Heather the Necromancer

Book 2: Chapter 24: So that's how it works

Heather watched as Grettah tapped at a glass as the solution began to turn a soft red. They harvested all the moss they could fit into the jar and brought back extra in Heather's basket. Devlina looked shocked to see they had so much and eagerly handed over a bottle of what looked like a metallic ink.

So, the spirit didn't bother your friends then? Devlina asked.

Heather smiled as she thought about Breanne, who was hiding outside invisibly. Well, it was there, but we drove it off.

You drove the thing off? Devlina gasped.

Heather shrugged. Yeah, your graveyard is safe now. You should be able to get moss yourself anytime you need it.

By the visitor's girl, you got rid of that thing?

We all helped, Heather said as she handed the vial of quicksilver to Grettah.

We should make a bunch of potions, Grettah said. I have enough of the other ingredients for maybe ten of them, but I will use up all my flasks.

Devlina laughed and pulled open a drawer full of flasks. Tell you what, since you got rid of the thing haunting the graveyard and brought me back a mountain of moss, I will give you ten flasks.

Thank you, Heather replied as Grettah setup at the alchemy lab.

Heather spoke to Devlina about the town ahead and the people who lived there. Apparently, the dwarves lived in an underground city they built modeled on a video game. There were a dozen small villages and even more small farms, but just ahead was the largest of them. It was the town most visited by players of other races and had just as many of them as dwarves.

So what other kinds of food can you get in the village? Heather asked.

Well, there is a shop called The Alley that sells burgers and fries. The stone pit has fired meats and excellent soup. The mystic garden is all about salads and vegan fare. They have a layered lasagna dish that's all eggplant for noodles, and the tomato torte is delicious.

I want to try that, Grettah said from behind them.

Heather turned and raised a brow. You want a salad place?

My race doesn't eat meat, she said. We can eat the leaves of most plants.

You can eat meat, though, can't you?

Grettah nodded as she ground something with a mortar and pestle. The visitors didn't seem to program any dietary restrictions, but some of us can eat things a normal person can't. Some races can eat things that would be poisonous to you. I could eat the grass outside if I really wanted to.

Yuck! Heather groaned. I dont even want to know what grass tastes like.

For her, I am sure it's a pleasing flavor, Devlina said.

I hope so, Heather remarked, unable to get the thought of bitter and sour out of her mind.

I need the second to last ingredient, Grettah said.

Heather looked back with a raised brow. What was that?

Grettah looked up at her, I need some hair.

Oh, right, Heather replied and took some of her hair between her fingers. So, do I just pluck them out?

Youre going to use your hair? Devlina asked.

Thats how the potion works, Heather said. The hair will determine what race they will look like.

Have you ever used this potion before?

Heather looked at Grettah, and both women shook their heads.

Devlina smiled. I have some scissors you can use.

Heather was thankful to have the scissors and cut a few strands of hair away. Grettah added these to a boiling mixture and stirred them with a little rod. The solution took nearly an hour to boil and distill down to a reddish solution. She then poured it carefully into ten flasks and handed two of them to Heather.

The moment of truth, Heather said as she held up the vials.

They bid Devlina farewell and walked off to find the others.

She was nice, Heather said.

Grettah nodded. She was, but she kept making remarks about the potion.

Heather pondered that and looked at the vials in her hand. So long as they can pass for human, I don't care what else it does.

They found the three sitting along the stream, talking about Frank's graveyard.

We have potions at last! Heather announced as she arrived.

One for you, and one for you, she said, handing them to Frank and Quinny.

What is this potion supposed to do? Breanne asked.

Its a disguise potion, Grettah replied. It will make them look like a human.

This is how you plan to sneak them into the town? she asked.

Heather nodded and looked at Frank with a big smile.

Youre sure this will work? Frank asked.

It's going to work, or it isn't, Heather said. At least we have a chance of avoiding anybody taking notice of you.

Quinny pulled the cork out and sniffed at the flask. It smells like tar.

Just drink it, Heather scolded.

Said half the men who ever tried to pick me up, Quinny laughed. With a shrug, she chugged it down and made a sour face. It tastes like cough syrup, the green death flavor.

Nobody promised you cherry lemon aid, Heather replied.

So, did it work? Quinny asked.

They watched as a soft golden light spread across her and then rapidly faded away. Quinny was replaced with the image of a woman with long golden hair and smooth skin.

She looks like she could be your sister, Grettah said.

The similarity is very noticeable, Breanne said.

Yay, I have a sister, Quinny joked. Can I wear your clothes?

Heather smiled and turned to Frank. Your turn.

Frank held the flask up and swirled it around before his eyes. I hope this works, he said before opening it and drinking it down.

They waited anxiously as the light began to spread across his skin. With wide eyes, it faded away and left a very different Frank behind.

Well? Frank asked.

Oh, Heather said in shock.

Was that intended? Breanne asked.

Hahaha! Quinny laughed. He looks like your sister too!

Frank looked around in surprise and let out a cry of alarm to see a very different figure.

Heather! he roared.

I didnt know it was going to work like that, Heather said in alarm.

We should call her Francine, Quinny added as she struggled to breathe between laughs.

It must be the hair, Grettah said. It must copy race and gender. I bet that's what Devlina was so elusive about.

Then, get me some hair from a man! Frank snapped.

We would have to brew all new potions, Grettah said.

I am not going into town looking like this!

Heather looked her up and down and chewed on her lower lip. Frank was now a tall, thin, well-endowed woman of what looked like nineteen. He had big eyes and long sandy blond hair. The potion did wonders for changing his form but seemed to borrow its clothing from what he was initially wearing. Since Frank wore only a rag around his waist, his female form wore little more than a tiny skirt and a strap around his chest. He was likely to garner more attention like this than if he had walked in as a ghoul.

Hes right, she admitted. He cant go in like that.

Aww, Quinny said. Do we have to waste more time looking for somebody to steal hair from and make more potions?

Heather was disappointed, as well. They were so close, but what else could they do? She looked down at the basket in her hands and smiled.

There is another option, she said as she leaned her scythe against a tree.

What option? Quinny asked.

Heather smiled and reached into the basket, pulling out the dress Quinny selected.

No! Frank growled as Quinny started to laugh again.

Oh, come on, Frank, please! Heather begged. Nobody will know anyway.

I will, Quinny laughed.

Frank folded his arms and shook his head in defiance.

Frank! Heather protested. Were so close! All we need is this one last little thing.

These are not little! he said, pointing to his chest.

No, those are not, Breanne said. She is rather overabundant.

Breannes right, Grettah said. Even if you can get the dress on him, he will be spilling out the front of it.

I would rather risk going in as a ghoul, he said.

Ha! We can say shes our Ghoulfriend, Quinny added.

Youre not helping! Heather snapped back.

I dont think this plan will work anyway, Grettah said.

Why not? Heather asked.

Grettah pulled out her little book and began to read. The description says this is a magical illusion. He is still a ghoul and has the same body shape. He won't fit into the dress.

Oh, Heather sighed. His ghoul form would have to fit into it.

You could get him into the dress, Quinny said. He has a very tight waist and spindly legs.

His chest is wide like a man, Breanne argued.

Just loosen the lacing on the back, and the dress will get wider, Quinny replied. So long as the illusion changes the dress to suit, it should work.

Heather looked back to Frank with a hopeful smiled but lost it when she saw his scowl.

Nobody will know, Heather said again.

You will all know, and so will I, he insisted.

Didn't you ever do any role-playing? Heather asked.

Yes, I role play men.

Well, this is your chance to play a woman, Heather insisted.

Do I sound like a woman?

Heather had to concede that point. You dont have to speak to anyone. We will make sure nobody bothers you.

Every man who gets a good look at him is going to want to bother him, Breanne remarked.

I will wait out here. You can bring me some back, he said.

I am not leaving you here when the rest of us are having a good time. You're my best friend, and I want you to come with. Try and see this as the funny moment it is and run with it.

Frank let out a long sigh, and Heather practically jumped for joy.

It took all of them to fight the dress around him, and they had to leave the back completely unlaced to get it up to his shoulders. For a moment, he looked frumpy with a twisted garment wrestled over his body, but then the illusion of the potion caught up. In a golden flash, he was wrapped in the dress properly.

Oh my, Breanne said.

What now? Frank asked.

She looks even hotter with the dress on! Quinny laughed.

I am rather jealous, Breanne mused.

Frank let out a rumbling growl and went to pull the dress off.

Frank, wait! Heather pleaded. Nobody will bother you, I promise.

Why do I always have to suffer to make you happy? he asked.

You're not suffering, Heather protested. It's just a little uncomfortable. Lots of guys were dresses nowadays.

They dont look like they belong in them! he protested.

Some of the men I know did, Quinny said. They looked gorgeous in a black dress.

Ladies! a voice cried out, causing them all to turn in alarm.

Standing in the trees behind them was a man with jet black hair and leather armor that was split at his chest to reveal a bed of hair. He walked down the slope with a narrow sword at his hip, smiling the whole way.

And so it begins, Breanne said with a shake of her head.

Are you ladies adventuring? Would you mind if I slipped into your group?

No, we're... Heather began, but Frank cut her off.

Why yes we are, Frank said, trying to fake a woman's voice.

Quinny practically fell over laughing at the voice as the stranger approached. Breanne smiled and had to look away to cover her amusement.

Do come closer and tell us your name, Frank cooed.

The man looked startled at Franks's broken voice but approached anyway.

I am Percival the Dashing, he said. Swashbuckler and master of massage, he added with a wink at Frank.

Frank made a pretty little smile and batted his eyes. Heather watched mystified as Frank tried to look alluring and draw the man in. Frank reached out a hand so the man could take it, and he readily accepted it.

Quinny did fall over as the man began to twitch and shake.

Your grip is rather cold! the man said in a strained voice. And strong!

Frank nodded as the man fell to his knees and pitched over into the forest floor. He casually reached down and plucked a pinch of hair from the man's head.

Here, he said, holding the hairs out to Grettah. Make me a new potion.

Quinny staggered along behind them, still laughing as they went back to the workshop.

What did you do to him? Grettah asked as they arrived at the shop.

Ghoul touch, Frank said. It can paralyze low-level players quickly.

Grettah nodded as they arrived at the door.

Well, if you ain't a sight for sore eyes, Devlina said with a smile. Whose your beautiful friend?

Breanne and Frank glanced at one another, and Devlina clarified.

I'm talking about you, sweetheart, she said, pointing right at Frank.

Quinny was crying from laughing and had to stagger to the side as Heather struggled not to join her.

You knew this was going to happen, Heather accused the dwarf.

Aye I did, Devlina said.

Why didnt you warn us? Heather asked.

And miss a good joke? Devlina asked with a smile.

This isnt funny, Frank said sternly.

Tell that to your friend there, Devlina replied with a nod at Quinny.

We got some hair from a, Heather paused to clear her throat. Volunteer.

Is it man's hair this time? Devlina asked.

Heather nodded.

Can we please use your shop to make more potions?

Of course, Devlina said. It's all set up the way you need it, help yourself.

Frank shed the dress with Heather and Quinnys help while Grettah worked on the potion.

The sad part is none of us will ever look as good in it, Quinny joked.

Just get it off! he snapped.

Before the potion was ready, the effect on Quinny and Frank faded, returning them to normal.

So monster players still exist, Devlina said with a glance up and down Frank.

Frank studied the woman back who didnt at all seem alarmed.

A few of us do, he said. What do you know about it?

Devlina lost her usual smile and took on a very stern face. I was a monster player.

You were? Heather asked.

Devlina nodded. I played a harpy, and I loved it, but hero players would not leave me alone. I moved farther and farther away from the cities every time I was reset. Finally, I just gave up, and when the next reset came, I changed to this.

That's why you're not alarmed by Frank or Quinny, Heather said with a nod.

I am glad some people still play them, Devlina said. But, how are you staying alive?

We are out at the borders by the spawns, Frank said.

Oh, youre so far out nobody has noticed you yet. I am surprised youre not out passed the spawns into the wilds.

Were right on the border of it, Frank said. But close enough where some new players come to our base and adventure.

Devlina leaned against the door frame and sighed. I miss being able to fly.

A harpy can fly? Heather asked.

Devlina glanced up with a curious expression.

Heather isnt a hardcore gamer, Frank said.

Its a wonder you wanted to come in then, Devlina said.

Heather glanced at Frank, and he shook his head slightly. She realized he didn't want her to admit she was chosen and went along with it.

I wanted a fresh start, Heather said. So, I took a chance.

Devlina studied her for a moment and then shrugged. A lot of people who come here do that. A chance to start over as something new. I tell you what; this place was a dream come true for me.

How so? Heather asked.

Devlina smiled. I was paralyzed from the waist down. Just walking was a dream, but flying, now that was a whole new thing. She went quiet as she looked up at the sky. Sometimes, dreams don't work out the way you think they will.

I'm sorry, Heather said. If for some reason, you get a chance to change back, you can always come live with us.

Taking in strays, are you? Devlina laughed while glancing up at Breanne.

I was wandering through, and I met them on the road, Breanne said indignantly.

Devlina nodded and went back to smiling at Frank.

So, this grand adventure of yours is over pizza?

Can you think of a better reason to go on an adventure? Heather asked.

I suppose I can't, Devlina said with a smile. I wasn't prepared for that when I came in. I didn't think I would be denied access to the towns and food just because I was a harpy. I thought since we all knew we were players, nobody would mind.

I thought that too, Frank said.

There was a bunch of players in the early days that tried to establish a neutral city. They based it on some rules for a vampire game where places were declared noncombat zones. It didn't work. Players wouldn't respect it, and they had to send players to kill the players who would not behave. Those players came back and killed the ones who killed them. It turned into a spiral of killing back and forth.

Why are people worse here? Heather asked.

Devlina shrugged. It's the respawn. People love to try and break the rules and get away with it. If the worst penalty you can suffer is a four-hour nap, then what is your motivation to stop?

They need to make prisons and lock them inside, Breanne said.

Devlina shook her head. They tried that, but breaking players out became the new challenging thing to do. Prison raids to rescue people were the new adventure.

This world is awful, Heather remarked.

Don't let it get you down, Devlina said. Once I changed and started this life, it has been pretty good. Nobody bothers the dwarves much, and since the loss of the graveyards, stronger penalties are easier to enforce.

How so? Heather asked.

Now, if you behave like a monster, all they need to do is find your home point. They can kill you and destroy your home and force you to reset. That's brought most of the wild ones in line since nobody likes to be reset.

Heather sighed as she thought about it. Just as she started to wonder why she wasn't looking for a way out, Grettah arrived.

New potions that should be more compatible, she said as she handed one to Frank.

Ha, his is blue, Quinny laughed.

This had better work, or I am going home, he said before downing the liquid.

There was a soft golden light, and the five women blinked in astonishment.

Did it work? he asked.

Heather was speechless as she looked up at a tall man with broad shoulders. He had long dark hair that curled slightly as it fell about his shoulders. His face was chiseled from stone and had a divot in his strong chin. His chest was bare, muscled, and carpeted in hair. The only clothing on his body was short leather pant's around his waist. His skin was a deeply tanned color that almost glistened in the light.

Hello, Connan, Quinny laughed.

That worked much better, Grettah said softly.

Why do I feel flustered? Breanne said.

The amount of skin he's showing does a girl's heart some good. Devlina laughed.

I can think of a few other things he can do to get my heart pumping, Quinny added.

Does your heart even pump? Heather asked.

Quinny shrugged. Im sure the right man could resurrect it.

Frank looked around his form and sighed.

I dont feel comfortable like this, he said.

Oh, come on! Heather snapped. We wasted a whole two hours coming back here to make you a new potion.

I dont like being so naked like this, he said.

You can drink the other potion and put the dress back on, Heather reminded.

He sighed and let his arms drop. Lets just go and get this pizza.

Tell ya what, Devlina said. Since you have given me no end of amusement, I will take you into the town and take you to Stonebeards.

You will! Heather said, excitedly.

Yah, I could use a good bit of food myself.

Finally! Heather shouted. The quest for the holy pizza is about to be finished.

You have never had Papa Stonebeards have you? Devlina asked.

No, and dont spoil anything. I want to be surprised.

Oh, you're going to be surprised, alright, Devlina said as she started to laugh.

Heather smiled as they set out; she could practically taste the pizza already.