Heather the Necromancer

Book 3: Chapter 18: Spiders are a girls best friend

Lets kill her again, Quinny whispered in an angry tone.

There are three orc fighters of some kind right outside the door, Breanne reminded.

And there may be more people hidden inside here, Frank suggested. We need to steal the stuff back and slip away.

They went silent as the footsteps returned, and Moon paced out from behind the crates. They huddled into the shadows as Moon kept her back to them, taking no notice.

Did you happen to get this womans name? Moon asked.

From behind the crates, the man answered.

I heard them call her Heather.

They held their breaths as Moon's head jerked upright, and her hands curled into fists.

Her name was Heather?

I heard them use it twice, the man answered.

Moon turned about in an explosion of motion and marched back behind the crate.

Heather is the name of the woman we're looking for! Moon shouted.

You said she was a necromancer, the man replied defensively. This woman looked more like a lady or a house noble. She's wears nothing like a necromancer.

Heather doesnt dress like a necromancer! Moon shouted. Where did you leave her?

I told you, in the alleys behind the markets.

All the work I put into building a network to watch for her, and you let her walk away!

You told me she was a necromancer traveling with a ghoul! the man shouted back. How was I supposed to know she would dress like that?

Her name didn't raise any alarms? Moon asked, followed by a long silence. Idiot, get the others and find her! she shouted, followed by a slam.

The man ran off, heading into the shadows of the warehouse, leaving Moon alone behind the crates.

Nows our chance to kill her, Quinny said.

We still have no idea if anybody else is here, Frank said.

There was a second slam that made them jump and go silent.

Of all the fools, Moon muttered. But how did she get into the city, and who are these people with her?

She must have people watching the gates, Frank said. And has bribed the kinds of shops a necromancer might visit to alert her.

This person has an unnatural obsession with Heather, Breanne said.

Come on, we reset her the last time, she can't be very high now, Quinny said. If we rush her, she won't stand a chance.

And what if the orcs outside hear us and come running in? Heather asked. They didnt look low level.

She told that thief to take the others to go look for you, Quinny said.

What if there are more others than those orcs? Heather asked.

Will you two keep it down, Breanne said sternly. Wait here.

Where are you going? Frank asked.

I am the only one of us who is stealthy, she responded and began to fade until she was replaced by her spectral form.

Who are you kidding? Youre glowing white against the dark, Quinny said.

Breanne smiled, her gaunt spectral face looking cruel before she faded away completely.

I will make a distraction, Breanne said from nowhere. When she moves away, grab the bags and get to the wall where we came in.

She didnt tell me she could turn invisible, Quinny stammered.

Heather looked about equally surprised as Frank silently waved and pointed back into the warehouse. She understood his intention to move back to the depths of the shadows closer to the wall.

You two go, I will grab the bags, Heather said.

Let me get them, Quinny said.

Heather looked shocked for a moment, but Quinny explained.

If I get caught, nobody will know who I am, and I will respawn in the graveyard.

Its a good idea, Frank said. Moon will recognize you easily, and me the second she hits me and the illusion drops.

She knows who Quinny is, too, Heather said.

But Moon doesnt know Quinny is traveling with us, Frank said.

Heather hesitated, but Quinny pushed her gently.

We dont have time, just go.

Heather relented, slipping back into the shadows as Quinny stood up and leaned against the crates.

Quinny briefly considered pushing the crates over to crush Moon beneath them, but that would surely create too much noise. She waited patiently for the distraction, wondering what form it would take. She didn't have to wait long when she heard a thump and shrill laughter from deep within the warehouse. She heard Moon draw a sword and saw a shadow on the floor as Moon moved out from behind the crate.

Quinny waited until the shadow moved away and then slipped around the crate to find a small dusty table strewn with items, including Heather's backpack and belt pouch. She wasted no time rushing to the table and sweeping up the bags before the area filled with white light.

What have we here? Moons voice said in a sultry tone.

Quinny bolted around and stared into the softly glowing eyes of Moon. She held a slender rapier straight ahead as her soft blue-skinned face smiled. Her hair was woven into a long single braid, and she wore a three-pointed hat of black on her head. She topped that off with a ruffled white shirt tucked into tight dark red breeches. She had the full appearance of a pirate, a look that suited her. Well above her head was a soft white glow bathing the area in light, making it impossible to hide.

And who are you? Moon asked, taking a step forward as Quinny clutched the backpack to her chest.

Quinny was confused for a moment before she remembered the disguise potion. Moon had no idea who this person was, and she tried to think quickly to keep her secret.

Im Miranda, she stammered.

And what are you doing in my warehouse, stealing my bags, Moon asked, coming a step closer, her eyes watching like a predator.

Quinny struggled to hold the bag tight as Webster moved around inside, giving her an idea.

I came for my friend's bag, Quinny said.

Moons smile deepened, and her head tilted to the side as she closed within a few paces.

So youre one of Heathers friends, she said. And where is she? Is she nearby?

She's gone, Quinny said. She ran after her bag was stolen, and I stayed behind to get it back.

Moon looked her up and down, eyes squinting as she judged Quinnys story.

Why would you come after that? Moon asked. Whats in that bag?

Quinny clutched it tightly, backing away as if unwilling to show Moon.

Moon dashed forward, pressing the tip of the sword to Quinny's throat and glaring into her eyes.

Open it! Moon demanded.

Quinny nodded slightly, careful not to risk grazing the sword and breaking her disguise. She struggled not to smile as she slowly opened the flap, Moons gaze dropping down to see inside.

Webster leaped out, landing on Moon's face wrapping around it completely in a shrill squeal. Moon's scream was significantly louder as she stumbled back, desperately trying to fling the beast off.

Quinny couldnt help but laugh as Moon collided with a pile of barrels, stumbling over them and crashing to the floor as Webster leaped away.

Webster, this way, Quinny said and dashed out of the light spell into the shadows. The furry creature scuttled along behind, easily keeping pace as they raced for the wall.

She arrived with Frank and Heather looking panicked.

What was that scream? Heather asked.

Quinny threw her the bags, and Heather shook the backpack in alarm.

Where is Webster? she said in a panic.

That's what that scream was, Quinny said. Moon caught me and made me open the bag. He jumped out and landed right on her face; it was hysterical.

Heather went to berate Quinny for losing the spider when she saw it come scuttling along. She quickly stepped forward, putting the bag down and ordering it back in as Breanne arrived.

What did you do? Breanne demanded.

Moon didn't go far enough to investigate your distraction, Quinny said. She caught me, and I had to improvise.

Why did none of you play a stealthy class? Breanne scolded as she grabbed Frank. There are others in the warehouse, watching out windows upstairs.

Then we need to go, Frank insisted.

Breanne agreed and made him spectral, pulling him through the thin wall into the alley outside.

Heather shouldered the pack as Breanne leaned through the wall and grabbed her. She was outside in a heartbeat with a nervous Frank watching the alley.

We run straight for the portal, Frank said nervously. We should never have come here.

Heather nodded in agreement wishing they hadnt come either when somebody yelled from inside.

There they are!

That was Moon! Frank replied.

There was a sudden loud noise like splintering boards followed by moaning groans.

Breanne came rushing through the wall with Quinny in her arms.

That was stupid! Breanne spat.

What? That will slow them down for a few minutes while we run, Quinny argued.

Heather took one look at Quinny, and her heart sank.

Quinny! What did you do? she stammered.

She summoned a bunch of zombies, Breanne said irritably.

Which is why we should be running, Quinny insisted. It will buy us some time.

Heather looked at the womans pale skin, black eyes, and bloody scars, doubting that running was going to help now.

Umm, did you bring more potion? Heather asked.

No, Quinny said and then went wide-eyed. Oh my gosh! Did that break my disguise?

Of course, it did! Breanne snapped. And we have to run halfway across the city! You will have every player who even glances at you crying in alarm.

Inside there were shouts and snapping sounds as the battle with the zombies was engaged.

There are more people inside, Frank said. There is no telling if they are all delayed or if some are on the way here. We have to risk it and go now!

Heather nodded and led the charge with Frank right behind, carefully trying not to drop her purchases. Breanne continued to scold Quinny the whole way until they reached the edge of the alley and looked out into a busy street. Heather paused wide-eyed as two women in flowing outfits flew through the air on glowing disks.

I want to fly, she said sadly as Frank nearly bumped into her.

We dont have time to gawk, Breanne said. Gather tightly around Quinny and try to keep her hidden as we hurry along.

I have a better idea, Frank said and unloaded his arms into Quinnys, stacking the packages up to hide most of her face.

I can barely see, Quinny argued.

You dont need to see, just follow us along, Frank said and took the lead.

They hurried down the street, trying not to draw attention. Quinny was still in one of Heather's dresses, but her hair looked ragged and oily. Heather looked around and smiled when she saw the solution to the problem.

This way, she insisted, steering the group to a colorful cart full of ribbons, feathers, and hats. She snatched a bright red hat from a post as they passed and threw a handful of coins to the stunned woman behind the counter. I love it. Thank you! Without breaking their stride, she pushed the thing over Quinny's head to hide her even more.

That clashes with my dress, Quinny argued.

Your head clashes with that dress, Heather said. Now, be quiet.

Are we even going the right direction, Frank asked. We made a lot of turns in that alley.

I think it's this way, Heather remarked as she began to doubt. The city was a maze, and she had been so lost in wonder as they explored. Now she wasn't sure which way was the plaza with the portal.

Ahead was a large intersection dominated by a clock tower made of metal plates and spinning bronze gears. It had glowing blue runes up and down the sides, and the hour on the face glowed brightly. The whole top was crowned my metal angels whose polished golden wings met in the center, forming arches.

Oh pretty, Heather said as they approached the towering structure.

I dont recall seeing this on the way in, Breanne said.

Because we didnt, Frank said. Were lost.

Heather spun around looking for anything that might help, and her gaze fell on a tall, slender woman with soft white skin, pearly hair and crystalline horns. Her eyes glowed with blue light, and on her shoulder sat a tiny dragon with butterfly wings.

What is that? Heather said as she pointed to the little creature.

A familiar like yours, Frank said.

I could have had that? Heather balked.

Will you two focus on what's important, Breanne scolded. This Moon is hunting for us, and our time is running out.

Heather sighed and walked to the nearest market stall to speak to a man with a bushy black beard.

Excuse me, can you tell me how to find the plaza people portal into?

The man looked up and smiled.

Of course, good lady, you go that way until you reach the fountain, then take the broad left lane; it goes right there.

Heather thanked the man, but inside was screaming as he pointed back the way they came.

What a waste of time, Breanne scoffed as they turned around.

At least we know where it is, Heather said as they practically ran.

They followed the crowded lane until it opened into the market square, revealing the fountain with the floating statues.

Now to make the left, she said when a man stepped in front of her.

Going someplace? the familiar man from the alley said.

Heather and the others froze as he smiled with a mocking grin.

To think it thought the bag was valuable when I had a necromancer right under my nose, he said.

Heather went to cast a spell, but he quickly wagged a finger at her.

Don't, or my friends will wade in and cut yours down. He gestured with his head to the orcs that were waiting nearby, pretending to be perusing a market stall.

And what are you going to do? Heather asked. I could kill you before they got here.

I will respawn and get my share of the reward, he said.

You think Moon is going to give you a share?

We have an arrangement, he said. Any of us who help capture you get an equal share.

Heather folded her arms and laughed. Did she tell you what happened to her last bunch of fools? She cut them all out as soon as she could and stepped over them.

That would be unfortunate for Moon, the man said. I am not so easily stepped over. Besides, you're one to talk. You obviously ditched the friend's Moon said you had.

Heather felt a twinge of anger crawl up her spine to be accused of abandoning Frank and the others. She was nothing like Moon and would never use them as a means to an end. Still, time was running out, and it was clear they were going to be taken back. She needed a distraction, and she needed it now.

Quinny, can you do that thing you did at the warehouse again? she asked.

What thing? he thief said as Quinny replied.

I sure can. I only needed a few minutes to pass to reset the timer.

Good, do it now, Heather said.

Don't you try anything! the man growled, but it was too late. The cobbles of the street heaved all around them, a white mist wafting up through the cracks. Rotting arms burst up, and in seconds zombies began to crawl out moaning bainfully.

The thief lost his focus as the surprise took him, and Heather wasted no time. She sang a quick tune causing plants to burst out of the freshly exposed soil, wrapping around his legs and pinning him in place as the zombies closed in.

Zombies! people around them shouted as the thief tried to fend off the creatures.

Let's go! Heather shouted and tore off down the street. She caught sight of the orcs racing after her, moving to cut them off. There was a large tree right at the corner, and she quickly called to it, bringing to life as the orcs arrived. It's mighty branches began the thrash beating the ground around it and the hapless orcs who barked curses as Heather ran by.

We're drawing every eye on the street! Breanne hissed. And soon, the whole city will have heard of a zombie attack.

We wont be here in a minute, Heather replied as they pushed people aside to get by.

Stop them! an orc yelled from the down the lane, but people were too confused to act.

I can see the plaza, Quinny said.

Lets hope the portal is still there, Frank replied.

If it isn't, none of us are getting out of this city alive, Breanne said.

They rounded the corner and dashed into the plaza only for Heather to roll her eyes in annoyance.

Oh, great! she said as they looked at a dozen open portals.

Which one is it? Quinny asked.

Look through them and find the graveyard! Frank commanded.

They spread out looking through portals to other towns, forests, a desert, a snowy mountain.

I found it! Frank called from across the yard.

Heather looked up and ran for the portal as Quinny and Breanne rushed through. Frank stepped in, half in and half out of the portal waiving her forward is it suddenly started to grow faint.

Hurry! Frank called. Its fading!

Not so fast! Moons voice called out as she tackled Heather tumbling them both over in a heap.

I am getting my reward, Moon said as she tried to pull Heather's arms behind her back. She had to shove the backpack aside to pin Heather's arms. Ss she did, the lip opened, and Webster leaped out again.

Heather scrambled to her feet as Moon flailed, screaming with the spider covering her entire head. She finally managed to fling it off, throwing him to Heather's waiting arms.

Vile spider! Moon shouted and glared at Heather. She ran forward, hands reaching in desperation. You're not getting away from me again!

Sorry, no time to chat, Heather said and dived through the portal just as it started to close. She rolled across the mossy path of the graveyard and ended in a messy heap. Panting for breath, she felt Webster under her arm and was relieved to know he was safe.

Are you alright? Frank asked.

Never again, she said between gasps. We are never going through a portal like that again. She got to her knees and looked down at the furry ball beside her. Thanks to him, Quinny escaped Moon in the warehouse, and Heather escaped in the Plaza.

Youre kinda handy to have around.

He bobbed up and down on his legs, and Heather reached down with one eye closed to pet the furry creature. He shocked her by letting out a shrill purr that made her laugh.

Well, you're not a cat, but at least you can purr.