Dragon's Archon - Ch. 11 - An Empty Room - Alpha (Patreon)

After a few blinks, I found myself back in the orchard. A crowd of people paced around the room, huddled in their own cliques. An elderly man with fluffy white eyebrows, curly white hair, and a vibrant blue robe leaned toward my face. He adjusted the monocle above his mutton chops.

When my eyes focused on him, he jerked back before yelling, “The Archon has returned!”

Ophelia pushed past the others and sprinted toward me with my walking stick. “Devon, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m perfectly fine,” I said.

“So you vanquished the entity inside?” Moira asked, leading the band of others toward me.

“No. The helm is actually a living object. If I were to destroy her, I would have destroyed the artifacts themselves. She is Ninazu’s armor. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

“That’s because I forbade the study of the helm after our initiate’s death. Ninazu is the God of Death, after all. We used only the most basic, unintrusive spells.”

“Wise of you,” Malice said, her voice echoing from the helm. “If you were to try, I would have had to defend myself.”

“So it speaks?” Moira said, bringing her finger to her lip.

“I can do much more than that, as your initiates found out.”

“Yes… the fools got what they deserved.”

The elderly gentleman in blue turned and frowned. “Moira… those boys were initiates of our order. They deserve a bit more decency.”

“Don’t preach to me about decency, Otis,” Moira scoffed. “They broke the rules, broke into our vault, and tried to steal a powerful artifact we offered to protect.”

“Come now,” the sorcerer said with a smile. “I know of a half a dozen incidents you alone did as an initiate that would put that story to shame. Besides, if they hadn’t, we wouldn’t have discovered the flaws in our own security.”

“It matters not now. The hole has been plugged.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” I said, holding up a hand. “But there are a lot of people in here now that weren’t here when I put this helmet on.”

“Allow me to introduce you, then,” Moira said pointing with her arm. “The man in front of you is Otis the Blue. The two elven women wearing the dresses made from leaves are Evelyn the Green and Clara the Orange. Our clean-shaven dwarven peer next to them is Borrisk the Brown. The two Chalice members not here with us are Sammael the Purple and Togo the Yellow.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” I said with a slight bow. “I’m Devon Blackthorn.”

Each of the members glanced nervously at each other before nodding and putting on fake smiles.

After a moment of awkwardness, I looked back at the woman in white. “I thought you weren’t going to assemble everyone?”

“I didn’t, at least not intentionally. But I did send the report. Over the last few days, everyone has gathered to see the new Archon.”

I froze. “Wait. How long was I gone?”

“Three and a half days.”

“What!” I shouted. “It was only a few hours at most.”

Otis ran his hands through his mutton chops. “Hmm… time can work differently depending on the dimension or plane.”

Did you know about this? I thought to Malice.

Yes, she said without hesitation.

And you didn’t think that I would want to know when you asked me to stay longer?

I wasn’t thinking of it. I apologize, master.

I slid my hand down my face and sighed. “I need to get back to Nubia. Who knows what Yda and Cartha could be thinking? They probably think I abandoned them, or worse.”

“I can take you back whenever you’re ready,” Ophelia said, before handing me my walking stick. At first I thought about just launching it into the void of space, but with our lack of funds, anything I could resell was worth keeping.

As I turned, Moira stepped forward. “Before you leave, you should be aware of a few things, your Holiness. While the Chalice of Thorns does not acknowledge Ophelia’s visions as prophecy, you bring about perturbation. You are a powerful enigma, created from what many of the gods and goddesses believe to result from a heretical union. And while the Chalice sees itself as a separate authority from that of the political powers that serve the divine, we still do advise many. Change is inevitable, but order must be maintained.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked.

“Each of the members you see before you have lived through countless generations. Over time, you begin to see patterns. There are those that possess a burning gaze. One that pulls everyone’s attention when they enter a room. You share that same look. The pattern always splits into one of two paths: wondrous kings or brutal tyrants. Something to consider, your Holiness, as you continue to take your first steps into your appointment.”

When I glanced at each of the surrounding sorcerers, gone were the fake smiles. Furrowed brows and stern glances stared at me. Moira’s words held a not-so-subtle threat that was hard to ignore.

I nodded slowly. “I shall. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.”

Moira gave a bemused grin and nodded. “Then we will watch you with keen interest.”

When I turned and headed through the double doors, Malice said, Don’t listen to the old hag. She has no idea what she speaks of. You will chart the path you see fit, and they will do nothing to stop you.

While aggressive, her reassurance brought a smile to my face. When we reached the empty arch with the white crystal above it, Ophelia performed her spell once more. A wall of golden light appeared. Together, we stepped inside.

As we exited, we walked into the main floor of Ophelia’s tower. I looked down at my hands to see the same black gauntlets I had on. The helmet matched, but it obscured my view. I wanted a look that matched my rugged adventurer’s ensemble.

Malice, can you shift your form? I asked in my mind.

Of course, master. What would you like?

I was thinking a strip of cloth tied around my forehead for the helm and fingerless gloves that extended into leather and metal bracers. Could you do something like that?

Without a response, the forms shifted. They reverted to the molten rock and lava that I recognized as Malice’s body before they hardened into the look that I desired. While they weren’t perfect replicas of what I had envisioned, they were close enough.

Is this to your liking, master? Malice asked.

Yeah, this works, I said, examining my arms.

Would you like me to transform your clothing as well?

You can do that?

Yes. I can transmute your entire look.

Oh, I thought I’d need your other pieces for that.

No. Claiming my other shards will allow you to access the power within. While you wear the helm, I have full control over your clothing’s appearance.

That’s good to know, I said, after tightening the strap tighter against my head. But I’m fine with what I’ve got now.

Don’t worry about me falling off. My inner layer adheres to your skin. So, I won’t be going anywhere. As she spoke her next words, her voice oozed with seduction. But… feel free to pull me as tight as you want.

I snorted and shook my head as Ophelia turned around. She tilted her head and looked up at me. “The helm… it can transmutate?”

“Yeah, into whatever I need,” I said.

“That’s convenient. I would love to have something similar—”

I held up my hand to cut her off. “I don’t mean to be rude, but we need to talk about what happened back at the Orchard.”

“Oh… right,” Ophelia said before clearing her throat. “I remember you saying as such. Was there a concern?”

“Yeah, I have a concern. The whole thing about you needing to warn the Chalice about me? What the fuck was that about? I thought you were supposed to be my herald? On my side?”

“Well, it’s just—”

“You understand why I’m upset, right? I’m in the middle of starting a new sect. I carry a name that many believe will bring about the end of the world, and you are trying to warn a bunch of powerful sorcerers about me like you’re more concerned for their safety than mine.”

“That’s because she is,” Malice growled. “She cannot be trusted.”

Ophelia lowered her head. “I humbly apologize, your Holiness. You are more than in the right to be upset with me. It… was a moment of weakness.”

“The Blackthorn has no time for weakness!” Malice hissed.

“Hold on, let her finish,” I said.

“I was so caught up in my own validations that I spoke without thinking,” Ophelia said. “This was years of built up frustration coming out all at once.”

“I don’t care for excuses,” I said bluntly.

“And you should not. Please allow me to atone for my grievous error. It shall not happen again. I will work diligently to prove that I am an asset to have at your side.”

Ignore her words, master, Malice whispered in my mind. She has lost your faith once. She will lose it again.

I concentrated on her aura. A pink hue resonated around her. Seeing it surprised me. I’d expected it to be blue, but she was devoted.

She is a powerful sorceress, I thought to Malice. Having someone like her would be a boon. Even if she’s banished from the Chalice, her connections to the members could prove useful.

You’re going to forgive her? Malice said before groaning like a disappointed child. Ugh…

Everyone deserves a second chance. This will be hers.

Then you should at least punish her.

I’m not a hateful person, Malice. Her shame of failure will be enough. And if it’s not, then I have no use for her.

I pulled Ophelia’s chin up with my finger. “I will forgive you this once, Ophelia. However, I do not tolerate failure or incompetence. You have a long way to go to earn back my favor.”

Her face brightened. “Yes, your Holiness. Thank you. I will live every day with it as my sole purpose.”

A notification appeared above Ophelia’s head.

Follower Claimed: Ophelia Yarrow

I nodded with satisfaction. “Good. Then come. We need to head back to the Desert Pearl to sync up with my Head Priestess and her guard. While we walk, you can tell me about everything that was discussed in the meeting of the other Chalice members that I need to be aware of.”

“Yes, your Holiness,” Ophelia said.

As I approached the tower’s doors, they opened for us. The heat of the midday sun hit my face as if I’d walked into a raging bonfire. Instinctively, I raised my arm and shielded my eyes. As beads of sweat formed across my forehead and under my arms, I immediately regretted wearing so much clothing.

When the doors closed behind us, Ophelia followed and spoke. “Most of the conversations were generalized greetings in my presence. They were all careful to exclude me from anything important. All I can provide is their general sentiments observing you.”

“That’s better than nothing,” I said. “Please go ahead.”

Ophelia took a deep breath as she struggled to keep up with my long stride. “As you could probably tell from my mother’s sentiment she acts as though you pose no threat, however, based on her multiple private conversations with the other members separate from me and the warning she gave you, she considers you to be one.”

“That seemed to be the general sentiment shared among the others.”

“Not necessarily. Uncle Otis has always been curious about new things. You seemed to intrigue him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he reaches out privately.”

“Uncle?”

Ophelia failed to suppress a smile. “He’s not my blood relative. But he’s the oldest Chalice member. Everyone calls him that. He rivals my mother in power, but prefers to leave the politics to her. He cares more about the study of magic. If it wasn’t for him being Star Touched, he’d be a true child of Xenith. In fact, he believes the Star Touched to be gifted by Xenith.”

“What of Xenith’s Archons?”

“There are none. None of the Elder dragons have Archons.”

“Interesting. Why do you think that is?”

Ophelia shrugged. “If I were to speculate, it’s probably because they have their hands full wrangling the other gods and managing their own affairs.”

“And what of the other members' sentiments?”

“The elven sisters, Evelyn and Clara, seemed to spend a lot of time examining you, too. Likely to report back to Harkwood.”

“I’ve heard of that place before.”

“It’s the kingdom of the woodland elves, specifically. There are three different kingdoms ruled by elves, so it’s important to differentiate.”

“I really need to get a map.”

Ophelia pointed over her shoulder. “I have one back at the tower if you’d like me—”

“No, I can wait until we reach Yda and Cartha,” I said, shaking my head. “Please continue.”

“Borrisk seemed to pay you no mind, but he’s also hard to read.”

“Does he advise the dwarven kingdom?”

“Yes, he’s King Bismark’s nephew, and is extremely loyal to them. Most of the Chalice members are to their respective families or employers.”

“What of the other two, Sammael and Togo?”

“Sammael and Togo didn’t show, but that’s not surprising given everything that they’re dealing with.”

“What’s going on with them?”

“Sammael advises Queen Azera of the Azera Monarchy to the east. There have been rumors that her kingdom has been mobilizing for war in the last few months.”

“War with whom?”

“My guess is they plan to take the islands south of them. They’re currently inhabited by a settlement known as Werea which is a community for those infected with wereism, and the Free States of Marta.”

I tilted my head. “So were-creatures aren’t naturally occurring?”

“Oh… no… it’s a terrible disease. Those possessed lose complete control and turn into raging monstrosities. Most kingdoms will slaughter and burn anyone found with it because of the devastation they can cause. It can also spread like wildfire. All it takes is a single bite.”

“How can there be a community of infected if they are all rampaging monsters?”

“It’s not a constant thing. Usually there is a trigger like the smell of blood.”

“So, how do they sustain themselves?”

“Through farming. Many resort to fruit-and-vegetable-based diets to help control their desires.”

“Ugh, that sounds awful,” I groaned. “If that happened to me, I’d want you to just put me out of my misery. There’s no way I could live like that.”

“If that is your desire, master,” Malice said, almost too excitedly.

I rolled my eyes. “That was a joke…”

Malice let out a nefarious giggle before Ophelia continued. “Togo, on the other hand, spends most of his time roaming Ossein Island. He travels between the wild clans of the north, keeping an eye on them.”

“Are they some kind of threat?”

“They could be. The wild clans serve Rendira, the Dragon Goddess of Chaos. In service to their goddess, every generation they ready themselves for a raid on the mainland, spreading destruction and mayhem as far as they can. From what I’ve heard, given the numbers at which the clans have reproduced this cycle, this next one is going to be challenging for the northern and western kingdoms.”

“Which kingdoms specifically?”

“The Dupont Holy Empire and Eimalon, home of the snow elves.”

I rubbed my chin as I thought for a moment. Dupont has been my enemy number one since they came after Yda and Cartha. An enemy of my enemy? Could be useful. I stored the information away should it be useful in the future.

As we marched through the city, I did so in good spirits. It felt good not having to worry about something as basic as walking. From that day forward, I told myself I wouldn’t take for granted something so simple.

It wasn’t until we reached the market that the streets became crowded. All manner of races and creeds were represented. Centaur guards stood overlooking the busy bazaar searching for pickpockets. A pair of beekin peddled their honeyed goods. A crowd gathered around two sizable orcs locked in an armwrestling contest as bets exchanged hands.

As we passed through it, Ophelia spoke almost out of breath, trying to keep up. “You’re moving a lot better, your Holiness.”

“Yes, thanks to Malice’s gifts.”

“You’re most welcome, master,” the elemental purred.

“Once we find the Head Priestess and her bodyguard, what will be your next course of action?” Ophelia asked.

“If Yda hasn’t already, I was told it was important that we pay tribute to the Ikkala. So that might be a priority. Once that’s done, I want to gather everyone together to decide our next moves. We desperately need money to fund any of our long-term plans.”

“All of my resources are at your disposal should you require them.”

I cocked my brow as I looked down at her. “Everything?”

“Everything. I’ve envisioned your arrival for the majority of my life. As your herald it's my duty to see your will be done. So whatever or however you need of me, just ask it of me.”

“That’s very kind of you, Ophelia. Thank you.”

For the first time since we’d returned, she smiled. I was always a sucker for a beautiful smile, and she had one of the best. It’s not like I wanted to punish her. But she needed to understand her mistake. I needed to keep her close, but not too close so she could work towards my forgiveness. And this was a good start.

As we approached the Desert Pearl, the volume of the lunch crowd was apparent. Once we stepped inside, I saw each of the tables was full of patrons. Kissa stood behind the bar while several other goblin men and women weaved in between the tables. Any eyes that turned my way stared with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

After I scoured the room for my other companions and didn’t find them, I walked to the second level. When I opened our room, my stomach sank. It was empty.