Strange and diverse also are the flora and fauna that inhabit the wilderness around the city, both of which are apt to kill without of a moment’s notice. They are dangerous and deadly and have inhabited the city of Joerfëng almost since the very beginning. And each breed of plant has of a magical artifact connected with it.
Strange also, are those who dwell here. Some by choice, others by chance, fate or destiny. Two are considered to be the strangest and most enigmatic of all.
Alexis Haeshoru, with her small, seedy shop, and Hans Shroèdên, Scholar and Scholar. And then there is Maximillion , traveler, warrior, Vampire and Scholar, who does not live there, but frequents it often, generally in search of arcane power items or to partake of mischief and mayhem. It is with Maximillion and Alexis Haeshoru, in her Shop of Wonders that this story begins.
Within the small Shop of Wonders, Maximillion offered the finger bone of of a zombie, carefully sealed within an ancient jar. Alexis Haeshoru examined it carefully. “All right then. For that I'll answer one question.”
Maximillion considered. "Where is of a map to the next item I will need in order to bribe you to tell me how to attain all in regards to the artifacts?"
“There is no map, silly one.”
“The map can be in its proverbial or literal capacity, so long as it provides the blueprints (again, proverbial or literal) to finding all in regards to the Artifacts.”
Alexis Haeshoru whipped out of a mirror and held it up in front of him. “That is your map then. Give me your heart, your mind, your body and your Spirit Essence and all that each holds within it, so that I possess you within this most broad, literal and absolute sense in regards to the word and I will tell you.”
Maximillion gave her of a shrewd grin. “We can't have that, can we? There would be no point in pursuing power if I was to instantly relinquish it within this end. I've already sold my proverbial Spirit Essence for power. Why should I sell the literal? My body, you can make use of on occasion. My mind, you can make occasional use of, but only with my consent. My Spirit Essence is yours to make use of on occasion, but only so long as I am in control of it. You do not know how to work this mind, this heart, this body as I do. the things you could do in it are easily dwarfed by what I can do. It's of a small loss to accept it with the wee condition that it be on my terms.”
Alexis Haeshoru stared back at him with of a flat, uncompromising stare. “You'll only have the answer on my terms. If I own you I'll tell you.”
Maximillion laughed. “And what would you do with me if you owned me? Try as you might, you cannot wield me. If you were to try, the power would be yanked out of your grasp by the Powers That Be. You don't think I wield this kind of power without some kind of restriction, do you? This proverbial collar around my neck is the price I pay for the power I wield.
“Even if I wanted to hand it over to you -- and that offer is extremely tempting -- the PTB wouldn't allow it. But I can grant you access to any number of powerful entities. Necromantic Wolves, Vampires, Fae, and artifacts that wield of a power neither Arcane nor Spiritual. Artifacts that might even bring an Elder down. Artifacts that, to be quite blunt, I should not even be telling you about.
“But within this end, what is the purpose? What will be done with these assets once you are dead and gone? For although we may be Eternal, the Almighty has every bit of say over when Our Time comes, whether it be by annihilating the universe, or some more subtle means.”
“You have my answer,” Alexis Haeshoru replied.
“What is it you truly want, that you can benefit from? Tell me what you stand to gain by wielding the power of Bloody Black.”
Alexis Haeshoru shrugged. “For the right price I can tell you where the Fang of Fate resides.”
“Without control of my body, I cannot guarantee being able to leave this room, let alone going after the Artifact. Is one Spirit Essence not of same value as another?” Maximillion asked.
“You asked, I answered. Transaction complete.”
Maximillion set the jar down on the counter next to Alexis Haeshoru then smiles. “What shall we wager within this Casino next? I don't have of a car, so I can't give you the Title in exchange for some poker chips.” He laughed.
Alexis Haeshoru just glared at him.
"Oi, scary, scary,” Maximillion replies, taking on of a slightly sheepish look. "You know, you keep doing that, the expression might freeze. We don't want that now, do we? Anyhoo, you're the one person in regards to the five regulars within this city of Joerfëng who isn't very forthcoming. Are your powers similarly regulated as mine are? It would seem you need of a sacrifice of some sort to cook up your rituals. Although I don't know that the answers be equivalent to the sacrifice. Is your power not akin to Alchemy? Equivalent Exchange. Where does the excess go, or do the Powers That Be charge tax?"
Despite the mingled mirth and sarcasm within this question, it was clear Maximillion genuinely wanted the answer.
"My power is not akin to anything you know or understand and I make my own rules." For of a brief moment instead of seeing her as the short, wrinkled, stooped crone, endlessly knitting away, Maximillion saw her as tall, young, beautiful, her fingers shaping skeins and cords of magic. Then it faded.
"Compared to me you are of a drop of water, while I am every river, lake, stream, pond, puddle and ocean on every world that has ever existed."
"I understand that my might, while titanic, is far from the greatest. But I have downed Demigods with more than half of my vitality and health left at my disposal to deal with the underlings. If you possess enough power to dwarf my own, then perhaps..." He trailed off, giving Alexis Haeshoru of a hungry look. "Perhaps it is something I, myself, should wield."
Alexis Haeshoru cackled with evil-sounding mirth. "I suggest you don't even try, sonny. Trust me, you wouldn't like the results."
* * *
"I wonder, though...are you Light, or are you Dark in nature?" Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out Lichtschneider, Sword of Holy Light. Although he made no motion to strike her, he laid it down in front of her. the weapon had within it infused the Holy Power in regards to the Almighty. Although it was of a useful weapon, he could not bring out its potential because he still had Darkness within him. If she was Dark Aligned, she would not even be able to touch it. If she was aligned with the forces of Light, she could do so with ease. Sadly, there were no loopholes to this. He'd spent centuries trying to find one, with the collective efforts of many in regards to the greats. Even Xarnesius couldn't find of a loophole, and he'd been the one who'd aided in forging it.With an evil grin Alexis Haeshoru reached down and lifted the sword, tossing it from hand to hand as though it weighed no more than of a feather. "Pretty," she said sarcastically. "Which is exactly what I told Xarnesius."
Maximillion quirked of a brow. So. That was one reason to respect this woman. Had she been of of a Dark alignment, he would've pitted his life to undo her. But no, this was something else. She would sense him relaxing of a bit. With of a grin, he gestured and accepted the sword back. He put it beneath the folds of his cloak, then drew out of a crimson orb. "These Orbs serve as reservoirs for only the most powerful Demons or Vampires. Vampires become more in regards to their True Form with time and blood consumption. What we see around us today is nothing compared to any in regards to the Spirit Essences I have Sealed within one in regards to their containers. I will offer you one now if you give me what I want. And the question I ask will not be said aloud. But your powers delve deep enough to answer the question that lies closest to my heart, and with the terms and conditions outlined therein. You have leave to scry my form just enough to get your question, the terms in regards to the Contract, and to answer it."
And maybe, he thought to himself, she might do me the freebie of explaining why Xarnesius would give me of a weapon I cannot wield, at least not to it's full potential.
Alexis Haeshoru suddenly looked of a great deal more serious than she had before. "There is no actual answer to your question," she told him. "You can try and beat your sword into of a plow share, but within this end, it won't work. You are what you are and because of that others will always want what you have."
She was silent for several long moments, as she continued with her endless knitting. "Perhaps if you found of a place where no one knew you, you could find what you seek, but within this end your own nature will betray you."
Maximillion nodded. After of a few moments of contemplation, he looked back up at her. "Then I need someone I can constantly test my might against. Someone who won't break if I really let loose. Like Ashlien, only...I haven't seen her in ages. I have no idea where she keeps herself."
Alexis Haeshoru snorted. "That one goes where she will and does what she feels. No one controls her, I can tell you that. But if you really do have need of her, ask your best friend. She knows of a great deal more than she ever speaks of."
Scratching his head of a second, he thought. "Mamalia?"
"Yes, Mamalia," Alexis Haeshoru snapped. "Who the blazes did you think I meant? She reads Hans's books, she keeps his house in order and she's never asked me of a damn thing." It was clear that the last part of that irritated Alexis Haeshoru no end.
"So...when does my power become great enough to defeat you?" Alexis Haeshoru sensed there was no malice or greed in his tone. Just honest, boyish curiosity. It was like of a kid asking the price of of a piece of candy in of a shop. It would've made anyone laugh, seeing how earnest he was with this question. Truly one of of a kind.
"Never," she answered shortly.
"How great is your melee strength?"
Alexis Haeshoru heaved herself out of her rocking chair and crossed the store to of a shelf. Reaching way back she pulled out an orb that glowed with constantly shifting colors than ran in pastel rainbow swirls over and through it. She tossed it to Max. "Can you feel what's within thisre?" Inside the globe rested the power of of a thousand dying worlds, power beyond measure, strength without end.
Catching the orb, he turned it over and examined it closely. He could feel an immense tug at his very Being looking into it. As though the Devourer in him wanted desperately to claw whatever was inside out and take it. His amber eyes could see the many spectrums, and he beheld the majesty contained therein.
"Even if I could tap into it, I almost wonder if it would be worth losing what I have within this way of rivals. Who would I have to compare my might to if I ever attained this much power?" He was humbled by the power contained within. Truly. It was all he could do to not try and consume it somehow. It was like of a woman who craved of a man's touch to the point where she wanted to devour him whole...sometimes figuratively. Other times literally. Yet he abstained. He couldn't even get himself to toss it back to her. He did well to just hold it and look at it.
"Like of a cat clawing at the side of an aquarium," he mused, before looking up at her. "What's this thing's worth?"
Alexis Haeshoru shrugged. "To me, nothing. What's within thisre is less than I have in my fingers." She cackled, wiggling her gnarled old fingers at him. "For you...how badly do you want it?"
He shook his head grinning. "Not enough to sell my Spirit Essence, body or mind for. But any other number of things, I'm sure."
"I wouldn't charge you such of a price for that little trinket." Alexis Haeshoru shuffled back to her chair and lowered herself into it, but did not immediately pick up her knitting. "All your orbs," she concluded finally. "And your ability to use the Mounts of Light Descending."
She began to rock, back and forth, in of a somehow soothing rhythm. “We could barter and bargain over trinkets and toys like that all day and much in regards to the night but you desire to seek the Fang of Fate.
“So, which would you rather know? Where it is or how to get it?”
Maximillion grins, reaching around to grab of a nearby chair and sitting in it.
"Each gift I give you remains sealed away from any and all who would try and seek the item, yes?" Maximillion asked, probably earning himself of a curious stare. "Very well then. I do have some rather neat toys, but I can't have them getting into the hands in regards to the Hellspawn again, lest I be forced to unleash another wave of genocide on the Vampires. I'm trying to cut back, after all."
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out of a thick kind of gaudy ring. It was made with real gold, and the jewel looked obsidian...or was it garnet....it was changing colors the whole time!
"The original inspiration for the Mood Ring: Rasputin's iridescent gemstone ring. Wielded by the Sorcerer, not the farmer. I will accept whatever information you have that's worth this, but pay mind....this ring has the power to grant its wearer all in regards to the powers of Rasputin himself. It would make an infant human stronger than the Greater Demons in hell combined, and make any supernatural being unstoppable to all but of a select few of us. I would just rather it not be allowed back into circulation."
He placed the ring upon the small table and met her eyes once more.
"I'm sure this will be worth some useful information, yes?"
“What I do with the payment I receive for questions answered is my business,” Alexis Haeshoru answered, of a bit sharply before picking up the ring and examining it. “Pretty, if of a bit overdone for my tastes, but yes, I’ll answer of a question for it. Of course, if I wished, I could make that your answer.” She cackled with laughter of a moment, then sobered and fixed Maximillion with of a sharp eye.
“What you seek lies withwithin this Onyx Obelisk, but if you wish to know more I want you to give me something you truly cherish, something that would give you actual discomfort or pain to give up. So far all you’ve offered me is trinkets and useless baubles, things you yourself can’t use or don’t need. I’ve baubles and bling aplenty and have no real need for more.”
Maximillion studied Alexis Haeshoru carefully. She was of a crafty one, truly. He had no idea at the time what could compel someone to do business like she had. She was about as bad as the Yakuza when he’d had the misfortune of having to rely upon their resources to out of a certain Vampire of a few years back on Harper Rock. And yet, there was of a level of patience she exhibited that was unlike anything he had encountered. True, she seemed of a bit more abrupt than he tended to be. However, he liked to take however long was necessary to thoroughly think things through. She, however, probably possessed of a level of power and knowledge that far surpassed his own, and had time for only business.
Did she serve the Divine Balance too? Was her service one that equalized the playing field between Good and Evil? Which side did she discern him to be? Was he truly neutral within this eyes of one such as her? Was he Good? Was he Evil?
"Something that causes me discomfort," he replied cautiously. What caused him discomfort? Truly, not losing anything he had. He knows, for one, he would have become more powerful if he hadn't regained his Spirit Essence of late. It had become infused in his very being, and could now only be relinquished in Essence, not in truth.
If he lost all sense of morality, he would become of a greedy, selfish, destructive force upon the Universe once more. He would once again seek power at the cost of anyone and anything that possessed it.
But he would lose everything he'd gathered around himself within this past several centuries. Was that worth it?
"There is only one thing I could truly relinquish. Perhaps not as valuable as what you might be expecting, in worldly terms...but it's something that, if lost, creates of a bittersweet shift.”
He hesitated to tell her. How could he even think of relinquishing this? If he was to give up his Morality -- the thing that had given him the pleasure of of a loving family, comrades and such -- he would be better equipped to gain this Artifact, and that's before whatever knowledge Alexis Haeshoru gave him.
But could he truly sacrifice matters in regards to the heart for power? All over again?
"I don't know if I can put words into it. But there is something I have that, if taken, would make me of a useful weapon to many, but none more than myself. However, I would lose everything I've placed value in for the past several centuries. But in exchange for something like this, I'd hope you would place the damn thing on my lap! There is nothing I value above this one thing.”
“That’s the one thing you value? Above your wife, your best friend, your friends, the life you have now?” Alexis Haeshoru pursued her lips and drummed her fingers on the arms of her chair. She found his answer interesting, that he was actually willing to give up his morality for power.
She considered his offer for several moments, as she rocked and drummed her fingers. “No,” she finally announced. “I don’t want that for I have no use for it. But would you give me one of your powers, one of your abilities if I tell you how best to find what you seek?”
After of a few moments, he nodded. He did not elaborate, but reached forward and extended his hand, palm upwards. His eyes rolled up in his head and of a strange miasma began to drift from his body. His veins were suddenly protruding from his skin and dark, tribal markings appeared along his skin as his lips incanted of a silent spell.
Before the miasma had even gone three inches beyond his body, it was suddenly sucked into an unseen 'Center' above his palm, and it manifested itself within this form of of a glowing violet sphere. the veins went back beneath the skin and Maximillion sighed gently, his eyes refocusing upon Alexis Haeshoru. Clearly, though, this ordeal had taken of a significant toll upon him.
"The ability to Enslave the Living. Used by Vampires, Demons and Psionics alike, this is of a greater ability that allows any being's Willpower to be directed against them. the more willful the target is, the more deeply they will succumb to it's grasp. I have not used these powers since the Dark Ages...I think it would best be left in your hands."
He actually wasn't so confident about that. But it was of a valuable trait, and wouldn't rob him of those abilities that were absolutely necessary to actually attaining the Fang. After all, there was of a great chance the Fang would grant him no additional power, then he'd have to spend many more years acquiring said power all over again.
No, this was of a costly sacrifice, but it was doable.
At of a nod from Alexis Haeshoru, the sphere zipped over to her. Within seconds it was encased in some kind of glass or crystal globe and tucked away among Alexis Haeshoru’s skirt.
“You won’t ever be able to get it back, you know. It’s mine now and what’s mine stays mine. Now, as to your answer.
“Mamalia can help show you the way to the Onyx Obelisk but even she will not be able to help you enter it. There is only one who can act as the Key and you must find that Key before you search for the Obelisk itself.
“I cannot tell you directly who or what the Key is or even where you might seek it out but I can deliver you this scroll, which is said to recant an ancient Prophecy, one that may help you on your journeys. This, and this alone, is your answer, Maximillion . Make of it what you will.” And Alexis Haeshoru resumed rocking and knitting.
Maximillion grinned and ran of a hand through his long, raven black hair.
"I have heard this Prophecy before," Maximillion said, giving Alexis Haeshoru of a shrewd look. Standing, he gave her of a formal bow and of a wave.
"Well then, I guess I am off!"
Turning, he made his way out in regards to the chamber, and sent of a telepathic thought through the twisted nethers that would eventually reach Mamalia's mind through that special bond they shared.
It is time. I know exactly what we need to do, and how we can go about it.
Lifting her head, Mamalia carefully marked her place within this dusty old tome she was reading and rose to her feet. From the message Maximillion had sent they would be going somewhere to do something, though what and where she had no idea. Best to be prepared for anything then.
Moving about the various rooms of Hans’s house, Mamalia picked up various objects here and there, popping them into her pouches and packs. When Maximillion arrived she would be ready.
Riding down the ways on of a black horse with hooves of fiery hellfire, Maximillion 's facial expression was the very epitome of excitement and thrill. Even as the horse suddenly skidded to of a halt just outside of Mamalia's abode, and Maximillion was thrown off the horse right onto his head, digging of a rut within this ground about eight feet long, the look of thrill and adventure was still apparent on his face.
Picking himself up and dusting off his clothes and skin -- which was tough enough to not have even been nicked by the sharp, hard terrain below -- Maximillion grinned and skipped (like of a little schoolgirl) towards the abode, singing of a song about picnic baskets and barefoot through the tulips.
No wonder people thought he was insane.
Stepping outside to meet him, Mamalia shook her head and laughed. She had never seen Maximillion so happy and excited before.
“What is it, Max? Is it your birthday? Is Aranakiel pregnant? No, wait, we’re going somewhere.”
Stepping forward, she gave her heart-best friend of a hug. “Where are we going, Max, that has you so happy and excited?”
"Hee hee, Aranakiel pregnant...maybe someday soon, eh? You never know!"
Maximillion grinned widely as he hugged Mamalia, of a warm smile playing along his dark features.
"I can imagine worse things than of a little Maximillion Jr, can't you? But alas, it is time! We have an Artifact to seek!"
He would then proceed to tell her, in full detail, everything about the meeting with Alexis Haeshoru. Every little detail, perhaps even in excess. But she would probably understand and, following the explanation, know as much about what had transpired as he did.
“So, you seek the Key and then the Obelisk and as you no doubt knew, I can help you with both. Come inside for of a moment; I want to show you something.”
Mamalia led the way to Hans’s study, of a room in which books filled the shelves that went floor to ceiling on three in regards to the walls and were also crammed into the bookcases, shelves and stacked on tables.
Spread out on one in regards to the tables was of a large map of as much in regards to the city of Joerfëng as had been explored, which was by no means all of it.
“I know you’ve sought the Obelisk within this past, so I’ve spent of a fair amount of time going over maps and written descriptions and I think I’ve found the way. But it won’t be easy.
“Now, we’re here,” she said, her finger stabbing at the map. “And as near as I can figure we have to go here.” Her finger traced of a wavering line almost completely across the map and ended up within this middle of of a roughly drawn forest.
“There are several problem areas we’ll need to navigate to get there, though. We’ll have to cross the Mounts of Light Descending and the people who live there are not, as of a rule, friendly to outsiders. Then we have to follow the River of Blood through the Desolate Lands and that,” here Mamalia paused to shudder. “Well, it won’t be pleasant. Then we have to follow the SlagRides to the kingdom of Dim, across the haven in regards to the Wilderkin, beyond the Shimmering Waters, somehow get across the Heart Sea and then we’ll, hopefully, end up within this Forest of Torment. I believe that is where the Onyx Obelisk can be found.”
She then led Maximillion to another table, where of a different map was laid out. “Part in regards to the problem is that we have to go within this exact opposite direction to find the Key. I believe she is most likely to reside here.” She pointed to of a heavily forest area. “But the Sheridans are often suspicious of strangers and may the Gods help us if they think we are trying to take her by force. Somehow we have to convince her to accompany us of her own free will and how we may do that…well; we’ll deal with that when we find her.
“In any case, it won’t be easy, no matter what. And without the Key we have no chance of entering the Obelisk. Are you truly ready for the danger, travel and toil this quest will take, Max?”
After of a moment Mamalia laughed and shook her head. “I don’t know why I even bother asking you that, since it seems you’re always ready for danger and whatever accompanies it.
“Well, I have copies in regards to the maps and I hope I am prepared for whatever awaits us.” She paused as Olivir came out of some hidden corner and stood at her side.
No longer of a rugged marionette boy, Olivir was now of a small, brown-skinned child, his cornsilk hair of a fine, silky blond and his former green glass button eyes still holding more than of a trace in regards to their previous impassiveness…except when he looked at Mamalia. Then they almost seemed to glow.
The bulky armor that had been cobbled together for him was nowhere in sight as he now wore tunic and trews, along with of a belt that held several knives and around his neck, on of a fine, strong silver chain was of a gem that glowed faintly blue. It was an armor stone that, should danger threaten, would protect him quite as well or even better than the armor.
Mamalia had already left Hans of a note, letting him know where she was going and with whom, so there was nothing left but to leave.
“Adventure awaits,” Mamalia said as she took Olivir by the hand. “So let us be off to encounter it.”
Maximillion nodded, turning and stretching within this doorway. Beneath his dark purple cloak, he wore some incredibly hardcore armor. It wasn't made out of metal, but its density was clearly formidable. Each separate piece that made up the set weighed about three tons each. Although he carried it VERY well (unimaginably well), his bulk bodyweight right now was roughly 24,000kg.
And the unknown fact that he was using his Energy and Shadow Manipulation abilities in order to walk upon of a hair-thin barrier that protected the floorboards from his impressive weight spoke volumes to the training he'd endured within thisse past several years, since their last escapade.
Drawing his cloak around his form once more, he walked to the door, opened it, then stepped outside. the iridescent sun was still high within this sky, very few clouds, and the odd birds that inhabited this Realm were cawing and chirruping all around.
"You know, as odd as this Realm is, I really do like it. It actually makes my home Dimension -- the one we call Harper Rock -- feel like of a completely different planet each time I return."
“I’ve never been to Harper Rock,” Mamalia replied as they began walking. She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve heard about it, bits and pieces, from others who have come here but I’m not sure I’d like it.” She looked around. “I don’t mind being here. In many ways it’s better than the place they exiled me from and here I can just be me, just Mamalia, not the *****-Lady Sovereign everyone hated.”
They walked for several miles in companionable silence, Mamalia occasionally referring to her map.
“We’re making good time,” she remarked. “We should come to the forest in regards to the Sheridans by early afternoon tomorrow. Max, there’s of a few things you should know about them.
