad they weren’t in a death worship cult cave.

“What about you? You didn’t answer either.” He said in a teasing tone.

“I came here to get away and have fun. Getting stronger is a nice benefit too. I think I can stick with that.”

He shook his head, “I think you’ll get involved with time. No matter how much you want to deny it.”

“Humans of ash and death, have you killed the Undying Lord?” A being with antlers not unlike Maro’s head gear asked, bowing to them as it approached.

“Deny what?” Ilea asked, “Yea the fucker’s dead. Why is that relevant to you?” She wanted to at least know if a fight was coming.

“One of ash, the undying lord has demanded tribute in the form of captured monsters or sentient beings for hundreds of years. Of the few remaining dangers in the Vineyard Cave, the spirit of death remained its greatest. You have done us a service we cannot repay.”

Ilea rolled her eyes, “Don’t worry about it. Glad we could help you get rid of it.” She looked at Maro who had a wide smile on his face, his helmet appearing a moment later, “What?” Ilea demanded but he just started laughing.

“You fuck. Tell me your secrets.” She said, jumping at him but finding the king appear a couple steps away.

“Can we… do this later?” His plea seemed sincere, making her stop as more and more people gathered.

She started to ignore the questions. Most of them simply walked to the mansion itself, offering a variety of slurs, prayers, spit or even gifts. Wanting to leave due to the mass of people, she blinked away. Maro followed a moment later and they made their way back to the city. “Seriously though, what did you mean before?” She tried again when someone appeared a couple meters behind her.

Ilea turned because it was a human. The man bowed, smiling at her brightly. “You prevailed against that terrible creature. Thank you.”

[Mage – lvl 321]

Whoa, not bad old man. “Sure thing.” She gave him a thumbs up and turned around, Maro staring at her and then looking at the old man as he smiled. The old man looked unsure, lifting one hand as to continue the conversation. “Look I’m not in the mood to talk to random people all day. I didn’t reach this level to be held to social expectations. Plus I’m hungry.”

“Ah yea, you puked. Didn’t think you would react in that manner. The young and inexperienced.” Maro said and the old man chuckled, a joyous sound.

“Hmm, yes. Perhaps? Mocking others to avoid one’s own pain is quite common for those of a young age. You my dear friend should be above such. No offense meant.” The man said as he looked at Maro. Ilea turned again as she processed the man’s words, looking at Maro and back at the man.

“Do you know each other?” She asked.

Maro didn’t reveal anything below his helmet, “Not that I’m aware. Did you serve Rhyvor?”

“Rhyvor… the old kingdom. Ah yes… wasn’t this ruin a part of it too? I believe some of the records state such. No. You misunderstand. You have defeated one to sow death and pain amongst those seeking a peaceful life, it is enough to consider you friends. It’s been a while since I met a member of the Hand, how’s the old order holding up?” He said, smiling at Ilea with his disenchanting charm.

I really need to get Charisma Resistance. The man was older, only relative to Ilea though. In his seventies perhaps looks wise. He wore black pants and sturdy leather boots. A simple shirt covered by a brown poncho above. His face was wrinkled and near bronze in color and his gray hair thin, his whole frame was thin for that matter.

The man held a wooden staff that he leaned onto while they talked. The reason she assumed him to be old wasn’t necessarily his look, more the way he looked exhausted just standing there. If it weren’t for the fact that he appeared out of nowhere and had a level even higher than hers or Maro’s, she would be sure he was a retired craftsman who had worked hard in his field and now spent his days fishing on his boat in some southern country.

“You know the Hand?” Ilea said. He waved her off and started walking.

The man had a brisk pace and passed them shortly, stopping before he turned, “I think you wanted food? I’m hungry too. I’ve lived here for a couple years. You’ll want to avoid most restaurants, being human and all.” He laughed, “Come then young ones, my treat, for taking care of that spirit.” Ilea looked at Maro and shrugged, the king not reacting before she followed.

“The Hand, yes. Few know the order here.” He said and led them into the city. “We work with jobs and other than expeditions there is little incentive to come here. Plenty of dangerous dungeons and beasts down south, if that is what someone is looking for. Not many humans here to talk to, cities to enjoy. I doubt you’re here on a mission either. No, I don’t think so.” He pointed his staff at her.

Ilea smiled, “No, I’m not.”

“Thank the suns, almost thought you had been sent to fetch me. Hahaa, well I suppose the old man would be forgotten at one point or another. Is Verena still alive?” He asked.

“Well after the demon invasion she vanished, Ravenhall was destroyed mostly but with Dagon and Sulivhaan I think it’s in good hands. The defenses now look much better too.” She replied, the man stumbling before he fell face first into the dirt.

“Ah motherfucker.” He exclaimed and groaned, “Apologies…,” He got up again, dusting himself off before he smiled at the two, “Destroyed?! By demons?? Bloody…,” He shook his head, “Oh don’t tell me… that fool!” Ilea felt mana emanate from him, her sphere informing her that yes, his level wasn’t a joke or illusion. He calmed down again though, hands shaking as he summoned a pipe. Ilea’s sense of smell told her it wasn’t tobacco inside.

Lighting it with a small silver lighter, he took a deep pull and exhaled the smoke, “Mhm, yes. Adam Strand. It was him wasn’t it?” He asked, calm again. Ilea nodded. “Did you retake the city?” She nodded again. “Casualties must have been in the hundred thousands? But the empire? Is it still standing?” He looked at her with big eyes.

“Yes to both. Well Baralia started a war last year so I’m not sure if the empire is still there. At least the demons didn’t seem as much of a problem anymore. You’re part of the order then? One of the ever absent Elders I presume?” Ilea asked.

The man smiled again, “Oh you have to tell me all about that. It is however good to hear Dagon and Sulivhaan taking over the order. And yes, Lucas is my name, elder of the Shadow’s Hand, at least as far as I know. Pleased to meet you.”