Heavy footsteps thumped on the front porch. The wind picked up, rattling the loose boards of the shack wall. Felix dropped like a lead weight to the floor, pressing his body as flat as he possibly could. The windows of the cabin were boarded, so there was no way anyone could peer inside and find him. Snaking his way along the rough floor, he slid underneath the heavy bed frame. A loose nail in the floorboards snagged on his pants, tearing into his leg. He jammed his fist into his mouth and bit down, stifling the instinctive scream.
The iron doorknob turned and jiggled, the lock holding steady. Felix held his breath. He peered out from underneath the bed and waited. The knob grew still once more, the footsteps backing down off of the porch.
Sighing in hesitant relief, he knew he might still be in danger, although no longer immediate. He waited a moment before slowly easing himself out from under the bed. His leg throbbed where the nail had pierced his flesh, the blood seeping through his burlap trousers.
Without warning, the chill returned abruptly, colder than ever. Looking up toward the door, he gasped as he saw a thick white mist emerging from the keyhole. Silently sliding himself under the bed once more, he rolled onto his back to gain better access to his jacket pocket. Fishing a tiny vial from inside, he brought it close to his face and narrowed his eyes to see the label in the darkness.
Invisibility // Bren’s Alchemy
A joke gift given to him by a friend a few days before—in case, as his buddy suggested, he needed to make a quick getaway from a female companion—might now save his life. He had never been happier to have cluttered pockets.
He drank the potion quickly, wincing at the terrible taste. The solution worked instantly, and he saw his hand disappear before his eyes, the bottle along with it. He glanced down and discovered that his clothes, too, had disappeared. He set the bottle down and it flickered back into existence. Marveling at the power of a few ounces of liquid, he momentarily forgot about the danger.
Jolted back to reality when he realized he was still hiding under a bed, Felix watched as the mist floated around the cabin. This couldn’t be normal fog—‘normal’ fog didn’t stalk you through the forest, and ‘normal’ fog certainly didn’t pinpoint itself through keyholes.
The mist curled around the table and chairs, ghosted over the cooking hearth and washbasin. It ebbed and flowed like waves, moving intricately around objects—studying them, obviously looking for something. It momentarily hovered over the trunk in the corner before seeping inside via the hole in the bottom. A moment later, it reemerged and continued its search. Beads of sweat rolled down into Felix’ invisible collar as the fog drew closer.
A scurrying noise from the kitchenette grabbed its attention and the mist zoomed back over to the other side of the room, instantly enveloping a wayward skellin. It screeched briefly before the fog seeped into its nose and mouth, suffocating it. Once the rodent was dead, the fog left the corpse and floated to the middle of the room. Felix was somewhat relieved that it seemed to have forgotten about looking under the bed. But his relief soon turned to horror as the mist brought itself together, growing thicker and darker in color. It soon took on mass, the fog coalescing into a new form. It definitely wasn’t human, for it had clawed feet and hands, and a lithe, sinewy body covered in shimmering black scales. It was bipedal like a man—but no man Felix knew of resembled what he saw before him. Fangs jutted from the mouth, the eyes deep and pitch-black. He had never been so terrified in his life.
Closing his eyes for a split second, he mentally chanted a calming mantra and prayed he wouldn’t be spotted. He had no idea how long the potion would last, or if it even mattered when it came to the fog-beast. For all he knew, the thing could smell his stinking work boots or sense his sweaty palms.
The monster moved slowly around the room, its clawed toes clicking on the rotting wooden floorboards. They dipped slightly under the weight of the creature, its head nearly touching the ceiling. Hot puffs of steam jetted from the nostrils of the abomination, a low growling purr rumbling from deep within its chest.
Felix watched helplessly, wishing he were back in his childhood home, waking up from this terrible nightmare. And then, much to his horror, he felt a telltale tickle in his nose. The shack was dusty, covered with years of grime. He slowly brought his finger under his nose and held it there, hopeful that the motion would quell what he begged the goddess Oleana to stop.
He sneezed.
Like lightning, the beast was at the bedside, flinging the heavy wooden frame aside like a piece of kindling. Confused when it saw nothing there, Felix knew he had only a split second to act. He did the one thing he was warned never to do.
His fingertips froze, ice crystals forming around his hands. Seconds later, he flung sharp icicles at the beast, aimed straight for the throat. One well-placed icy puncture wound, he thought, and the monster’s blood would freeze in its veins. The icicles bounced off the creature’s scales and fell to the floor, shattering. To Felix’ horror, when he unleashed his magical powers, the invisibility spell abruptly ended, leaving him exposed. Determined not to give up, he channeled his focus as clawed hands grabbed him by the torso, constricting his body so tight he thought he might pass out. Using his remaining strength, Felix froze his hands, an incredible chill moving up his arms. With all his might, he brought his hands up to the monster’s face and grabbed the scaly horns atop its head. If he could hold them there long enough, he might just freeze the bastard’s brain.
The monster suddenly released its grip and let him drop to the ground. Dazed, Felix scooted backwards on his rear end only to find himself backed up against the wall.
“Was that supposed to hurt?” The beast’s voice was low and growling. It was as if the monster was laughing at him, mocking him. It moved closer and Felix began to weep.
“Why…?”
The monster towered over him and pointed to his hands. The fisherman looked down at his palms, still glistening with the melting remnants of tiny ice crystals.
In that instant, he realized all the stories were true: people born with magic were hunted like animals. He had never believed the severity of the tales, but kept his secret hidden nonetheless, at the behest of his family. They certainly thought the legend was real—and now Felix realized they had been right all along. There was no escape—he was going to die alone in a ramshackle cabin.
“Crying like a baby...” The creature’s eyes were an unsettling black void. Felix had no response but to shudder silently with terror. The beast knelt on one strong knee and leaned in close. Felix turned his head away from the putrid, hot breath coming from the fanged mouth. The monster grabbed his chin and powerfully turned his head back, forcing him to gaze upon its horrible countenance. “I could have killed you the moment you left the city limits. I had hoped for more…fight. Cowering under a bed? Not very sporting.”
The creature grabbed him by the throat and lifted him high into the air before bringing him within an inch of its own face. The claws pierced the sensitive skin, drawing droplets of blood. The thick crimson liquid began to run down into Felix’ collar. It tightened its grip on his neck, talons stabbing deep into his flesh and puncturing his jugular vein. Blood began to cascade from the wound at an alarming rate.
Felix’ face flushed as he tried to take in breaths that just wouldn’t come. His brain screamed for oxygen, his fingers clawed at the beast’s scaly hands. Kicking his legs wildly, he tried desperately to break free before all his strength left him. The small blood vessels in his eyes began to burst under the pressure of his struggle to breathe, dyeing the whites a haunting red.
The beast momentarily loosened its grip, and Felix watched as the face of the creature began to blur and morph, revealing not a monstrous visage, but that of a human. Although the eyes were completely black, Felix recognized the man. He gasped, his eyes bulging wide with shock. The familiar face sneered as the creature brought a clawed hand up and slashed the man’s throat.
Dropping Felix to the ground like a rag dol
l, the monster turned its face back to the horrible form it had taken previously, and watched as blood spurted from the man’s neck. He gagged, writhing on the ground as he tried to hold his hands over the waterfall of life essence spilling from his throat. Growing tired of waiting for his victim to expire, the creature leaned down and gnashed at Felix with razor-sharp teeth, severing his head from his body in one fluid motion. It rolled away, coming to a stop in front of the cooking hearth.
Smashing the locked door with its giant clawed hands, the beast threw it aside as it exited. Away from the structure, it turned and—with a simple glance—set the building ablaze. It took only moments for the white-hot flames to reduce the rotting cabin to ash.
Satisfied its work had been completed and no evidence of its—or Felix’—presence would ever be found; it formed into mist once again and floated away through the forest.
CHAPTER FOUR
12 fluid ounces Base fluid, 8 fluid ounces Bitter Nettle syrup, 1 leveled Imperial scoop crushed Archer Crab chitin, 3 fluid ounces Shimmerwort-in-suspension. Wait for sparks to dissipate and stir. Add 3 fresh Slinker Worms. When churning subsides, remove from heat. Bottle immediately, cool overnight in vials.
--Night Vision potion recipe, Ryris Bren
Dear Father,
I’ve never been so happy to be off of that wagon seat in my life. Travel is an adventure, but my rear end would surely disagree.
My trip was interesting, that’s for sure. My itinerary was fairly accurate, and I made it to Keld with two days to spare. That isn’t to say the three weeks flew by, but my travel time definitely seemed shorter than anticipated. The weather was fair, although I did spend one night huddled in a cave on the Plains Road as a horrible thunderstorm raged outside. I was soaked to the bone, and I swear I didn’t get warm again for days. I even saw a giant, but it was from a distance and thankfully seemed to be heading in the opposite direction. I honestly don’t know what I would have done had it approached, but I can guarantee I would have needed new pants.
I will say, I’ve never had as much trouble crossing the Farnfoss Bridge as I did this time. A few militants had it blocked, spouting some nonsense about taxes and an imprisoned comrade. The army had the entire area cordoned off, so I waited it out in a bookstore. The owner and I had a long talk about some of the strife in Lullin as of late. You forget sometimes, living in Blackthorne, that other places have unsavory aspects to their everyday life. Anyway, the army, shall I say…dealt with the situation…and the bridge re-opened within a few hours. It wasn’t wasted time, per se, I picked up some books for the shop.
The Plains Road is still a bear to traverse, those ruts got bigger since last time, I swear. I overheard a merchant say the Transportation Ministry is planning on repairing it next summer, so at least that’s something. Still didn’t save my back from being jostled into knots.
When I got to the Crossroads Outpost, I sold a few potions to some travelers, and spread the word about the new shop in Keld. Hopefully I can can get some word-of-mouth going and drum up some business.
I was able to collect quite a few specimens along the way. I even ran across an entire field of akko berries, ready to harvest. I couldn’t believe my luck. I only wish I could have sent some back to Blackthorne…I know Grildi would have enjoyed them. I managed to dry them out on the back of the wagon as I rode, and of course ate my fair share. I think they’ll be a great seller once I get the shop opened.
Dad, you should have seen Keld as I approached on the Golden Road. I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight in all my life. The sun was setting and I swear it illuminated the palace like it was in a painting. I knew it was going to be big, but I was absolutely stunned. I may or may not have almost driven off the road because I was distracted. Don’t worry, the wagon is just fine.
I’ll admit, I was immediately overwhelmed by Keld—but in a most spectacular way. My dreams of what I’d encounter were surpassed within seconds. I did get lost trying to find the building, but some incredibly friendly residents pointed me in the right direction. They even invited me to stop back and say hello after I got settled. I’ve yet to meet anyone unsavory here in the city, although I know it’s just a matter of time. Yes, Keld is grand and seems to have streets paved with gold, but I’m not that naïve to think that there’s not an underbelly. I’m just planning on sticking to what I know and mingling with good people, and I think I’ll be just fine.
The building definitely needed work, like you said. It took me three days to clear out all the cobwebs and freshen up. There was a bit of damage to the hearthstones that looked like it stemmed from years of disrepair, but I found a handyman that fixed it for a very reasonable price. You’d be proud—I actually haggled. The sign maker is coming tomorrow to hang the placard above the door, and the sign from the villagers is already in the window. I’ve even seen a few people peering in through the glass trying to get a look inside.
I’m shooting for an official opening one week from now. I finished cataloguing the inventory yesterday, and all the shelves are stocked. All the back stock fit perfectly in the cellar. I began mixing solutions this morning, and I’m confident that if I work at least eight hours a day titrating, I’ll have a substantial stock of potions ready to go. In talking to some other merchants and citizens, I’m getting the distinct impression that I’m going to need a lot of hangover cures. The people of Keld definitely enjoy their drink. I’m hoping to have a full stock of health remedies, as well as some more specialized tinctures made first, and then I can move onto the more interesting potions like Invisibility and Night Vision. But, knowing me, I probably won’t be able to keep myself from doing the “fun” ones first. Those always seem to draw curious eyes and good conversation, anyway.
One of the commerce ministers came by yesterday to ask how everything was going, and to see if I needed anything. He said all our paperwork was in order and I had the go-ahead to open. I know I’ll have competition, but I’m confident that our tried and true recipes—and my new ones—will stand out above the other alchemist in town. Our name is known throughout the Empire, and I think the citizens are excited to have me here. I’ve already had a few people stop me on the street to ask about the store. It’s weird being recognized by strangers. It’s different at home, where everyone knows you—and you know them. This city is so massive, and it’s bizarre to me that folks already know who I am. I hope that’s a good sign.
I did end up parting ways with the employee you hired. Nothing horrible, he claimed he didn’t have the time to help out like he thought he would. Frankly, I think the work was a little too physical for him. After just a day, he was complaining that boxes were too heavy, his back hurt, and that he was getting blisters on his hands. I fought the urge to show him my calluses and we agreed that this probably wasn’t the best position for him to have. I gave him his day’s pay—and he was on his way.
I’ve yet to see Prince Roann or any of the royal family. From what everyone says about the Vrelins, the prince is very personable. The local baker told me that he often comes into the neighborhood just to mingle. He seems like a very down-to-earth man, and I hope one day I can meet him. Who knows, maybe he’ll buy something?
There’s a great little café around the corner, and I’ve already become addicted to their meat pies. I do try to cook a lot on my own, and I’ve already made some great meals, but when the aroma of those pastries wafts around the building and into the windows, it’s hard to resist. It’s definitely lonely just cooking for myself, but I’m content being on my own.
I’ve explored the area around the shop quite a bit, and have found a few places that I already can tell will be my favorite haunts. The bookstore a block down had most of the books I needed for the inventory, and the owner was really kind and gave me a discount for being a new shop proprietor. I thanked him and offered to mix a potion for free next time he needed one. And don’t get your britches in a bunch…I’ll charge him for the second one.
And before you ask: no, I haven’t
met any women. Well, technically I have, but most of them are elderly and doting—not exactly marriage material. I’ll tell you one thing though; I’m going to be spoiled by all these little old ladies. I’ve already had cookies baked for me, pots of soup left on the back stoop, and one even knitted me a scarf for the upcoming winter. I could definitely get used to the mother-henning.
The weather here in Keld is really nice—most days it’s been sunny and warm…a far cry from Blackthorne! It’s amazing to me the difference in climate when you cross the continent. It’s warm enough here to open all the windows. My scarf-knitting friend told me it might eventually snow here, but not until well into the new year. In the meantime, I’m enjoying all the sun I can soak up.
I can hear you grumbling that this letter has gone on long enough and to get my ass back to work, so I’ll take your advice. I hope everything is well back home, and that Grildi doesn’t miss me too much. Let him know I’ll send a present soon.
Take care,
Ryris
~~~
The carrier bird took off, Ryris’ letter tied securely in a leather pouch around its belly. Its majestic wings caught the upper air current and it glided off into the distance, headed toward Blackthorne. He shielded his eyes from the setting sun with his hands and followed the bird’s path around the palace turrets until he lost track of it. The early evening air was crisp, the heavenly scent of his new favorite meat pies drifting out from around the corner. Resisting the urge to indulge, the young alchemist inhaled the delicious aroma once more before heading back inside.
The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny Page 5