Chapter 268: Two Hundred And Eight

You have gained in strength. Your level has increased from Fifty-Seven to Fifty-Eight. All of your Material statistics have increased by nine. Aether has increased by twenty.

The flaming amber letters in my Eye were welcome as always, and as I cut down another Myconid in front of me, my spear slipping past its defences and impaling the vulnerable cap that made up its head, I looked around to see that we had broken the back of the Myconid resistance. Grulgor was drenched in vile green fluids, his chainmail banged up and splintered in places, and even the heavy metal ball that tipped his mace was starting to look deformed from all the repeated impacts.

Shaeula in contrast was still impeccably tidy, her pinwheels circling her. Even as I watched, she used a flicker of wind to remove the green goo that was smeared on her armour. On seeing my gaze, she tilted her head, and though the mask blocked her face, I could tell she was smiling.

“That was quite-quite the battle. How many Myconids did we slay? A hundred, more?” She looked at the devastation around us. “I now see why it is said that a single champion can match-match a whole army, and why warriors such as Master Ulfuric, my sister and even those such as Duke Formor are said to be worth-worth a thousand Fae in wars.”

“True, although I think the Myconids might be a special case.” I said wryly, catching my breath. Having reached a sort of enlightenment during the battle, I had used my muscles in ways I had seldom done before, so they were aching dully, though that was quickly fading, my enhanced physique fortifying my recovery. “Put me up against that many trolls and I’m pretty certain I’d be dinner by now. I could kill a few, sure, but unless I ran away their strength would eventually overpower me.”

“True, Grul says trolls are strong. Though Grul is strongest of all!” he slammed a meaty fist into his chest, chainmail jingling.

“I’m sure you are. It’s hard to disagree seeing the devastation you cause.” I’m more certain than ever that if I didn’t backstab him while he was tied up with the wyrm and use a type of wind that had excellent cutting prowess, there’s no way I’d have beaten him back then… “Still, we need to decide whether to press on or retreat.” We could see the hill that housed the Spring, perhaps ten miles distant, or three leagues as the Fae measured things.

I still had a reasonable amount of elemental energy within, ready for use, so could continue. But we had definitely lost the element of surprise, as fighting such numbers there was no way to dispose of the Alert Spores before they got out on the breeze, so more and more Myconids and their plants would no doubt be heading our way.

“I see no need to risk ourselves.” Shaeula said. “Much as I do like to see the vile Unseelie puppets perish, I am not-not foolish enough to believe we can destroy them all in one assault.”

“Yeah, probably better we retreat. But we’ll take a different route back, map out more of the area.” I said, and as we started to withdraw, the forest seemed to shudder, the ground trembling. “Uh, what’s that?” I asked, dumbly, before getting an answer to my own question, as from around the hill, several utterly colossal plant-beasts were stirring, towering a hundred metres or more in height, overtopping the dead, rotting trees and massive mushrooms that made up the inner forest. They looked like the earlier shambling mounds, only being covered in thick spikes that jutted from them like a thicket of spears, and they had arms and legs that hung down, as thick as the Rhyming Tree Asha dwelt within. Even as we continued to retreat away from them, one took a massive step, crushing the forest underfoot, shaking the ground once more. The second great mound bellowed, and suddenly a volley of the sharp needles were heading our way.

“Shit, pick up the pace!” I cried, as the moon overhead was momentarily blotted out by the flight of thorny javelins, which began to crash down like a heavy rain. They were numerous, but fortunately the accuracy seemed terrible, as a tide of them fell short, piercing the canopy and shredding the ground. Even so, with the sheer weight of numbers it was inevitable some would reach us.

“Wind barriers!” I cried, and Shaeula nodded, raising her hand. Our swirling winds met, creating a jade cocoon around the three of us, which shuddered with the force of occasional impacts. Even so, it held, and soon we were racing out of the forest. The other giant mounds, those thorny behemoths, had also unleashed volleys of spikes, and vast swathes of fetid woodland were now nothing but thickets of jagged needles and shattered debris. Several volleys overshot, slamming into the barrier the Fae Stones protected, before scattering in bursts of brilliant light.

“Fuck, I hope that doesn’t bother the Way-Wardens. Or worse…” As we darted between the Fae Stones and looked back, the towering behemoths had stopped, gradually withdrawing back to the safety of the tall hill that crested the centre of the stolen lands. Focusing my eyes I could see that amongst the vines and thorns that made up their massive bodies were swarms of Myconids, many being types we had seen before, but others being strange shapes and colours. I tried to analyse them with my Eye, but the distance was too much.

“So… think those are their secret weapon then?” I sagged down with relief, quickly disposing of the spores that were clinging to us with a burst of wind and flame, before dropping my hood and pulling off the mask and goggles, taking a breath of clean air.

“I have not-not heard of such in tales of previous battles with the Myconids.” Shaeula observed sourly, likewise removing her hood, shaking out her long amber hair. “Though most battles with them ended quickly due to their corruption, so perhaps they simply did not-not need them before?”

“Grul thinks if the puny fungi had such beasts, they would seize more land.” He rumbled.

“That does make a lot of sense.” I agreed. “Although, are they any more dangerous than their spores? To us, yes, but to an average army, they are likely to die just as easily to the corruption. Still, I don’t think they are unbeatable. I reckon Foehn could burn them up, if I got close enough. Still, it proves one thing we suspected. They have a lot more in reserve than just Myconids. Well, it was quite the profitable run, anyway, and we certainly thinned their numbers, even if seeing them crawling all over the behemoths makes it seem like trying to drain a lake with a bucket.” I considered the collection of Etherites we had found, the levels and skills gained, and the ether that was funnelled back to our Territory, and decided it was worth it. “We’ve also got a better grasp of the outer reaches of the forest. For now, we should see how Hyacinth and Ixitt are doing.”

“Indeed, but first and more importantly, I need-need a bath.” Shaeula grinned. “You can wash my back, and my front too.”

Well, how can I refuse that offer? I do need something to ease my tired mind…

 

********

 

We dropped our gear off in the changing room for cleaning and a maintenance check later, and then indulged in some fun in the bathroom. When we were freshly cleaned up and changed we prepared to head out and meet Hyacinth, only to come across a bit of a strange situation.

“… don’t think this is a good idea at all-all, what will the princess think?” Velna was saying to one of the other maids, who was whispering to her in the corner of the dining room. On seeing them, we halted, listening.

“Well, we have-have to win back her favour do we not, as we have disappointed her. You should know better than most-most, as Shaeraggo picked you and Risha to accompany her in her exile, no-no?”

“Yes but is that something we should… oh, princess, there you are…” They noticed us and stopped talking, which was a shame, as I was curious about what they were talking about. I wonder what they plan to please Shaeula? I hope they don’t screw up, she’s changed a lot recently.

Velna curtsied charmingly, before her gaze fell on me and she bowed. “Consort, a good evening to you as well. It is a relief to see you both safe.” Her expression was complicated, but it seemed she was genuinely trying to make the effort to follow the words of Shaeula and treat me with respect.

Beside her the other maid tensed, before relaxing and likewise curtsying. “Princess, consort. I apologise for us not noticing you sooner. We will-will do better. Can we offer you some refreshments?” Her hands were clenched on the fabric of her lace apron, exposing her tension. Even so, she kept up a smile while looking at me, which was admirable. Damn, does she still hate me that much? I think that’s the maid that Hyacinth nearly killed off, so I guess I understand…

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have time for that yet, though I’m sure we’d love something later.” I said, and Shaeula nodded. “By the way, all this consort business is a bit stuffy for my taste. Call me Akio, please.”

“I can’t do that!” Velna gasped, before looking down, shamed at her outburst. “You… you are to be the husband of our dear-dear princess.” She was saying it almost as if to convince herself, I fancied. “If we show you such disrespect, especially after the princess warned us, well… I don’t want to be-be dismissed. Caring for the princess is all-all I’ve ever known!” she almost shouted. “Our beautiful little proud princess! How I grieved when you were exiled. But thanks to your brother, we can serve you again.”

Beside her the other maid, whose name I still hadn’t caught, agreed, though her knuckles were still white under her tawny fur. “Yes, nor would I wish to draw the ire of that… that thing you call your maid. She would take it ill-ill.”

“A compromise then.” Shaeula said suddenly, drawing all eyes. “Akio is rather shy about these matters. I find it adorable, of course-course. So instead, he can be satisfied with being called master. He used to be positively thrilled when I did-did it.” She teased, drawing scandalised gasps from Velna. The other maid looked away, biting at her lip once more, fresh blood blooming, before she said some words, as though they were dragged out of her.

“Very well-well, master, I shall do as the princess bids. If you have any needs at all-all, I can attend to them.” She bowed again.

Okay, I wasn’t particularly thrilled by it when Shaeula called me master, only embarrassed by it really, I’m glad we have a real relationship now. But I’ll admit when a maid does it, it hits different…

Seeing the other maid acquiesce, Velna twitched with shock, before following suit. “Sorry, master. I will-will do better. We will tell the other maids as well.”

“Good. I am pleased.” Shaeula said, and Velna looked gratified by her praise. “There may-may be hope for you yet. Now do excuse us, we have important work to do.”

“I know you have grown, princess.” The other maid said, a trace of something in her voice, perhaps doubt. “But should-should you be braving the dead forests of the Unseelie? If you were to die there, like so many have before, we could surely not face your brother again, nor live-live with the guilt.”

“You need not-not worry.” Shaeula laughed. “Our protective gear is proof against the spores. With them we have little-little to fear. Today many vile Myconids met their end at our hands. I am no-no longer a sheltered, selfish princess. I am one who will deserve her arrogance, backed up by deeds-deeds none can question!”

And with that she swept past them, leaving them to step aside, curtsying again. I followed, nodding to them, and Velna bowed back, head down, while the other maid met my eyes, a slight smile on her face, hands still clutching at her lace apron.

Well, they are making the effort. I’d especially like it if Risha and Velna shape up, having them glaring at me constantly is a pain. Oh well, no time for this, now we need to see what progress Hyacinth has made…

 

********

 

“Master, yooou came!” Hyacinth rushed at me, echoing the master that the weaselkin maids were using now, causing me to flush a little. Still, I caught her outstretched arms and spun her away from me, as the gleam in her eyes looked a little dangerous, but as I did so she started to tear up, so I at least patted her head gently, softly stroking her dark hair.

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Ignoring the laughter of Ixitt, I turned my attention to the Fae Stones, where we had secured a half-dozen captured plant-beasts of various species, as well as a couple of Myconids, hence why Ixitt was still wearing his full protective gear.

“So, how did it go?” I asked, and Hyacinth looked at me, her eyes moist.

“Sooo very hard, master! Hyacinth is trying, but I still dooo nooot get it!” she pouted. “But I will keep trying, for master and mistress! Hyacinth wants tooo be head maid!”

“Well, I am sure you are trying your best.” I acknowledged her.  I turned my attention to the Fae Stones, noticing there were quite a few less Degraded Weaselkin remaining than we had provided her with. On seeing that, Ixitt barked another laugh, proffering me several clear glass vials that had been corked and sealed with the barrier cream.

“She finally managed to get to the stage where the spores don’t kill the kobolds.” Ixitt said. “But alas, they are still having no effect upon the plants or the captive Myconids.” He shuddered theatrically, tail twitching. “It was frightfully instructive, watching the mindless kobolds disintegrate, fungus everywhere, but equally horrifying. I may have nightmares, but such is the path of Mortal Engineering, I shall not shy away from the end. If you analyse these spores with your Ether Healing, might you not gain some insights that may assist her?”

“That’s not a bad idea.” I fended off Hyacinth, keeping her at arms’ length. Shaeula, seeing my troubles, pulled her off and started lecturing her, though with quite some warmth, considering. All right then. First… my Eye flared amber as I peered at the flasks, getting various readings on the contents. Two were most interesting to me.

Boggart Death Spores - These spores are a nature element replication of Myconid spores, with increased virulence, tainted by darkness energy that will feed upon the exposed victims. When entering through the mouth, nose, eyes or any open wound, they lead to rapid growth of darkness-aspected fungi that leaches the energy and life from the afflicted, leaving them a husk and seedbed for further expansion.

Brownie Irritant Spores - These spores are a nature element modification of Myconid spores, tainted by darkness energy. They lack the harmful effects of the original spores, having been twisted by nature element and darkness element energies, but they will heighten and irritate the emotions of the victim if they enter an open wound or orifice, leading to potentially erratic and frenzied behaviours.

“Interesting. I think you’ve done well here.” I said to Hyacinth, who crooned softly at my praise, looking at me coquettishly, lips pursed as if expecting a kiss. No way! Instead I gave her another head pat. “This one might be useful in battle and can be used relatively safely I think.” I showed her the vial, and after opening it, I carefully used a little wind to waft the spores over to Hyacinth, who breathed them in, eyes closed in thought.

“Oooh yes, these.” She nodded. “I can make these ooones easily enough, but they don’t dooo anything, master!”

“I think you’ll find they do. Shaeula, Ixitt, I think I should be fine, but just in case, watch me as I breathe these in. If anything goes wrong, you can heal me, Shaeula.”

“Very well. I do not-not like the risk, but I have faith in your judgement and skills.” She said, taking up a position beside me.

“Here goes then.” I declared, using wind energy to guide in the spores. They quickly took root, though Ether Healing rushed to counter them. Even as the spores were disintegrating though, I felt hot, and found myself licking my lips unconsciously. Looking down I noticed that the top buttons on Hyacinth’s maid uniform had come undone, and the pale expanse of her throat and cleavage was visible. Quite the pleasant sight. Wait, what am I thinking? I turned away, face hot, to see Shaeula looking at me in concern. She’s so cute as ever. I’m such a lucky bastard…

“Are you well?” Shaeula asked, only for me to seize her and start kissing her savagely. For a moment she was surprised, eyes going wide, before she reciprocated, tangling our tongues together passionately, tasting each other. My hand started groping her tight bottom, and my other hand went towards her chest… wait, this isn’t right, in front of Ixitt… I pulled back, our lips parting with a wet squelch, and Shaeula leaked out a hot sigh, looking a touch disappointed.

Ixitt was looking down, his mask hiding his expression, while Hyacinth was once more stomping her feet jealously.

“Why-why did you stop?” Shaeula asked, puzzled and flushed. “I like it when you are more-more aggressive, like a great male should be.”

“Sorry, I think it was the spores affecting me. I was turned on by Hyacinth so I had to look away, then when I saw you, I lost all control. After all…” I admitted. “I already lust after you anyway, so when I saw you looking so cute my emotions went crazy. Damn, those spores are some weapons-grade stuff. If that was the effect of darkness element, it could definitely be useful to sow discord amongst the enemy.”

“I see.” Shaeula said, pleased and a touch disappointed we were not continuing as well. “So, what do you think?”

“I have an idea. But first…” I opened the other, more dangerous, vial and this time I let my arm touch the spores first. It hurt, being a different concoction to the Myconid spores, and dark mushrooms sprouted, before I destroyed then with wind and flame, healing my injuries. I repeated this several times, adapting to the spores, which happened rapidly, as they shared much with their Myconid base. Eventually, I was even breathing in more that Hyacinth created.

“Yeah, I think they are largely harmless to me. Though I did get a useful side benefit as well.”

Your affinity to the darkness element has slightly increased. The amber letters were a surprise, but a welcome one. “I have to say, darkness element sure is something. I could feel the mushrooms pulling aether out of me as well as feeding on my flesh. If Eri could learn some of these tricks, I’d feel a lot better about her safety.”

“So Hyacinth did gooood?” she said, and I nodded, giving her a gentle (and chaste) hug, allowing her to bury her head in my chest. “Yeah, you are doing good work indeed. But we just need that final step.”

“Any ideas how?” Ixitt asked, fascinated by our experiments, and I nodded, grinning. “As a matter of fact, I do have one or two.” My gaze took in our captive Myconid Scouts, and they shivered, as if knowing what I was thinking was not going to be good for them…

 

********

 

“Damn, we are really close now.” I said, taking a drink of the rich red Faerie Wine, feeling the warmth permeating my tired body and mind. Risha and one other maid was waiting on me, pouring me a fresh glass, while Velna and another were performing the same service for Shaeula. For once the maids weren’t all glaring daggers at me, which was nice, but there was definitely an atmosphere of some sorts, as several maids were glancing at each other while they thought we weren’t looking, but my perceptive abilities were easily able to detect their furtive glances and nervous behaviour. I wonder if it’s because of Hyacinth? She was once more insisting on helping prepare the food, as well as doing some cleaning, which might have offended them.

“Do you require anything else, master?” Risha asked, and I shook my head. “No, this’ll do until the meal.” With that she pulled away, bobbing a quick bow.

“Anyway, working together, I think we can crack it soon.” I continued, and Ixitt agreed.

“Yes, it was quite the sight, seeing mushrooms grow from the Myconids and plant-creatures. A shame it did little harm, but it is quite the decent step forwards.”

“Yeah, using Ether Healing, we can tell roughly what sort of effect the fungal spores are going to have, so by comparing several small changes we can help Hyacinth cycle through many iterations far more efficiently. I hate to lose out on raiding time, but I think getting this cracked is for the best.”

“Yes, I would quite-quite like to be done with this, the constant feelings of danger and dread are stabbing at me like needles.” Shaeula complained, dabbing at her lips delicately with a napkin, her manners impeccable. Tuning to Velna she asked a question that had been on her mind. “Has there been any strange prowlers around the estate, dregs of the Wild Hunt perhaps? I should hate-hate for the mansion to be attacked in our absence.”

“No-no, I don’t think there has been anything like that, princess.” Velna shook her head in denial.

Hmm, is it my imagination, or… out of the corner of my eye I saw the tail of one of the maids serving me twitch as Velna spoke. It’s probably nothing, but… “Excuse me.” I asked. “Maybe Velna doesn’t know, but do any of you others? We are only thinking of your safety.”

Risha and the maid who had reacted exchanged a brief glance, before the maid nodded. “I didn’t think it was worth bringing to your attention, princess, master. But I did-did hear that there had been an incursion near here. I believe the Way-Wardens dealt with it, so I had not considered it relevant.”

“Wait, was there a Warning Bell?” one maid asked, puzzled, and Velna nodded, seeming equally confused.

“That might have been while you were out-out replenishing our supplies.” Another maid piped up.

“Oh, I see.” Velna said slowly. “So, did any escape?” she shivered. “If the mansion is in danger, the princess…”

“I am in no-no danger from some fleeing curs who could not-not even handle the Way-Wardens.” She sniffed. “Still, I wish no harm to come to any of you, so you must-must keep Akio and I appraised of such matters in the future. We will have to take precautions.”

“If puny dogs come, Grul will smash them, just like before!” he rumbled. “Grul will keep watch and protect the home.”

Before I could thank him, there was a loud crash from the kitchen, and a weaselkin maid ran out in tears, covered in yellow sauce, her fur matted with it, her white and black uniform in a terrible condition. Before we could ask what happened, Hyacinth staggered out, also dripping with rich, fruity liquid.

“Careful, you cannooot serve that slop to master and mistress!” she hooted, chasing after the maid. She was annoyed, but at least I couldn’t see murder in her eyes this time. “Dooo it properly! Hyacinth can dooo it if you will not!” As she chased the frightened maid around, no doubt trying to let off some steam after hours of gruelling experiments, I let out a sigh. Never a dull moment around here, is there? Meanwhile the itch that was my Foresight continued to niggle at me, not declining. If anything, it was growing stronger. Yeah, I agree with Shaeula. I want to finish reclaiming the Spring as soon as possible. Maybe then we can avert whatever danger is hanging over us like an oily shadow… last time it was a raid on the shrine, putting Kana and the others in danger. Could it be the same again, just whatever remnants of the Wild Hunt that escaped the Way-Wardens attacking? Or could they help others evade the defensive barrier and launch an attack in force?

Making up my mind to spend some time patrolling around the mansion to detect any hostile intruders, I stood, grabbing Hyacinth and the dirty maid, using aether to cleanse them of the sauce, scooping it out of hair, fur and fabric. As I began to lecture Hyacinth, the maid hid behind me gratefully. Well, at least I can feel my approval rating with this maid going up a little… as Hyacinth started crying, as mercurial as ever, I held in a smile. At least this is only a small problem to worry about, easy in comparison…

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