Chapter 299 - Denouement (2/2)
The sound of the Vukanovi shambling into sight got everyone's attention, and Li propelled the Vukanovi forward with a flick of his wrist, making a platform of roots carry it across the air and plop it down by the glade surrounding the ash tree.
The top of the pumpkin familiar's head opened up, and everyone sprawled out.
Nobody seemed much worse for wear other than Mason and Mercer, their hair a mess from probably tumbling around when the Vukanovi retreated from Li and Lira's battle.
”Gods,” said Old Thane as he leaped down from the Vukanovi, his boots hitting grass. He breathed in deep, his broad c.h.e.s.t expanding like a wall. ”How the air here has changed. Smells as clear as the air in Riviera!”
Sheela and Vilga leaped down behind Old Thane, tentatively stepping across grass as they curiously sniffed the air too, finding not fog, but fresh winds carrying the scent of flowers and freshly grown grass.
Asala slithered down the side of the Vukanovi with surprising speed, taking note all the while of the area around her, probably sketching it to provide a before and after contrast in her records.
”The Seer can do anything,” said Sheela with a proud nod. ”Brings life and peace everywhere. Even where there is none. I don't like some thing he say. About demons, too. But still know he will make things right.”
Vilga nodded, but being more reserved, did not say more.
Mason and Mercer tumbled out of the Vukanovi and crumpled on the grass, exhausted from being pinballed around the insides of the familiar, most likely. Zagan sailed over them, landing neatly on all fours. The demon gave the two young men a scornful glance before trotting away, lying down beside Li.
”The Seer, eh?” said Lira. Li had gone over her about what he had done in this world as well. She knew what things about him to keep a secret. ”I was never a fan of this god or that. Always so complicated, that topic. So many things calling themselves gods, too, and so many of them so easily killable.”
She stretched before sitting up, smiling, her sharp fangs visible and rainbow eyes twinkling. ”But I have to say, if ever there was a god to believe-,” She pointed a finger to Li. ”Then whichever one he champions is the right one.”
The sound of heavy stone thumping down on grass drew the party's attention back. Asala had dropped her tablet, and now pointed her stylus at Lira with trembling hand.
”What is it?” asked Mercer, worried as he hovered a hand over his sheathed daggers. Mason, seeing his brother on edge, also tensed up.
”Take thee hands of thy weapons lest humiliation fall upon thee,” said Asala, and the brothers eased up. ”I am merely overwhelmed. Worried I was that perhaps this was not the true Lira, that she was felled by the Seer, but now, to see that she is well and at peace, it doth grant me excitement.”
”Hello,” said Lira with a big wave.
Asala slithered up to Lira with a bow, picking up her tablet along the way. ”If it may please thee, great adventurer, will thou not talk with us? Tell us of thy adventures? For to fill in the incomplete records of Lira the Seeker shall surely prove to mine sisters that this world is yet worth braving to record.”
”Oh, a Serpi,” said Lira. ”Good to see your kind remain as beautiful and curious as always. And I am not so sure. I tend to ramble, and I've no guarantee I can spin an entertaining tale. That is the realm of the bards and songsters, and I have little more than a warrior's brute ways.”
”Aye, I'd still be game to hear ye,” said Old Thane as he made his way up. ”For once, someone other than me will be telling tall tales of their adventures. Though in your case, I should reckon they truly are impressive.”
”So you finally admit you tell some tall tales here and there, old man,” said Li. ”Though don't yourself down. You've got plenty of eye openers yourself.”
”Heh, but none compared to the legendary Lira the Seeker.” Old Thane waved everyone in. ”Come, Sheela, Vilga, lads. Why not hear from a living legend herself?”