Chapter 3.36: Double Bonded
Alise didnt take the discovery of the egg well. Theo found an old satchel in Azrugs crates, although he supposed those were Salires crates now, and nestled the egg inside. He created an open-topped glass cube with thick walls and padded it with spare cloth. His egg was now safely nestled in the satchel, protected by a cage of magical glass. The alchemist felt a sense of warmth flowing from the egg, even as he entered the town hall to take his beating.
Aarok, Luras, Alise, and all her new functionaries were standing in the hall. The new administrators took notes, while Aarok and Luras looked pensive. Alise just looked mad.
I dont have to tell you how dangerous that sounds, Alise said.
Did Zarali rat me out? Theo asked.
Yes, Alise said. Lets see the egg.
Absolutely not, Theo said.
Alise was just trying to make sure everyone was safe, but that wasnt her job. That title went to Aarok and Luras. The two Half-Ogre men stared on for a moment before turning to each other. They shared a long look before shrugging.
Its a setup, Luras said. Just show us the egg, Theo. No one is going to touch it.
Theo made sure he was at a fair distance, mentally holding on to the various potions in his inventory. The moment that thought entered his mind, he took a mental step back and froze on the spot. Everyone in the room, even the functionaries, had a look of concern. The alchemist was just assaulted by a magical door, then he scooped up the egg like it was his own baby. Compared to most normal people, his mind was a fortress. This sudden invasion sent him into a momentary panic.
Reluctantly, he withdrew the egg and held it out.
Khahar? Luras asked.
Its a bonded creature, Khahar said, emerging from nowhere. Spencer is defensive, because they now share a minor soulbond.
You guys just went straight to the living god, didnt you? Theo said, chuckling. He wanted to blame them, but he couldnt find the heart to do so. He would have done the same thing. Any reason to be worried?
May I touch her? Khahar asked.
Theo nodded, a ripple spreading through his body. It was a girl.
Khahar placed his hand on the egg for only a moment, then withdrew it. A common creature, modified by Tworgnoth, UzXulven, and Drogramath. She is completely harmless.
Thank you, Khahar Your uh Majesty, Alise said. Sorry for the scare, Theo. Cant be too careful with these things.
Theo explained how he was suddenly aware of his defensive behavior, finding it to be the most shocking thing of all.
It is a harmless soulbond, Khahar explained. Think of it as a small version of the Tarahek.
Theo had already given Tresk the entire story. She felt the bond with the egg, too. A deep sense to protect it at all costs that the distance did nothing to dampen. She was jumping back to Broken Tusk now, as the light faded.
So, is this a dragon? Theo asked, still hopeful.
No, its a mundane creature, Khahar said, cracking a smile. Like back on Earth.
But shes going to be powerful, right? Theo asked.
Beyond anything you know.
Alright. Everyone loves the egg. Hail the egg, Aarok said, waving his hand as though to clear away a foul smell. Khahar, youre dismissed. I appreciate your council. Id pay you, but youre rich as hell and a god.
Not exactly a god, Khahar said. His eyes went unfocused, then he shrugged and vanished.
Everyone here knows whats going on, Aarok said, clearing his throat. Were not stupid enough to miss simple details. So far, everything weve found has helped us. The things left for Theo. Thats no reason to let our guard down, but we have to assume one fact.
The egg is important to the survival of the town, Theo said, finishing the thought. Because something is coming.
Exactly right, Luras said, his words more a growl than a statement.
Any more information from Fenian on that? Alise asked.
There were a few paths Fenian could take. Theo had put a lot of thought in it, but his latest ventures threw him off the scent. The trader established a new relationship with the Elves under an assumed name, Fenian Feintleaf. He was also trying to destabilize Qavell, which seemed off. Tarantham and Qavell had little in common, separated by another nation and an ocean. That made his covert actions against the crown personal. Personal matters rarely ended with logical actions.
Just what I can piece together, Theo said.
Lets hear it.
Fenian is trying to topple the crown, Theo said, as though that wasnt a big deal. Only the new people acted with surprise. His motivations are personal, and
Theo paused for a long moment after that. There was too little information to make assumptions on what he would do to accomplish his goals. The trader was a whirlwind, and the best option was to stay on his good side.
And hes trying to establish a relationship with Tarantham, Veosta, or both, Theo said.
Best course of action? Alise asked, turning to Aarok and Luras.
Weather the storm, Aarok grunted. Get that alliance going before the end of Fire. Bolster Gronro. Hunker down.
Those were Theos exact thoughts. Broken Tusk was powerful, if you considered only the three major towns in the south. Khahar would ascend to godhood soon enough, so they couldnt rely on him. That might actually create an awkward situation with the Burning Eye, but that was a problem for another day. For now, it was like Aarok said. Buy weapons, mount them on the walls, and prepare for whatever came seething from the north.
Agreed, Alise said with a curt nod. Now, on to financials.
Theos eyes glazed over. He ran his fingers over the egg as she spoke. No one sat down as she detailed their position. The harbor project cost them more than they could afford, and trade deals werent rolling in fast enough. If not for the charity of the other folks in town, theyd be in the hole. Tresk, unbeknownst to Theo, had given the town a sizable loan to pay this seasons taxes. Grub had already collected mid-season, but that was a tenth of what they paid for the end-of-season taxes. The alchemist only interjected when expansion came up.
If someone else could own a bakery, thatd be great, Theo said. Otherwise, Im planning on renting some fields for [Starbristle Flax] for a textiles industry.
Good, we need ideas for more income, Alise said. Thats everyones task. Squeeze more money out of this town. Our port is useless without ships, so get on that.
Alise went on until sunset. Theo was exhausted from his encounter in the mine. Gridgen and Sarna even came to check up on him part-way through the meeting. He used the excuse to slip out, sensing Tresk drawing closer. She appeared from the shadows, startling the miners. But she went straight for the egg, holding it in her clammy little hands and staring at the shell.
Thats what was in the room? Gridgen asked, laughing. His son, Gasem, tried to snatch the egg from Tresk. He was too slow.
Yeah, some kind of bonded creature, Theo said.
They traded guesses on what it was for some time. Tresk insisted it was a dragon, despite Khahars advice. She was reluctant to return the egg, but relented when she saw the setup Theo had for it. They made their way to the Marsh Wolf Tavern for dinner, which was something that looked suspiciously like enchiladas. The more Theo ate, the more he realized they were exactly enchiladas. Xam claimed she got the recipe from Khahar, but he didnt believe her.
Theo found Zarali, worn from the day and waiting for him and Tresk to arrive near the bathhouse. They made their way to their private room and went over the day. Tresk left out the part where she went off to Rivers and Daub to do recon. The alchemist soaked in the water, listening to the theories about the egg. It sat near the edge of the water. Somehow, he knew it enjoyed the heat.
A bonded familiar is great, Zarali said, holding her finger up to curtail any agreement. But this is different. It bonded with you both.
Double bonded, Tresk said, nodding excitedly.
Zarali let out a sigh, sinking deeper into the water. Theres no point arguing, is there? This place is like a tidal wave.
Conversation swept back around to the harbor. The road ahead was long, but no one seemed to care. The townsfolk saw it as a symbol of Broken Tusks power. They laid claim to something no one else in the region could, and that had to count for something. Zarali seemed content enough to count herself among the growing collective.
Tresk dragged Theo back to the Newt and Demon when they were done with their bath. She had a lot to say, and nothing she would put into words. Their only safe place to talk was the Dreamwalk. The alchemist made a small area between their bed for the egg, wrapping it in a blanket and placing a stool over top. He didnt want it getting squashed. The pair pressed their foreheads together and gained a massive amount of Tarahek experience, shooting them to level 19. No bonuses came, but a feeling of eager anticipation settled into the alchemists chest.
They would receive another skill next level.
The Dreamwalk formed around them. First darkness, then a shaded view of a walled city. It spanned over a river, connected by a series of ornate bridges. Their walls were impressive, if sparse with towers. Theo could only spot a single weapon per gate, which was far too few. He didnt know how Rivers and daub had survived any monster waves, let alone several. The alchemist looked down from a tall tower. Tresk must have scouted the place out from here.
So, theyre split into districts, Tresk said, gesturing to the town below. She swatted at something, then narrowed her eyes. Whats that?
Theo didnt notice it at first. A small mote of light was flying around their heads, as though it wanted their attention. He realized what it was after a moment.
The egg, Theo said. That system message said something about our soulbond.
Egg! Tresk said, snatching the wisp from the air. She cradled it in her hands, cooing.
So, the districts? Theo asked.
Tresk shrugged. Adventurers, crafters, nobles. Lots of nobles. Too many. There are the farms out there, she said, gesturing to the east. The farms werent enclosed in the wall, which was a problem.
The location of Rivers and Daub wasnt great. The city had gone up to take advantage of the river, but that was their last and only advantage. Open planes to the east, south, and west, with the rocky incline of hills to the north. No side of the place was easily defensible. It presented a nightmare scenario that could only be overcome with raw firepower. Broken Tusk was in a much similar situation with their monster waves, but they were prepared. Their walls bristled with weapons, and their treasury was fat with motes to power them. This place felt weak, even through the Dreamwalk.
The air feels thin, Theo said, not knowing what that meant. This was a dream. But it was Tresks recollection of the town, so he supposed those senses came too. He didnt remember feeling this when she took him into her memories from childhood.
Thin is a good word for it, Tresk grumbled. Youre too used to how it is in Broken Tusk.
They went over everything wrong with the town. It lacked enough defenses to withstand much more than a level 15 monster wave, or so they theorized. The reality of it was, they were only used to dealing with high-level monster waves. More towers was always better, unless a town didnt have the motes to power those towers. The mote-collection idea floated to the top of Theos priorities.
Worst case, I get Zarali to make me a lot of lodestones. Then, I can make an army of mote-collecting golems, Theo said. Theyre cheap enough to make. They can scour the swamp.
So, were going to sell motes to Rivers? Tresk asked.
Feel how thin the Power is in the air? Theo asked. Im guessing they dont have the motes to power their towers. Thats why they only have What? Four?
I counted 4, Tresk said.
The scene shifted and they were standing on a wall. Tresk must have snuck across the perimeter of the town, because they could walk around without the Dreamwalk breaking. True to her word, they only had 4 towers, all low-quality [Firebolt Towers], the cheapest available. Not that the price had anything to do with tower availability. Theo suspected his supplier, Fenian, got them from an Elven source. He couldnt prove that, but perhaps they could come to an arrangement.
Until then, they walked the streets of Rivers and Daub. Theo didnt need Tresk to tell him the big problem in this town. The wealthy held much of the landscape with sprawling manors that were more like palaces than anything else. Mercantile Chairs were a scourge to any fair town. His mind drifted back to his original plan to conquer Rivers. It was posturing with Luras, but it seemed like a good plan at this point. Especially when they entered the slums.
See, when I came to Broken Tusk, Theo said, pointing at the shacks. Everyone lived like this. There wasnt this divide.
Yeah, well, Tresk said, chuckling. We dont have the resources to take them over.
We also dont have to defend them, Theo said.
Oh, Tresk said, looking around. She shaded her eyes as though the dim light prevented her from seeing clearly. Where did my alchemist go? My precious, loving, charitable alchemist?
Theo punched her in the arm. I get it, he said. Im dropping the first sack of gold coins I mint on the slums.
I tossed a beggar a few silver, Tresk said with a shrug. Thats like putting mud on an open wound. Might feel good now, but you didnt solve the problem.
Alright. This isnt our domain, Theo said, realizing what was going on. He was getting emotionally invested in a problem he didnt understand. The alchemist barely understood how to run Broken Tusk, if at all. His support staff would have better ideas. It was a problem for Azrug to solve.
Oh! This is fun, Tresk said, scampering off down the street. She led him to an imposing-looking building made of black stone. The prison!
Thats not fun, Theo said. Thats the opposite of fun.
Come on! We need a jail! Tresk shouted.
Everyone in town is under a magical contract, Theo said. Theres no point.
Yeah, but look at it!
The building was impressive, if a bit imposing. It ruined the look of the town, even if he recognized the strategic location of the place. Right near the slums. Again, he ignored that. His people could sort this out better than him.
They checked out every part of town. Even if there werent people in the memory, the Dreamwalk only seemed to project buildings unless instructed otherwise, Theo got a good sense for the town. They relied on their crafters and farmers for all their income. The Chairs likely took most of the coin for themselves, and they would have suffered greatly from the increased export tax. The pair settled down in the city. Theo conducted experiments on large-scale golem operations, and Tresk fought hordes of monsters from the battlements. She even got the towers to work.
There was a hard limit on Theos willpower, even with the lodestones. It was something like 20 golems active at one time, but that stretched him thin. He could work 15 at a time without an issue, which seemed like enough for his mote harvesting venture. Even in the Dreamwalk, the constructs had a good sense for finding items. But there were also experiments he wanted to conduct that couldnt be done in the Dreamwalk. He needed to test the effectiveness of the [Pozwa Eggs]. There was also the mystery of the [Suffuse Potion]. He inspected that one to get a better idea of what he was working with.
[Suffuse Potion]
[Potion]
Rare
Created by: Belgar
Grade: Excellent Quality
Alignment:
Drogramath (Middling Bond)
A potion used to bind two properties to an object, or each other.
Effect:
Bind two properties.
Binding two properties to an object made little sense to the Alchemist. Since properties were effectively essences, that meant it could create a new essence from two existing essences. The only thing that happened when he used the [Suffuse Potion] to combine two essences was a massive explosion, even without introducing a catalyst. Like most things in alchemy, this meant he was missing something.
Theo tried, for about an hour, to pull reagents apart with his mana. They exploded every time he tried, but he learned a few things. True to Zaralis word, he could feel that there were more than 3 properties on a reagent, but it was more complicated than that. He died in an explosion after trying to rip a [Spiny Swamp Thistle Root] apart, but got a sense there was something inside there. It was as though there was an entire realm within that one tuber. A sprawling universe where micro-properties were intertwined in some delicate dance. Pulling the reagent apart without knowing how to do it was like splitting the atom.
Before the Dreamwalk expired, he narrowed his thoughts down on the matter. Once he thought of the [Suffuse Potion] as a true binder, it made a little sense. It was a catalyst. Plain as that. Even with his most refined essence, he couldnt feed it something pure enough to make a connection. Discounting the limitations of the Dreamwalk, he knew he needed something base. The pinnacle of properties. In his mind, he named the elemental properties. Essence so fundamental that nothing could interfere with the [Suffuse Potions] bond.
Theo needed to grind experience more if he wanted to taste the benefit of the [Reagent Deconstruction] skill.
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