by James Hunter
After a polite round of bowing and a wave of respectful ‘goodbyes’, Yurij showed the rest of the Wolf Pack from the Long House, taking them to their new quarters. Just like that, Sam found himself alone with The O’Baba. The old woman regarded him through hooded eyes, her face unreadable. For the second time since meeting her, Sam felt as though he was being weighed and measured… and he wasn’t quite sure if he measured up or not.
Sam wasn’t really listening. He was focused on The O'Baba, refusing to flinch or look away from her dissecting gaze. She was a predator, there was no question about that, but Sam wanted her to know that he was a predator in his own right. Maybe he didn’t have fangs and fur, but he was a fighter. He’d stood up for himself, faced down his fears, confronted the bully, and walked away victorious with a band of real friends at his back. Sam didn’t want to be disrespectful—she was the leader of this group—but he also wouldn’t be disrespected.
Finally, she snorted and flickered her ears. “I had a feeling about you, you know. I think you are destined for great things, Sam_K. Undermining the College was an impressive feat, but perhaps even more impressive to me is that you saved my kin. Velkan, he has met with me, you know. Told me of your battle with the one called Octavius. You have proven yourself a hundred times over, and for this, you have my deepest thanks and my blessing.”
She was on him in a second, pressing one calloused hand against his shoulder, her claws digging effortlessly through his leather armor and puncturing the skin below. It hurt, but after having both his kneecaps shattered, it didn’t seem like nearly such a big deal. Sometimes, perspective mattered.
“For your faithful service to a People not your own, I call you my friend. I name you Sam_K Magebane, the first Wolfman Warlock.” She squeezed down even tighter, driving her claws further as she muttered a short, wordless chant under her breath.
Power built in the air around her like a cloak, seeping out through her claws and into Sam’s arm. Tendrils of primal force snaked their way up, momentarily wrapping around his throat—making it hard to breathe—before finally migrating to his head. Sam’s scalp began to itch and crawl, almost as though something was wriggling just underneath his skin. After a beat, the itching subsided. As it did, Sam’s short-cropped hair began to grow; cascading down to his shoulders in a mass of dark, bouncy curls.
The O’Baba finally withdrew her claws, and a message appeared.
Quest complete: Blood Runs Deep. Wow! Look at you. Against all odds, you saved Velkan of the Redmane Tribe, blood-kin to The O’Baba, Mother of Wolves. Didn’t see that coming. As a result, your personal reputation with The People has increased by 1000 points. Current reputation: Friend of The People. Nice! Furthermore, The O’Baba was so impressed with you that she has given you a new name: Sam_K Magebane. With the swanky title comes The O’Baba’s Blessing: Hair of the Dog I (Upgradeable)!
Effect: Hair of the Dog gives you the most luscious locks in all the land. You’ll be the envy of everyone! Just look at how silky smooth that fancy do is! Wow! You cannot change or alter your hair. Any attempts to hide your hair will fail—aside from regular head coverings such as hats—but why would you want to cover such beauty anyway? +5 Charisma because hey, you’re always having a great hair day! Additionally, your hair can be plucked and used as an alchemic ingredient in book-bindings in place of infused twine and waxed thread!
Be warned, this kind of power always comes with a cost! Since a Shamanic Blessing has gone out into the world, so too has a Shamanic Curse been released. Dark power waits, ready to strike like a cobra. Someday, somewhere, some unlucky soul will make me grumpy, and when that happens… they will be cursed with irrevocable baldness for all their days. But what are the chances that will matter to you? You’ll probably never meet that person anyway! It’s not like this is some kind of ominous portent, guaranteeing you will have a nemesis for life or anything. Don’t look a gift Shaman in the mouth is basically what I’m saying!
“Now, with blessings and rewards out of the way,” The O’Baba waved to a seat, “why don’t we talk about something else my kin Velkan mentioned. The weapon Octavius was building to use against us. The Long-range Amplification Weapon. What can you tell me of it and how it works? How to defend against it?”
“What can I tell you about the LAW? I can do more than tell you… I can show you.” He pulled the blueprints he’d snagged from Octavius’ grimoire.
The O’Baba grinned as her golden eyes skipped over the precise drawings and carefully scribbled notes. “Yes… destined for great things indeed…”
“Of course, I am.” Sam pulled his hat off and bowed, allowing his flowing hair to tumble around his shoulders. “After all…”
“I am a Bibliomancer.”
Afterword
We hope you enjoyed Bibliomancer! Since reviews are the lifeblood of indie publishing, we’d love it if you could leave a positive review on Amazon! If you scroll through to the end of this book, you’ll easily be able to leave a review. Otherwise, follow this link to be redirected to the Wolfman Warlock: Bibliomancer Amazon product page to leave your review.
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About James Hunter
Hey all, my name is James Hunter and I'm a writer, among other things. So just a little about me: I'm a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). I'm also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback--'cause that's a real thing. I've also been a missionary and international aid worker in Bangkok, Thailand. And, a space-ship captain, can't forget that.
Okay ... the last one is only in my imagination.
Currently, I'm a stay at home Dad--taking care of my two kids--while also writing full time, making up absurd stories that I hope people will continue to buy. When I'm not working, writing, or spending time with family, I occasionally eat and sleep.
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About Dakota Krout
I live in a 'pretty much Canada' Minnesota city with my wife and daughter. I started writing The Divine Dungeon series because I enjoy reading and wanted to create a world all my own. To my surprise and great pleasure, I found like-minded people who enjoy the contents of my mind. Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come!
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About Mountaindale Press
Dakota and Danielle Krout, a husband and wife team, strive to create as well as publish excellent fantasy and science fiction novels. Self-publishing The Divine Dungeon: Dungeon Born in 2016 transformed their careers from Dakota’s military and programming background and Danielle’s Ph.D. in pharmacology to President and CEO, respectively, of a small press. Their goal is to share their success with other authors and provide captivating fiction to readers with the purpose of solidifying Mountaindale Press as the place ‘Where Fantasy Transforms Reality.’
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