The Heart of Alchemy

by James E. Wisher

  Otto shook his head. “The internal politics of your cult don’t interest me. But if you think you’re going to claim my prize, then what remains of your brain must have rotted along with your face.”

  “You’re hardly in a position to deny me.”

  Otto flooded the Heart with ether as Marius sent a wave of corruption rolling out at him.

  With the Heart augmenting his perception, Otto sent out a matching wave of ether. When the two forces touched, he transformed the corruption into pure ether.

  “Impossible.” Marius stared as though betrayed by the person he trusted most.

  But Otto wasn’t finished. He sent threads into the undead surrounding Marius and repeated the process with the corruption sustaining their existence. Each of the creatures collapsed like a marionette with its strings cut.

  “I could do the same to you,” Otto said. “But I have no desire to end up on the bad side of a demon lord. Jet and I are leaving. Keep your monsters out of my way and I won’t destroy them. Come after me and I’ll find you and end you. Do you understand?”

  Marius was staring at the remains of his followers, seeming oblivious to Otto.

  “Do you understand!?”

  Marius jumped as if struck, finally looking at Otto. “I understand. You will not be troubled.”

  “Good.” Otto turned to Jet. “I assume you wish to come with me.”

  “I certainly do. My place here is lost, but hopefully Lady White will find a position for me.”

  Otto hadn’t seen a single mortal servant in Lady White’s home, but that didn’t mean there weren’t some somewhere. “We’d best be on our way.”

  Leaving the palace grounds and entering the dark city felt like walking into another world, a world devoid of people. Corruption tainted the ether all around them. This had to be the effect of the black shroud.

  Otto used the Heart to purify the ether around them, forming a bubble of protection. As they walked, it didn’t seem to be causing any ill effects so his protective bubble must be working.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Otto spotted movement, but it vanished as soon as he turned to look. True to his word, Marius sent no undead after them. It took nearly half an hour, but they finally reached a district free of the shroud. Even though it was still dark, the atmosphere felt lighter. A couple dozen people were fleeing the cursed area as fast as possible.

  Otto released his spell and Jet left his side and went over to a woman herding a pair of children ahead of her. From the quality of her dress and the gold rings on her fingers, the woman must have come from a wealthy household. They spoke briefly and then she rejoined Otto while the mother hurried off.

  “There’s a gathering area in the southern trade district. Everyone from the affected districts are heading there.”

  “Sounds like a good place for us to avoid.”

  “Agreed. If all the attention is focused on that district, we should head for the western gate. We also need to find you a disguise. You stand out too much as you are.”

  “Let’s just skip the gate and go to the wall. If we find an unguarded section, I can lift us out easily enough. But it’s a long walk to Port Han.”

  “There are supply stops not far from the city. I can secure us a wagon and horses at one of them. Since my credentials have been canceled, getting through the border wall will be the real problem.”

  “The guards know you there, don’t they?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Because I doubt word will reach them before we do. I can make you a pass and they won’t give a familiar face a second look.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Jet grinned, seemingly having regained some of her spirit.

  Otto just hoped he wasn’t being overly optimistic. He didn’t make it this far only to fail on the final leg of the trip.

  Chapter 41

  The journey south toward the border had gone smoothly enough despite their lack of guards. Otto was delighted to avoid trouble as it freed him to study the Heart. Not that he learned much as the magic involved in its creation was about five hundred years too advanced for him. Still, he found exploring the crystal matrix endlessly fascinating.

  Beside him, Jet reined in the horses at the top of a low hill. In the distance, the border wall loomed, tall and impenetrable. Three merchants had lined up to wait their turn to enter. None of the guards seemed especially alert, so word of what happened in the capital must not have traveled this far yet. That suited their plans perfectly.

  Otto pulled a palm-sized disk of bronze out of his pocket and looked at it from both sides. Using focused ether, he’d carved the image of a horse-drawn wagon on one side and a series of numbers on the other.

  He handed it to Jet. “Does that look right to you?”

  She’d guided him in the process of creating the fake medallion, but a second check couldn’t hurt. If she wanted to make any adjustments, this was the last chance.

  Jet looked it all over and said, “It looks good. Unless something extraordinary happens, they shouldn’t give it a moment’s thought. The real trick is going to be getting you through.”

  “Oh, that won’t be a problem. I’ll be entering by magic. If the medallion works, I’ll be waiting at the inn where we first met.”

  Otto became one with the ether, sought out the rune he’d carved, and willed himself to it.

  A moment later he emerged in a decidedly dustier but still-familiar bedroom. It seemed Hans had followed his orders and kept everyone, including the cleaning staff, out.

  Otto stepped off the rune, turned, and drew the ether out of it until it no longer glowed. No doubt he would have to pay a small fee to cover the cost of repairing the floor. He shrugged and strode toward the door.

  The instant he opened it, Corina came running and nearly tackled him with a hug. “You’re okay! We’ve been so worried.”

  Otto looked over her head at Hans and his squad who were seated around a table playing cards. None of them looked especially worried, but then when he wanted to, Hans could show the best stone face Otto had ever seen.

  After a moment he disengaged from Corina. “I trust there were no issues during my absence?”

  Hans tossed his cards on the table and stood. “Not to speak of. Your brother had a few run-ins with local gangs thinking foreigners would make an easy mark. He quickly showed them the error of their ways. The inn has been as quiet as a grave. The food is delicious and the staff… charming. After dealing with giant animals and spooky boat creatures, we’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet.”

  Having seen the lovely ladies on the serving staff, Otto fully understood Han’s sentiments. He was also glad the guys enjoyed a little rest and relaxation. After losing one of their own, it probably helped.

  “Did you find what you were looking for, Master?” Corina asked.

  “Indeed.” Otto pulled the Heart from his pocket and held it out to her. “If you want to see something wondrous, extend your sight into it. Just beyond the surface. You don’t want to lose yourself in the matrix.”

  Ether gathered around her eyes and a second later she gasped. “That’s amazing! How could you make something like that?”

  Otto shook his head and put the Heart back. “I haven’t the slightest idea. The time and power required boggles my mind. If you ever think you’ve reached a point where you have nothing more to learn, remember what you just saw. If that doesn’t keep you humble, nothing will.”

  “What now, my lord?” Hans asked.

  “Now I’m going to rest and enjoy some fine food. Jet should be here in three days. If she isn’t here in four, we’re leaving.”

  “You’re bringing that woman with us?” Corina asked, her distaste plain.

  “We’ll be dropping her off in the Land of the Demon Binders. I’d like to speak with Lady White again as well. Don’t worry, it won’t take more than a day.”

  “Would you like me to send a messenger to let Axel know you’ve returned?” Hans asked.

  “Please do.” O
tto stretched and yawned. How long had it been since he slept in a comfortable bed? He couldn’t remember, but he was looking forward to doing so again.

  Otto poured his focus into the Heart of Alchemy. His vision flew down one passage of the crystal matrix after another. The ether, tinted red by the Heart, seemed more alive and potent than ever. It was intoxicating and at the same time disappointing. Enthralling as the magic was, it didn’t actually teach him anything. Much like channeling his threads through mithril, the Heart served to augment his current abilities rather than granting him new insight.

  Several hard raps on his bedroom door drew him from the depths of the crystal. He had no idea how long he had been exploring the artifact. Not that it mattered as he had nothing else to occupy his time while he waited for Jet.

  He stood, his back and knees protesting that he’d been sitting there for far too long. Beyond the door he found Hans waiting. “Messenger, my lord.”

  Otto went to the outer door and found one of the scantily clad serving girls waiting in the hall. She bowed. “You have a visitor. She asked me to let you know of her arrival.”

  That had to be Jet at last. He tossed the girl a silver coin. “Thank you.”

  She bowed again and hurried away.

  “Hans, pack our stuff. We’ll be leaving shortly. Meet me downstairs when you’re done.”

  Otto left his subordinates to prepare for their departure and went downstairs to the common room. Given the sun pouring in through the windows he made the time around midday. He hadn’t been working for quite as long as he thought.

  Jet was sitting alone at a corner table. Otto joined her and waved off an approaching servant. He had no desire for a final drink.

  “You had no difficulties at the border?” he asked.

  “None. As you guessed, word hadn’t reached them yet. Your fake medallion did the trick.”

  “Nothing like an undead attack to slow the flow of information. Is it still your wish to visit the Land of the Demon Binders?”

  Jet sighed. “I have no other choice. Returning to the empire is a death sentence. I had to leave most of my wealth behind so staying here isn’t going to work.”

  “As you wish. I hope to speak with Lady White myself, so it’s not out of our way to deliver you.”

  “You have my thanks.” She offered a seated bow.

  Hans and the others joined them shortly and after settling up with the owner, they left for the docks. The ship looked to be in perfect condition and they set sail not long after boarding.

  Despite his success, Otto wouldn’t miss the Celestial Empire. All he wanted now was to return home, complete the Chamber, and find out about the final piece of the Immortality Engine.

  Chapter 42

  A group had gathered near the helm of the ship. Otto got the impression Captain Wainwright didn’t appreciate the company, but he also had sufficient wisdom to keep his opinions to himself. They’d been sailing for a week and were supposed to be getting close to the Land of the Demon Binders. Really close in fact. Yet the sense of foreboding was gone as was the creepy fog. No monstrous humanoid creature came out to greet them as they eased closer.

  Otto turned to the captain. “Are you certain we’re in the right place?”

  “Unless the stars have changed position while we were in Port Han. According to the measurements I took this morning, our destination is only ten miles due north.”

  Otto had no reason to doubt the man’s competence at this late date. He’d gotten them safely to their destination halfway around the world. If that didn’t give you a boost of confidence in someone’s abilities, nothing would.

  “What do we do?” Axel asked.

  That was an excellent question. Unfortunately, Otto hadn’t the slightest idea.

  “What do you think?” he asked Jet.

  The woman shook her head. The situation seemed to have left her as surprised as the rest of them. “Something must have happened. If The Voice isn’t here and no one is maintaining the barrier, I can only imagine the worst.”

  In a nation of demon worshipers, the worst might be pretty bad. It might also offer an opportunity.

  “Take us in,” Otto said.

  “Is that wise, Master?” Corina asked.

  “Time will tell.”

  Captain Wainwright turned the wheel, adjusting their course and bringing them in line with the port. Or so they hoped. Having sailed through that soup of a fog left them with only a guess as to where the precise location of the city was. At least this time they could see it coming.

  An hour later Corina grasped his sleeve and said, “Wow.”

  Otto couldn’t argue with her assessment. The port city lay directly ahead of them, its glory undiminished by obscuring fog. Black spires jutted up into the sky. Shorter buildings surrounded them like mushrooms at the base of a tree.

  No wall protected the city from the surrounding wilderness. No doubt the unearthly aura kept any ordinary animals from wandering in. Anything else would quickly end up dead and transformed into a demonic host.

  An explosion shook the air and a mushroom cloud of blue flames shot up into the sky.

  “Those are the unholy flames of Abaddon,” Jet said. “There must be a major battle going on.”

  “Who would be stupid enough to invade a country ruled by demon cultists?” Corina asked.

  “Oh, I doubt it’s an invader,” Jet said. “Most likely the cults are warring amongst themselves. Usually, the nine High Lords keep a relative peace broken by only the occasional murder. But sometimes more serious conflicts break out.”

  “How much do you want to bet this has something to do with events in the Celestial Empire?” Otto asked.

  Jet shook her head. “Marius’s actions have shifted the balance of power. The other cults will want to weaken Astaroth’s power to restore it. Since Lady White is in charge of the cult’s operation in the empire, she will be forced to bear the consequences.”

  The ship was only a hundred yards from the dock now. If they were to turn back, now was the time. Otto chewed his lip as he weighed his options. He had what he came for. Making a run for home was the safe move. But on the other hand, if he rescued Lady White, she would make a powerful ally.

  “Orders, Lord Shenk?” Captain Wainwright asked.

  “Take us in. Tie up at the farthest-out dock. Hans, prepare the squad. Axel, you’re on security detail. Have your archers use their mithril arrows. Anything approaches the ship that isn’t with me, kill it. No mercy, no hesitation. Clear?”

  Axel nodded and started shouting orders.

  “What about me?” Corina asked.

  “You’ll stay and help Axel.” When she didn’t complain Otto turned to Jet. “You’ll come with me. I need someone to guide me to Lady White’s tower.”

  Jet winced. “I’ve never actually been there. We only met once in Port Han and that was via magic. That’s where she inducted me into the cult. We’ve never actually met face to face.”

  So much for that brilliant idea. If Lady White was taking the brunt of the assault, they could probably just follow the fighting right to her. That was as good a plan as any. The city didn’t look all that big, so the search shouldn’t take too long.

  Otto led Hans and the others he’d selected for the shore party down the ship’s gangplank and up the dock. The explosion of demonic blue flame had come from a position a little to the left of where they docked. He angled that way even as more explosions rocked the city and filled the air with the stink of brimstone.

  Sounded like Lady White was putting up a fight. That was good. He’d hate to go to all this trouble only to find her dead.

  “Shall I send out scouts, my lord?” Hans asked.

  “No. We stick together. The team is small enough as it is. Besides, there’s plenty a scout would miss that I won’t. Just keep your eyes peeled for anything headed our way. And keep your swords out.”

  Following his own advice, Otto drew his sword.

  The first neighborho
od they passed through, assuming that was the right word for the collection of low stone building clustered around a five-story tower, showed signs of recent battle. The most obvious of which was a claw mark five feet up one of the walls. Otto would hate to run into whatever made that.

  The main thing lacking in the city was people. They hadn’t seen a single one, not even a body. Surely someone must live here other than demon worshippers.

  When Otto posed the question to Jet she said, “There are ordinary people in the country, but only demons, undead, and mortal worshippers live in the city. A regular person with no magical protection would quickly end up a monster’s meal or a husk for a demon spirit.”

  “Lord Shenk,” Hans said.

  Otto turned to find a beast charging towards them. It was filled with corruption. Whatever the beast used to be, it clearly housed a demon now.

  At Otto’s command, a twenty-thread lightning bolt crashed into the beast, blowing a hole in its side and slamming it into one of the stone buildings. Despite the grievous wound, the beast climbed back to its feet.

  A second spell blew its head to bits and finally put it down for good.

  “Let’s keep moving,” Otto said.

  Another two blocks and the roar of flames grew louder. Smoke filled the streets, reminding Otto of his first visit. He summoned a gust of wind that blew the smoke away and revealed a magical battle unlike anything he’d ever seen.

  Lady White crouched behind a berm of earth and stone, the warbeast she’d made from the giant cat thing he’d traded her for access to the city beside her. The beast had taken a fair share of damage. One of its legs was gone from the knee down and its skull showed through in places where the flesh had been burned away.

  On the opposite side of the street, five figures in crimson robes hurled fire blast after fire blast at her. It was a standoff, but he doubted she could hold out for long outnumbered like that.