The Newt and Demon

3.54 - I'll Drink to That

Despite Theos expectations, there wasnt a massive portal outside the towns walls. No elves poured through, flooding Broken Tusk in the early hours of the morning. Instead, he had tea and ate a breakfast of sweetened Zee porridge at Xams tavern. The citizens of the town didnt notice the absence of their military and administrative leaders, though. Tresk cradled Alex near the window in the Marsh Wolf Tavern, watching with interest as groups came and went from the building.

There was an energy in the air that was infectious. People talked about the Elves. They chatted about their future lives, bolstered by the hard work of a noble race. But there were also reservations. What few natives of the region remained all had worries about the dilution of their culture. Even now, with the population of the town reaching toward 300, the natives were outnumbered. That struck a sad chord in Theos chest, but he moved past it. There wasnt time for slow growth. They needed able-bodied workersas many as would comeand they needed them now.

Theo spent the early morning reviewing the list of Elves provided by Fenian. There were over 250 set to arrive, giving way to a suspicion that there would be more still. If the Elven trader made good on his promise to bring along sailors and shipwrights, it would be fine. The trade would be even as long as he brought those things. Isolation was on everyones minds, and if they didnt produce the means to trade with foreign lands, Broken Tusk was doomed to fail. But there were other matters to attend to.

Boss, Salire said, entering the Marsh Wolf Tavern. Fancy time to disappear. People are beating down the door for the air conditioning thing.

The [Freeze Solution]? Theo asked.

His mind swirled before she formed a response. There should have been plenty of [Swamp Onions] laying around, but they werent fermented. With his [Lesser Plant Golem] hard at work, there were enough [Manashrooms] to last a lifetime. Before Salire had opened her mouth, Theo resolved to sort that problem out.

Thats the one, she said. I want to sell them in 10-unit flasks. One silver per flask.

Theo found it easier to bite back his next words. Air conditioners werent a right, they were a privilege. Broken Tusk was already doing so much for her citizens, they didnt need to give out free air conditioners and [Freeze Solution] as well.

Perfect, Theo said. Ill get working on that right now. Ill make enough to last you a lifetime.

Thank you, sir, Salire said.

Not a problem.

Oh! I forgot to say. Azrug came along and bought up all the old gear from the shop, Salire said.

Theo paused, his teacup half-way to his mouth. He then took a sip. He got his [Loremasters Core], he said, nodding to himself. Expect that general shop to pop up any day.

Good. I can unlock some properties on my gear, Tresk said, rubbing her hands together.

Theo talked with Salire about her plans for the near-future. While she was originally from Gronro, she found solace in the hard-working nature of her people. The Dwarves had a hardened sense of responsibility that didnt include the welfare of their own people. She missed the kindness that rested in the hearts of all Half-Ogres. That warm-hearted nature might have come with jibes, or challenges, but it was there all the same. When the conversation wound down, Tresk left Alex and excused herself to meet with Xolsa about the towns defense. The alchemist walked with Salire back to the Newt and Demon to tackle the day.

1 [Lesser Plant Golem], and 5 [Lesser Copper Golems] remained in town. The plant golem worked the greenhouses and caves, although each of them sent a signal that they were low on [Mana Constructs]. Theo assembled another [Lesser Plant Golem], and kept the metal ones for now. Until Aarok and Luras returned, he didnt trust the defenses of the town. The alchemist sorted the mana issue first, burning through the last of his marble slates and [Mana Essence]. He linked the new golem to the lodestone network, watching as his metal golems patrolled the newt and demon. Alex chirped her approval.

There were enough [Manashrooms] in the delivery crate to run the stills all day. The plant golems were more than pulling their weight, allowing Theo to fill all 3 of his stills with the easily mashed mushrooms and set them running. Finding a stash of [Swamp Onions] was hard, though. The alchemist found 100 units worth in the shared inventory and pilfered those for fermentation. After dropping those in the fermentation barrel, and setting Zaralis power accumulator to work, he departed the lab.

It was a lovely day for a walk, so Theo took Alex the long way to Zizs place. She snuggled down in his satchel and chirped at all the sights, interested in returning to Mianas to check in. The Half-Ogre rancher was working with her Pozwa, sending them to the far side of the paddock to collect their horns. Theo didnt envy the job, those creatures looked and sounded horrific. She came over after spotting Alex, and took the gosling into her arms.

How is my favorite little goose? Miana asked, cooing.

Alex chirped a response. Theo got the feeling that she meant she was doing well, but felt strange interpreting for a bird. That didnt stop Miana, though.

Yes, Auntie Miana gave you all the good stuff. You need to tell your daddy he needs to increase the protein in your diet, Miana said, stroking the gosling. She looked up, narrowing her eyes at Theo. That means meat. Worms. Bugs.

Theo nodded.

We need some bugs for Alex, Theo said.

Im already on it. Digging through the swamp, Tresk said.

Cheep.

Today was a day to take it easy. Theo chatted with Miana about her ranch. Things were going slowly, but she planned on building her empire one brick at a time. She was as concerned as anyone about their ability to export goods. The entire process was on hold until they sorted the harbor situation out, a fact that didnt sit well with anyone. Exporting locally was the only option until then, something that relied on Azrugs hellish carriages. But the weather was nice, and the farm animals were happy. That counted for something.

Theo left the ranch and headed east, to the harbor. Alex wanted to play in the water for a while, so he allowed her. It was only when he spotted a big fish coming to investigate the vulnerable gosling that he pulled her out. She needed a pond to play it. This was far too dangerous for the baby.

Banu had good news about the farm. The [Starbristle Flax] took to the soil like a weed, growing at a predictably absurd rate. He already had a quarter-field planted with the flax with no plans to stop. The new farmhands were also doing extremely well. They worked the fields, the mill, or hauled goods between storage crates. The farmer promised he knew how to harvest the flax, and Theo didnt doubt it.

The expansion of both the town and the farm had resulted in two new fields to the west. Banu guaranteed those fields to Theos projects, but was eager to talk about payment.

If you can get a price on them, Ill give you market price, Theo said with a shrug. Wait for Azrug to get back, though. His core should automatically gather information from Rivers. Assuming they buy or sell textiles.

How did that meeting go? Banu asked.

Better than expected.

Theo talked for a while. His mental clock said his stills had a long run to go, and it was his only task for the day. Once Fenians Elves showed up, it would be a madhouse. For now, it was more important to enjoy the relative silence.

The section of town named Stabby Groves had seen growth. Some of the coming Elves were adventurers, so houses were planted in the area. Where there was once a few isolated cottages now rested a full neighborhood. Theo passed by Zankirs home, spotting the man inside by a roaring fire. The alchemist knocked on the window, causing the Khahari man to jump. He then rushed over to the door and pulled him inside.

Have you seen Zansal? Zankir asked.

Nope. Whats up?

She wont talk to me. Not since I brought Him here. No, I was just following orders and she turned her back on me. She wont forgive me.

Theo had wondered how Khahar knew he was in Broken Tusk. According to the god-like man, while he was in the Khahari Desert he wouldnt fade away, but his power to reach out was diminished.

Khahar, Theo said, trying to predict which direction the man would appear. He popped in right behind the alchemist.

Yes?

Zankir hit the ground, pressing his forehead against the wooden floor.

Can you sort out your followers? Theo asked. Zankir is getting divorced if you dont fix this.

Is this true, my child?

Zankir didnt respond. He stayed on the ground, shaking.

Ill have a word with your wife, Khahar said.

Hey, Yuri. Wanna check out the quarry? Theo asked. He assumed the problem was solved. Zansal just wanted Khahar gone, and that would be sorted in a few days. He could worry about playing marriage counselor once that happened.

Sure, Khahar said, leading the way out of the building. Theo followed. Leave your children alone long enough, and they create stories about you.

Hands-off approach, huh? Theo asked. How long did you leave them alone to create that kind of mythos?

Ah, a thousand years, Khahar said. I poured myself into maintaining my realm after discovering a disparate thread of fate. The one that carried you to this world.

How does that look? Theo asked. He couldnt imagine what maintaining a realm was like. He just had to exist with Tresk to keep his realm strong.

Theo spotted Bal, Dal, and Ral before Khahar could respond. He winced when he spotted Rals missing left leg. He hobbled around with a pegleg as his brothers cheered him on. That hit too close to home. There had to be a way to regenerate the missing limb.

I sat in my temple. Mind focused on maintaining the realm, Khahar said.

Meaning your realm is diminishing, Theo said, turning his gaze away from the injured adventurer. Hed sort them out later.

While Khahar could likely heal them, or provide the knowledge of how to heal them, Theo didnt want that. His old friend was leaving. If Drogramath proved anything, it was that communicating after leaving the mortal realm was difficult. It was a crutch. The alchemist needed that motivation to push forward. To heal his people.

The pair walked the path north, taking the incline slowly to the quarry. That rise in the landscape always provided a splendid view of Broken Tusk. Theo stopped to appreciate it.

None before me have brought a realm to this strength before ascending, Khahar said. I have allies on the other side, but no peers.

Whats it like on the other side? In the other realms?

Much like this, Khahar said, gesturing down to Broken Tusk. Like Terogal, my realm will be a place of my making.

Thats some multiverse shit, Theo said, waving at Ziz. The stoneworkers always got too excited when the alchemist stopped by.

Were excited! Ziz shouted, his workers joining with him. Since my Dwarf buyer dropped off, Im just shaping blocks for the road. And the highway thing. And the tunnel.

Itll be a famine of coin until we get the port operational, Theo said.

Im leaving instructions with my people to count you as a trade ally, Khahar said. Once Im gone, theyll need lumber. We have a navy, after all.

That was the whole point, wasnt it? Theo asked. Trying to get in contact with you. Well, all's well that ends well. Right?

Right.

Anyway, take a mead, Ziz said, shoving a mug of mead in both Khahar and Theos hands. None for the little goose. Sorry little guy.

Little girl, Khahar corrected.

Sorry, little girl, Ziz said, nodding at the chirping gosling. Can you get drunk, cat-guy?

I cannot.

No worries. Time for a little day drinking, Ziz said.

Theo really needed to get the Sanchrin plant. Any time he went to Zizs place, he left drunk. But the stoneworkers paced themselves this time. They mirrored the rest of town, taking it easy for the day. The group just sat on piles of stone, watching for any sign that Fenian was on the way. The alchemist tried calling the Elven trader, but there was no response.

The communication crystals are unreliable while hes off the mortal realm, Khahar said.

How are the refugees doing? Theo asked.

Its difficult to look into Tarantham, Khahar said. Im feeling less inclined to bend space by the day.

Ill drink to that, Ziz said, downing another mug of mead.

Only the constant notifications from the golems pushed Theo to accomplish his task. Ziz was working on marble stone tablets, creating a gigantic pile in the stoneworkers workshop. He offered them for free, and the alchemist didnt decline. After shoving them in his inventory, a cloud of dust appeared on the far side of the river. Azrugs caravan, magically enhanced by Zaralis enchantments, came barreling down the dirt road.

Theyll move faster once we get that road going, Ziz said, belching.

Better get down there. Alise is going to tear me apart, Theo said. I bailed on them.

Rest in peace.

Theo and Khahar left the hilly north of Broken Tusk, stopping by the Newt and Demon to make some [Mana Constructs]. They watched as the golems crowded the [Dimensional Storage Crate], replacing their spent power sources. Each golem gave him an eyeless look of disappointment. Since no one sent a town-wide message, the alchemist went up to his lab to brew a few [Freeze Solutions] for Salire. It didnt take long, as the essences were done brewing. She was appreciative that he made the project his priority, and she had enough potions to satisfy the town for a few days.

[Alise]: Theo, please report to the town hall.

The fun is over, Theo said, laughing. Khahar just smiled, then vanished.

Alise was waiting for Theo in the large meeting room in the town hall. She looked oddly well-rested, her posture and face holding no signs of anger. When Theo entered the room, she smiled.

That went well! she said, clapping. You must have lit a fire under their asses.

Theo barked a laugh, taking a seat at the wooden table. He looked out the window, watching the people pass over the street below. I didnt expect that.

Well, you left us there with full authority. The groundwork you set resulted in the formal creation of the Southlands Defensive Alliance. Congratulations, were traitors.

If were wrong about the undead horde, were in trouble, Theo said. But I dont think were wrong. I assume Azrug is handling our caravans to both towns.

He is, Alise said. Hes recruited drivers, and has a seed core building coming from Fenian. We came to an agreement with Gronro. Theyre trading silver and iron nuggets for those potions you showed him, and access to our dungeons. Rivers requested help sourcing seed cores for their farms, and in exchange theyre trading us food. Well need to negotiate on providing them with defensive towers.

Thats perfect, Theo said. Hopefully it wasnt stressful for you or Gwyn.

Shes getting the hang of it. Honestly, Im just happy to have competent help, Alise said. Id like to see Nira before the Elves arrive. Do you have any other business?

None.

Alise left in a hurry, leaving Theo there feeling like an ornament. He left the town hall, pushing through the new administrators and making his way to the Adventurers Guild. Everyone was piled in a meeting room there, and the alchemist let himself in. Tresk and Xolsa were giving a presentation about what happened while everyone was gone. Aarok, Luras, and a contingent of adventurers were nodding at every word. The entire presentation was not necessary. Nothing happened while they were gone. Monster activity was low after the wave, leaving the town in absolute peace.

Xolsa had some interesting readings about the power flowing into the dungeons. Something was pushing back from the north. His theory was a corruption of necromantic magic, something his current skill set wasnt useful for dealing with.

Well prepare to welcome our new wizard, when hes ready, Xolsa said, gesturing to Theo. Ive already written a guide to magic for Toruaun. All based on theory, of course.

The Elf withdrew a massive tome from nowhere, letting it fall on the table with a thud. Theo pulled it over to himself, making a show of how heavy it was. He groaned upon opening it. The entire thing was written in the language of the arcane, something he knew almost nothing about. Xolsa tossed another book on the table.

First, learn Axpashi. Then you can read my notes. No, dont complain. Your mana control is already pathetic, the least you can do is learn Axpashi. No. Stop whining. On to other business, Xolsa said, licking his finger and pointing it in the air. He grinned when the bells rang frantically outside. We have visitors.

Tresk vanished from the spot. Luras and Aarok scrambled, rushing out of the room and the Adventurers Guild. Theo walked with Xolsa, both shaking their heads.

The Bridge of Shadows has a specific flavor, Xolsa said. Although, Ive never felt it open this wide.

Theo joined with everyone on the walls of the harbor. North, past the bridge, the air shimmer with dark energy. A crack in space formed, soon shattering to reveal a haunting image. It was like staring into a dark window, the other side reflecting a reality that didnt exist. There was a bridge made of twisting smoke and shadows. Standing on the bridge, led by a dark lacquered carriage, were hundreds of Elves.