Paths of the Dead

I observed Drevolan with keen interest, he continued to pique my curiosity. He appeared to be making an effort to maintain a neutral expression, suggesting he was quite troubled about something. I let my mind wander, attempting to guess the reason, but I didn't come up with any plausible theories. So, I focused on consuming the meal and beverage before me.

The quality of the food was unexpectedly impressive, but what took me by surprise, even more, was when the attendant presented a freshly killed Baku to Opal. He offered it to me, indicating Opal with a subtle nod, as if uncertain that I would understand who it was for. After setting down the tray, Opal began to eat, demonstrating his best dining etiquette. Neither Alyssra nor Drevolan seemed bothered about sharing their meal with him.

"These people are decent, boss."

"I was thinking the same."

What shocked me further, though, was witnessing Lord Drevolan, a Wizard and Sorcerer, and the Duke of the House of the Dragon, licking honey from his fingers. It was unfortunate that Imperions lacked facial hair, because Drevolan should have had a black goatee that would get coated in honey.

If the entire event was a ploy to make me more agreeable to assist them, I must admit it was effective. It was significantly more appealing than their previous approach. When the bowls filled with warm water and steamy towels were handed around, I was rather receptive to any bizarre idea they might propose.

And it was indeed bizarre.

* * * *

The spell to obtain a familiar is as ancient as Sorcery itself, with countless variations corresponding to different types of familiars and lineages of witches and sorcerers. By the standards I am accustomed to, it is a straightforward spell, but it carries certain risks apart from those inherent in performing any ritual to which you are dedicating your mental strength. For example, it involved trekking alone through the jungle. I questioned my grandfather why I couldn't just locate one of the Vorgan that fly around the city, and he questioned if I had ever observed them up close.

My grandfather handed me a backpack and imparted strict instructions about what to pack in it, but only vague advice on potential dangers to avoid. When I asked why he couldn't be more detailed, he responded that he simply didn't know. This response alarmed me. I queried, "Are you certain this is safe, Vost-pa?"

He replied, "Of course not, Viktor. It is laden with danger. Do you wish to back out?"

"Umm, no. I suppose I'll proceed."

Then, I dedicated several hours to learning about the wildlife in the jungles west of Avandryl. I suspect my grandfather anticipated that, and that was why he was so indirect in his instructions. As a result, I gathered much knowledge. The key takeaway was the importance of careful examination of anything that could cause harm.

This lesson has proven to be immensely valuable to me.

* * * *

"Wait a second," I interjected. "Begin from the start. Precisely why am I expected to prepare and head off to the Paths of the Dead?"

Drevolan cast a frustrated look my way; he seemed proficient at such expressions. He then said, "Alyssra, you take a shot at this."

She nodded, adopting a concise and professional demeanor. "Drevolan has a cousin named—"

"Thaleia. Right, I gathered that."

"Thaleia was trapped in the catastrophic explosion in Imperia City which led to the downfall of the Imperium."

"Okay. I'm following you thus far."

"I was able to save her."

"That's where you lose me. Didn't Drevolan mention that she was deceased?"

"Well, yes."

"Fine, I understand."

She tapped her fingers impatiently on the arm of her chair.

"You picking up any more of this than I am, Opal?"

"Yeah, boss. It's pretty clear you're tangled up with a couple of lunatics."

"Much appreciated."

Eventually, Alyssra managed to say, "Death isn't as cut and dry as you may assume. She's indeed dead, but her soul has been kept intact. It's been misplaced since the Regency Break, but with your assistance and that of some others, we've located it. Yesterday, it was finally retrieved."

"Alright, good. But why the journey to NecroGate Falls?" I struggled to suppress a shiver as I uttered those words.

"To execute our plan, we require a living soul, if not a living body. Ideally, we'd have the body, but the Necromancer can provide us with... Well, let's not get into that." Her voice faded, and her expression turned anxious.

"Here we go again," I said. "You say you have her soul, then you state—"

"The soul," interjected Alyssra Volade, "isn't as uncomplicated as you perceive it to be."

"Terrific," I said. I can't be certain, but I think Abbe might have allowed himself a small smirk. "Fine, but how did the soul end up in the staff?"

"That's a complex story. Anatole placed it there, though. He discovered it shortly after the Regency Break, in some peasant's field. Now—"

"How do you know what the staff looks like?"

She shot me a disdainful look. "I am capable of performing basic divination, thank you."

"Oh. Well, pardon me for existing, okay?"

"Perhaps."

"So what is the current status of her soul?"

She paused for a few moments before asking, "Have you ever used a Norsanti weapon?"

I kept my face neutral. "Possibly."

"Regardless, you are familiar with them?"

"Yes."

"Do you know that Norsanti weapons cannot obliterate the soul of someone who is already dead?"

"Hmm. That's never crossed my mind. I haven't had the opportunity to stab Norsanti weapons into cadavers. But it seems plausible, I guess."

"It's a fact. If the soul wasn't there, revivification wouldn't be achievable."

"Okay. I'll accept that."

"And are you aware that the bodies of highly revered individuals from their House are sometimes sent over NecroGate Falls, destined to traverse the Paths of the Dead?"

"I've heard of that as well."

"So you can comprehend—"

"I understand that Terrans are prohibited from entering the Paths of the Dead, and that, to my knowledge, only Empress Marya has emerged alive."

"Both statements are accurate," said Alyssra. "However, considering those two facts, one might infer that a Terran might be allowed to—"

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