by J E Mueller
“Not a whole lot actually.” Clove set the papers aside. “It’s just the most common nightmare fuel. Giant spiders with different abilities, and two types of bat-like creatures. Of course since no one really wants to deal with oversized spiders, they tend to have larger numbers.”
Of course. I gave a tired nod in understanding. “I heard something about the Watch. If they’re outside, wouldn’t they know how to slaughter the outdoor creatures?”
“Yes, they do. All the ones I know how to kill are because of them,” Clove agreed, “but-”
“Of course there’s a but.”
Clove smirked before continuing, “The easiest way to get to the Watch is through the tunnel at the end of the basement. We don’t interact with them often.”
I nodded and glanced around, seeing the room hadn’t filled up much more. Lowering my voice I asked, “So, what do you remember from when we used to know each other? If something can unlock my memories, maybe I can be of more help.”
Clove seemed to freeze for a moment. At first I wasn’t sure if she could reply or even wanted to if she could. “It was some time ago. We used to love to battle and fight the creatures, saving who we could from the nightmare land… You always seemed to be off on your own things. While you would join us, you’d disappear and somehow come back with random artifacts, or knowledge that this person or that would just tell you. It was always strange, but useful at the time.”
“And it probably feels even stranger that I can’t remember a thing.”
“It does,” Clove agreed. “I have no idea what information would help, but honestly, it’s not something you can run into here on your own. Just wandering around might set something off better than me relaying a random memory of slaying a Hedgeish.”
Honestly, she was right. Randomly moving around more and just having normal conversations was bringing up things better.
“Fair enough. What is this pattern you were mentioning anyway?”
Clove shrugged. “Nothing confirmed yet. It seems to be if one of us dies with it it’ll end up on the next level up. So, if something was found in the basement and I died with it, the artifact would be on the first floor. Or so that’s the theory. Now if a Dreamer died with it, it’ll either go one down or two up. So, taking the bracelet you did have, for example, it’s either in the basement or on the second floor.”
I nodded slowly. “So it presumably goes to basement, first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor, outside? I thought there was an attic.”
Clove shrugged. “There is, but there has never been an artifact in the attic. We’ve looked a stupid amount of times over the years. By now, we would have found one.”
After years of exploring and four years of Clove actually being trapped here, I believed her. I did wonder if that was the case, what was it about the attic that made things not appear up there. “What is normally in the attic?”
“A creature of darkness that can kill you by attacking your shadow. It’s a hard one to fight against. Aside from that, it’s just old tomes, none of which have been particularly interesting, and just junk. Cane hates being dragged up there. There’s never anything.”
“Is she our only artifact finder?” I couldn’t remember if they said so or not.
“No, but she might as well be. Lance joined the Watch a while back and we haven't seen him since. Sans and Kaden haven’t declared anyone else here has those gifts so Cane is it.”
I gave a slow nod. “How did I use to find them so easily?” I wondered aloud more than asked.
“If I remember correctly, I think you just asked the Creators and they would give you a location. Nothing terribly specific but still more than enough, but things like the second floor, west hall, and off you’d go.”
“That would be a really useful gift about now.” I sighed, sinking back into my seat.
“Wouldn’t it?” Clove agreed as she stood up and stretched. “Speaking of that, I promised I’d go help Sans, Lo, and Cane with another quest. They think something is on the third floor again, and with how big it is, that’s likely enough.”
I wanted to go with, but the bracelet wasn’t going to be right back on the floor it started. “Best of luck. I think I’ll see if the first floor helps me remember anything.”
Clove nodded and started to walk away but paused for a moment before turning back around. “Please, just have someone accompany you for a while on the first floor. I’m sure it’s not terribly dangerous for you, but we would rather not have another death incident any time soon.”
While her words came out more harsh than not, I could tell she cared, so I nodded. “I can do that.” I really could. I wasn’t sure if I was going to do just that, but I could at least try and not worry every last person.
With that Clove turned and headed toward the hall just as Cane was walking in. They stopped and talked by the painting together.
For a moment I wondered what I would do with my time and stared at the pile of papers Clove had just left sitting out. Were they important? Did they have any useful information for me? As I picked them up I saw they really weren’t that interesting, just old recipes. Why not. Maybe she enjoyed cooking in her free time.
As I set them down I looked at it again. The top parts were recipes, but as it got into details it changed into messages.
red wine (to marinate beef)
2 lbs. beef sirloin roast
2 medium onions
2 cups beef broth
2 cups red wine
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. Salt
Marinate meat in wine overnight. Put Broth, spices and 2 cups wine into a pot with meat. Boil until cooked we are running out of time and supplies. Place beef in a roasting pan we need you to send more. Trick whoever you must. The time is now. The deed needs to be done. (or until excess juices have drained from meat, and meat is slightly browned)
I stared at the stack in my hand and considered setting it back down. I glanced around and saw Clove was still talking with Cane. Sans and Lo had just joined the group and no one was paying attention to me. Carefully, I folded the papers and pocketed them away.
Something was going on here, there was no doubt of that, but what? It was so obviously in plain sight. Clove likely had been doing this for a while if she didn’t mind leaving the pages unattended. Everyone like me must have only given them a glance.
I felt the need to run away, but if I acted strangely now who knew what would happen. Luckily, Mare walked into the common room and I waved her over.
“Want to do some wandering?” I asked casually. “I was talking with Clove and she suggested maybe some exploration of the first floor would jog more memories.”
Mare waved as Clove’s group walked over to us. “That sounds like a good idea,” Mare agreed with me.
“What does?” Cane asked.
Mare motioned to Clove. “Just giving Remi here a hand. Some wandering around the first floor would be great practice and see if it jogs any more information from past dreams.”
“Great idea.” Cane patted Clove on the back.
Clove gave a nod. “Well, it looks like I’ll leave you to that,” she said directly to Mare. “I’m sure nothing will be an issue with you around.”
“On the first floor? Of course not.” Mare laughed turning from Clove to me. “Where do you want to start.”
Clove and the others headed out as I replied. “Why not just start on this side and work our way out?” I suggested simply.
Mare nodded and started to lead the way out. “Works for me. There’s a lot of little offices and rooms all around here. Some weird things too. We’ll avoid anything too dangerous.”
“What is too dangerous on the first floor?” I scoffed.
“The room with all the odd puddles. Of course anyone who enters automatically feels a sense of unease and danger and usually leaves right away, but getting in there for more than a moment is likely very deadly.�
�
I nodded, remembering the conversation from yesterday.
As we headed out and talked casually I debated about showing her the papers. Maybe I was overthinking this. Maybe it was something harmless.
Finally, we reached a rather drab office. There was a heavy built desk in the center of the room with an elaborate chair behind it. In front of it were two nice chairs, but without all the crazy decorating. There were several shelves along the room, but no books. Just decorative nicknacks met my gaze.
“I’ve got a question.” I said to Mare, making my decision. “What do you think of these?” I pulled out the papers and handed them to her. “They’re a bit… odd.”
Mare took them from me and began to look at them. “They’re just recipes… oh. No, they aren’t.” She started to quickly flip through them. “This doesn't look good. I’m not sure what’s going on. Maybe we should show Clove. Where did you find these?”
I blushed, and scratched the back of my head nervously. “Clove was reading them and set them down. I figured since they were just sitting there it didn’t matter what it was and took a look.”
Mare’s face tightened. “Either she found them and is looking into it, or she’s a part of whatever this is.”
“That was my best set of guesses as well.”
Mare shook her head. “I’m not sure what to think honestly.”
“Does she look at things like this often? You seem to be with her more than enough.”
Mare hesitated. “I do know she likes recipes and she can cook really well. It seems too coincidental to tell.”
I nodded but honestly thought it seemed more like Clove was up to something.
“We’ll think on it,” Mare assured me. “This can’t be why you wanted out of the common room.”
“It’s not the only reason. Clove and I really did have that conversation. Also, there’s something about the artifacts.”
Mare nodded. “That Cane has a theory about them right?”
Oh, so this wasn’t new news. “Yeah, she just told me.”
“Cane came up with it last night, so you just missed that information.”
At least that was fair. “Well, what do you think of the idea that the Creators didn’t just disappear. That they are really just trapped in a few artifacts?”
Mare stared at me blankly. “I mean, I suppose it isn’t impossible, but how the heck could someone trap them in objects they created? Come on. Think about it. We don’t have those talents.”
“No, but that is what the bracelet told me.” I shrugged, now wishing I had the Creators name so it sounded more legit.
“The bracelet spoke to you?” Mare raised an eyebrow and I knew how mad it sounded.
“It’s true, weird, but true. I think if we can get it back quickly we can prove that too, though I don’t know who to trust with that.”
“And why do you say that? Does the voice in the bracelet want released but not want to prove who they are? That sounds more dangerous than it being a Creator,” Mare pointed out.
“Nothing like that.” I shook my head. “They just know it was someone strong, someone from both sides that was likely a part of this.”
Mare rubbed her temples. “Fine. Let’s find the bracelet and go from there. We’ll just go in circles otherwise.”
I nodded. “According to Cane’s theory, it’s either in the basement or on the second floor.”
“Of course it is,” Mare grumbled. “Well, I suppose we can look on the second floor then.”
Just as we opened the door and stepped into the hall Ze waved at us.
I glanced at Mare wondering what we should do now.
“Clove said you’d be wandering around here,” Ze stated as he stopped in front of us.
Mare smiled brightly. “She sent you to make sure Remi stays out of trouble, didn’t she?”
Ze laughed. “Probably.”
“Want to go and do actual practice on the second floor? Remi won’t get much better with the things here,” Mare stated simply, solving the problems without any trouble.
Ze laughed again. “I can’t argue that, but if Clove asked, we were avoiding another group and just decided to stick to the second floor for a while.”
“Perfect.” Mare grinned and looked at me. “Want to try leading the way to the second floor? It’ll be good practice.”
I nodded and took the lead. “Why not? Anything is better than yesterday’s adventure.”
“Too soon.” Ze sighed.
“Yeah, right?” Mare gave a tired laugh and off we went.
11
Once on the second floor, there was more action than I was wanting. Taggollurs seemed to be everywhere, and if by some miracle there wasn’t one of those, there was a Moglozas rolling around, sending lightning everywhere.
It was quickly tiring, even with Ze being able to hide us. Illusions didn’t work on the Taggollur, as it turned out. They saw by motion, and nothing aside from blinding them would stop that. We finally holed up in a room with a passageway escape route so we could rest. There was too much and I wasn’t sure how one even found a bracelet artifact without someone who could magically locate them. Mare lingered near the door while Ze fell into the first chair he could find.
“Maybe this place is beyond me,” I said as I laid on the center of the floor. I was too tired to care if it was made for comfort or not.
“It’s always beyond you at first.” Mare snorted, crossing her arms. “You’ve got to practice and improve. Your aim is getting better, and you really don't have an issue calling your weapon. It’ll be more than just a couple of hours to conquer this floor. It might take you weeks to really get used to it.”
I didn’t feel like I had weeks.
“If I die in the real world, will I just fade from here or be stuck here.” I hated asking, but part of me needed at least that closure.
“You’ll be stuck here, and like I said before I’ll let you know if that becomes the case,” Mare stated firmly.
“Will you?” I rolled to look at her better.
Mare nodded. “I won’t worry you with minor details. People in comas or with major injuries can teeter back and forth on that line for a long while.”
That didn’t sound good. “What if I die on one of those teetering moments?”
“Psh.” Mare snorted. “A single second doesn’t impact things in that fashion. Your body can be revived for minutes after your heart stops. About four to six minutes. That’s probably why it took so long for you to come back, your body might have been fighting something. That’s life though. Just keep going. Like you said, you wouldn’t stop saving people even if you knew you would be dead dead.”
I couldn’t argue the point so I didn’t reply.
“Maybe we should take it a bit easier today at least?” Ze commented after several moments. “I know a few have been wanting to find useful books, so, if we keep it down and go through the rooms instead that might be easier. We’ll have to fight things for sure, but at that pace it’ll be less exhausting.”
Ze had no idea that was the exact plan anyway. “Sounds perfect if you ask me,” Mare readily agreed.
I nodded, finally pushing myself back up. “Good idea. I’m already sick of these creatures.”
Mare snickered for a moment. “Sick enough to fight another one or to sneak around them.”
“Sneak around them,” Ze and I replied in unison.
Mare lowered her voice. “Best get moving, we’ve got a Taggollur on its way.”
Ze was up in a heartbeat and into the tunnel before I was even ready to act. Mare snickered but didn’t say anything as she quickly followed his lead. Ever the two steps behind, I walked over to the tunnel and Ze offered a hand up, making it far easier to get into.
“Where to?” I asked as Mare looked around at all the cobwebs and dust.
“Away from here…” she muttered in disgust, picked a path and started crawling along.
Ze gave a small laugh. “Um, well we’ve done a lot of
damage on this side, I doubt many creatures will be on the other? That’s how it works right?”
“Usually. Things have been weird lately,” Mare agreed.
“We haven’t seen those eel things,” I mentioned. Did anyone even tell me what those were yet?
Mare just cringed instead. “Those are annoying but yeah, there’s usually only one on the floor.”
“Usually?” I asked skepticality.
“Twice I’ve sensed two.” Mare shrugged leading the way toward the other half of the second floor. “Once was when the Creators had warned us they were rebalancing things, and the other time was just after they vanished.”
That didn’t sound good on either account.
Ze frowned. “I had heard about that. Didn’t a lot of people die because of that rebalancing.”
“That was kind of the point.” Mare chuckled darkly. “There were what, maybe two hundred of us? Maybe not, but it was a stupid amount and we could beat anything just by numbers alone. People weren’t crossing and that is technically the point of this place.”
I took in all the information, trying to make up my mind about things. The Creators didn’t seem bad, until comments like this came up. Could things have worked themselves out without such interference or would the realm here overpopulate?
“That sounds pretty horrible…” I said slowly as I thought things out. “Was it just the house here or outside too?”
“Everywhere.” Mare’s voice was hardly above a whisper. “From what I heard, the Watch lost the least, but they’ve always had smaller numbers. Less to lose but a high cost.”
“They keep getting mentioned, but I really don’t know anything about the Watch,” I admitted. The several minor details weren’t painting a picture for me.
Ze cleared his throat. “The Watch is located just past the end of the tunnel in the basement. They keep the bigger, crazier creatures from getting in. They have their own minor dwelling, but they don’t really get much in the way of resting easy. Creatures outside are far more active and numerous than creatures inside.”