Scribing...
Scribing...
Chapter 1.35 R
The Horns of Hammerad travel with Ryoka by wagon from Celum to an abandoned inn near Liscor. There, Pisces fulfills his agreement to magically heal Ryoka's shattered leg. Overwhelmed by the painless recovery, Ryoka drops her usual hostility and expresses genuine gratitude.
The Horns of Hammerad—comprising Ceria Springwalker, Calruz, Gerial, and Hunt—hire an elderly Driver to transport them and the injured Ryoka Griffin by wagon from Celum toward Liscor. While the rest of the party rides in the wagon, the Minotaur Calruz chooses to run alongside it for physical conditioning. During the journey, the narrative reflects on Ryoka's life back on Earth, noting her high intelligence and past achievements, such as her acceptance into Columbia University and Mensa, which sharply contrast with her current helpless state in this new world.
The group eventually arrives at an abandoned inn situated a few miles east of Liscor. Here, they rendezvous with the Mage Pisces, whom Ceria has contacted to provide medical assistance for Ryoka. The reunion brings up mentions of past acquaintances shared by Ceria and Pisces, including Mons and Beatrice.
Pisces steps up to fulfill his end of the bargain. Utilizing his mana and magical expertise, he treats Ryoka's shattered leg. To Ryoka's absolute shock, the magical healing process is completely painless and flawlessly repairs the severe damage. Overwhelmed by the miraculous recovery and immediate relief from her debilitating injury, Ryoka experiences a significant shift in demeanor. She completely abandons her typical abrasive anger and expresses profound, heartfelt gratitude to Pisces for restoring her mobility.
The Horns of Hammerad hire a Driver to transport the injured Ryoka from Celum toward Liscor, while Calruz runs alongside the wagon.
The Minotaur captain of the Horns of Hammerad, who wields a massive battleaxe.
aka the Minotaur, Beriad of the House of Minos +16
An anti-social, barefoot runner from Earth who works as a messenger in Izril.
aka City Runner, Miss Runner +15
A large, competent Silver-rank adventuring party led by Calruz.
aka The Horns, Silver-rank team +6
The adventuring party arrives at an abandoned inn a few miles east of Liscor and meets with Pisces.
Fulfilling his agreement with Ceria, Pisces uses his magic and mana to painlessly and perfectly heal Ryoka's shattered leg.
Overwhelmed by the miraculous healing, Ryoka abandons her usual hostility and sincerely thanks Pisces.
The Human vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad.
aka the vice-captain, vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad +10
An independent city-state located near the High Passes.
A scarred warrior member of the Horns of Hammerad.
aka the armored warrior
A notorious Necromancer referenced as a potential threat by the Dragon.
aka The Necromancer of Terandria, the Necromancer of Terandria +13
A class for people who operate vehicles like wagons for transport or delivery.
aka [Driver], The driver +2
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A massive, bull-like sapient species.
aka Minotaurs, the Minotaur
A classic fantasy species that Ryoka expected to see but has not encountered.
aka Elves, half-Elf +1
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +16
A large, leathery, winged creature that Erin encountered.
aka giant dino-bird, Razorbeaks
A general class for any individual who practices magic.
aka [Mage], [Mages] +3
A medical class requested by the guards to save Klbkch.
aka [Healer], [Healers]
The magical energy resource of the world.
“My name is Ryoka Griffin. I am in your debt. Whatever I can do—if ever you need me, just ask.”
“Honor and duty above all. Without it, we are animals.”
“I am truly grateful. And I’m sorry for my rudeness earlier. I owe you a debt I can’t repay. But I know the Horns of Hammerad now, and I know what defines you.”
“—I personally believe he’s delusional and that he’ll never achieve his goals. But regardless, he won’t stay in the area long. Every time the Academy learns where he’s staying, they send out a team to capture him. So far, he’s escaped, but it’s only a matter of time before he stays in one place too long and gets caught.”
“Ryoka? Are you okay? How do you feel?”
“Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”
“…He got a lot of people killed. By accident. I think it was an accident, but a good friend of mine died. That wasn’t the only…only reason. But it’s past now. Six years past. I called in what few favors I think I had left to get him to meet us.”
“It’s true. He’s restored the bone to normal. Dead gods—that’s incredible.”
“You weren’t on the continent when the Necromancer attacked with his legions ten years back. Or a Terandrian. Hunt is. I grew up with stories of him attacking kingdoms and killing people by the thousand. And that was when I was a girl. Believe me—even if we were all thirty levels higher, we’d still be no match for him. So stop questioning the courage of your own party!”
“I couldn’t have done that. And that was no spell—at least, not any spell written down. You think we overpaid? I think we underpaid, and I’m just glad Pisces didn’t catch on to what Gerial was saying.”
“I suspect because he likes dead people more than he likes the living most of the time.”
“We studied together in Wistram Academy. I was a friend of his…once. We parted ways badly several years ago, but I knew he was probably in the area. Besides, Pisces isn’t very dangerous. Annoying, yes, but not dangerous. He’s…thoughtless, secretive, selfish, and he’s made terrible mistakes. But he’s no monster. And I hate to admit it but—he is very smart.”
“In the past, they never found his body and he’d pop up. But the Tidebreaker, Zel Shivertail, beheaded him and they burned him. Still, some people remember him, and everyone hates [Necromancers]. They’re not outlawed everywhere—but close enough.”
“Pisces was moving around each of the shattered bones and knitting them together. He could sense where they are, and he knows how to reassemble them. That isn’t something any normal [Mage] could do. Or even a regular [Necromancer].”
“The House of Minos has a lot of experience with bone injuries, and our [Healers] are the best as I said. But—that was instantaneous. And the solution is a [Necromancer]? I should report this to home. If that really does mend bone that fast…”
“You idiot! At least have her lie down before you do that!”
“You may doubt all you wish, but I believe my fellow student can attest to my competence. Besides which, any spell would confirm the veracity of my statement. Tell them, Springwalker.”
“You hear about the Healer of Tenbault, and Named-ranks have the highest-grade potions in the world. But…no. I know a lot of Silver and Bronze-ranks who take a bad break and it never heals.”
“In that case, get out. And consider yourself banned from the Horns of Hammerad while you’re at it.”
“I have plans for this gold. Not least, it will help shut up a certain annoying [Innkeeper]—”
“That little runt of a Human was mocking us the entire time. We travelled all this way and paid all this coin for a spell that any one of you could have done? Explain yourself, Ceria!”
“We’ve travelled over a hundred miles to get here, mage. You’re supposed to be a [Necromancer] able to help us, but I haven’t heard how you’d be able to mend bone. [Necromancers] deal with the dead, so what makes you special? No [Healer] from Wales to Celum could help Ryoka!”
“Ceria is right, Calruz. I wouldn’t know where to begin with an injury like that. But the speed and precision of that [Necromancer]…and you say he’s only Level 22?”
“She should be fine. I think.”
“If you want to go faster, get off and pull yourself. Or I’ll thank you to not insult my ponies.”
“For what you want? When, as your dear teammate points out, no [Healer] can help your patient? Sixty, no less.”
“The comfort of the patient is of no object to me. Regardless…I’m done. Where’s my payment?”
“Necromancy is a misnomer for the true nature of my magic. Reanimation is but one component of raising the dead. Another, crucial aspect is the manipulation and fundamental understanding of—”
“If that's the case, count me out. I'm sorry, but not even a debt of honor would make me face that monster.”
“Pisces is a genius. He possesses an intimate knowledge of Human bodies. No one but another [Necromancer] could have done that so easily. And frankly, I would not trust any other [Necromancer] but Pisces. Listen, have you ever heard of someone mending shattered bone like that?”
“Thank you for the simplistic explanation. I suppose that does explain it, however. In any event, know that I am a [Necromancer] capable of your request. Kindly refrain from addressing me with pointless questions ever again. As for [Healers] being insufficient—it is not my fault that there’s so little talent to go around.”
“It’s not the Necromancer we’re going to meet. Just an ordinary [Necromancer], so don’t worry. Az’kerash is dead. Everyone knows that.”
“Running from the Necromancer isn’t cowardice, idiot. Calm down. Hunt, get back here.”
“In any case, the [Mage] we’re going to visit is not the Necromancer. He just…practices necromancy. And he’s the only person who can help Ryoka I could think of.”
“I fear no [Mage], especially not a weak one who practices cowardly magic like necromancy.”
“Let me guess. He was kicked out because they found he was practicing necromancy, right?”
“If it was that simple, why couldn’t you have done that? The entire spell barely took seconds!”
“Oh, no. It wasn’t just that. No, it was because of what he did with necromancy that he was expelled.”
“You mean the Necromancer? I thought we were just visiting another [Mage]! I thought he was dead!”
“You wouldn’t say that if you ever saw a raiding party—or a warband. Besides, the Guild offers a copper piece for every four pairs of Goblin ears.”
“The flesh is still probably broken, but the bone underneath should be repaired if Pisces is right. He doesn’t know healing spells, but he could easily reinforce and repair the bone.”
“It wasn't me. Peminac cast [Numb], I think. It takes away pain, but it makes the affected slightly…odd. She should be fine, and it’s better than her feeling the pain. We just need to make sure to keep healing the leg every few hours.”
“Well, he’s only a brat—I mean, he’s only around twenty in your years, which I suppose makes him an adult. But he’s got levels in multiple magical classes. If you add them all up, he’s got more than I do, and I’m three times his age.”
“I would appreciate no shouting during the process. You know how much concentration this takes even without interruption.”
“Thank you.”
“…He was kicked out of Wistram Academy. And he’s wanted by several cities for causing trouble, I gather. Not murder—just extortion and troublemaking.”
“Thirty. And even that is robbery. This is a Silver-rank team, Pisces. Not some Gold-rank.”
“The [Numb] spell and all the healing you’re doing is probably taking its toll. If you need to sleep—sleep. We won’t get to Liscor for several more hours, and we still need to water and feed the ponies.”
“Large, green birds. Leathery. Got teeth sharp as a knife, but they’re not too dangerous. A few sparks scare them away.”
“Rabble. Not worth dirtying a blade over. Not a single Hob in sight.”
“You can’t have finished so quickly! You must be lying!”
“Pisces. I told you that he’s a [Necromancer]. In truth, he’s probably not that strong of one—I remember that he was about Level 22 when we were students together in Wistram Academy. Even if he’s leveled up a bit, he shouldn’t be a threat if you’re worried.”
“This isn’t our area, and besides, it’s a tiny tribe. Let the local adventurers deal with it if it becomes an issue. Let’s go find that [Necromancer].”
“Ryoka? How do you feel?”
“Oh yes. He’s got the levels to do what we need, and he’s smart. You could even call him a genius in a limited sense.”
“I can probably hit the runt if you slow the carriage down. Might stop a new chieftain being selected for a few more days. Want me to make the shot?”
“Bones. He can control bones.”
“And it worked? This only matters if it works.”
“We don’t need cowards! Jump off and run back into the city!”
“You still haven't told us how your mysterious [Necromancer] friend will help heal the leg, Ceria.”
“Uneventful. We scared away a few Razorbeaks that wanted to take a bite out of your leg, but we haven’t seen any other monsters.”
“Hm. Looks like one of those Goblins has some experience fighting. See—they’re using formations and fighting together.”
“Mend shattered bone? A simple task.”
“We’ll give you twenty gold coins. No more, no less.”
“There’s no need to move. Now that we’ve agreed, let’s begin.”
“He’s still the same level as most of our group. That’s not bad. But why did you say he was hiding out, Ceria?”
“Not at the moment. The owner is currently elsewhere, it seems.”
“They let you stay at the inn? Nevermind, it doesn’t matter. Well then, I guess this is as good a place as any.”
“A few miles away. But we should see the inn Pisces mentioned any minute now. You have good timing.”
“I gave him the barest details. The messaging spell I used didn’t give me time for more, but he agreed. We’re not on good terms, like I said. He’ll meet us at an inn a few miles east of Liscor. Don’t worry; he’s competent. But I suspect he’ll want money, and lots of it.”
“I still don’t like it. Ceria, how do you know someone like that?”
“Calruz, shut up. This is the only [Driver] we could get who can take us there fast.”
“We’re happy to repay our debts, Ryoka. And it hasn’t been that much of a chore so far.”
“Is there anyone in there? Can we buy supplies and rest or do we have to go into the city?”
“I get that.”
“I’ll remember this.”
“You know I haven’t. This isn’t a trap. I haven’t heard a word for—”
“Very well. And the injured party I’m to heal?”
“And my fee? As requested?”
“Nevertheless. You can eminently afford…fifty.”
“He should be waiting at the inn. Anyone see it?”
“So this Necromancer is still alive?”
“You told him what you want him to do?”
“I heard that, sir!”
“Well—no. This is a mission of mercy. Thanks—thanks for meeting us.”
“Honor.”
“You know what we want you to do?”
“Yeah, shut up, with respect, Captain.”
“She seems—odd. What spell did you cast?”
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“We can cover the cost.”
“Why does he practice necromancy?”
“Good. Thanks for everything.”
“Where do you want to work?”
“How are you feeling?”
“How was the trip?”
“I suppose so.”
“…Guess I’m tired.”
“Ryoka? Time to go.”
“He’s in hiding.”
“I am simply asking.”
“Fine, then. Your money.”
“Pisces!”
“Why’s he out there?”
“Not a challenge.”
“—Fine.”
“What do you mean?”
“—So. About this mage.”
“Forty.”
“It was nothing—”
“Worthless nags.”
“Is she okay?”
“What did he do?”
“We near Liscor?”
“Is he competent?”
“Already?”
“Impossible!”
“Sorry about that.”
“Razorbeaks?”
“How so?”
“Goblins.”
“Bah.”
“Evening.”
“Of course.”
“Exactly.”
“Pisces.”
“Ceria.”
“…Ryoka?”
“…Ryoka?”
“Ryoka?”
“Tired?”
“Calruz—”
“Ah.”
“What—”
“So this operation. What—”