Chapter 37: Thirty five

As Darius and I reached the area where our guilds tents were set up, the guild leader let out a piercing whistle that brought the others running over from the oasis.

“Start breaking down camp, we’re heading out early.” Darius instructed the group, who exchanged confused looks. 

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait until-.” Roderick started, but Darius cut him off, pointing a finger at the burning tent in the distance.

“No, we leave now.” 

“Bloody hell, what happened?” Bastian asked, as I snuck away into my tent to start packing my things. 

After putting away the tools I’d been using, and the jars containing the Cobra parts. I did a quick walk around, making sure I had everything before exiting the tent. Dropping my saddle bags on the sand outside the tent, I knelt down at the entrance and pressed my fingers to the line of script etched into the wood, to activate the enchantment to fold up the furnishing crate. 

Once the crate folded itself up, I removed the crate's lid from my saddle bags and went inside to place it on the crate. With the crate packed away into a saddle bag, I moved to collapse my tent and pull out the stakes securing the guy ropes. 

“Kads, I’ll finish your tent. Go get Basher and Arion.” Markion offered as I struggled with pulling out the first stake. 

Thanking my brother, I headed for the oasis where Killian was already untethering a pair of horses. Leading Arion and Basher over to the oasis I let both drink deeply alongside the horses Killian was tending. 

“Hey, Darius told us what happened in the tent. Do you really have a pair of Scorchers?” The archer asked as he finished checking his horses shoes.

“I do. They’re bound to me, so don’t worry, they won’t hurt anyone on the team.” 

“I wasn’t worried about that. I was actually wondering if I could buy some Scorcher venom.” 

“What do you want it for?” I asked, eyes narrowing slightly. 

Fresh Scorcher venom was a very dangerous substance, and I wasn’t going to sell it without good reason. Of course, if he wanted, Killian could always hunt Scorchers, but it wasn’t easy to safely extract venom from a dead Scorcher. 

“I want to coat a few arrows in it, I normally use a poison made by boiling down Calacaza berries, but that isn’t as debilitating as Scorcher venom.” 

“Are you just looking to debilitate someone? If so, I have a Paralysis poison.” 

“Nah, I’ve tried using a Paralysis poison. That stuff only works if it is consumed, and it takes a whole vial to be effective.” 

Huffing out a sigh, I pulled out one of my darts coated in paralysis poison and showed it to the archer. 

“If you brought it from Ge Hong, it was a diluted version. This dart is dipped in the poison, and is enough to paralyze someone my size for half a minute. That doesn’t sound like a lot of time, but that thirty seconds could mean the difference between life a death in a battle. An entire vial will leave you paralyzed for an hour.” 

“I heard about your conversation with Dorian regarding Ge Hong from Bastian. He bought most of Taurie’s supply of salves and tinctures yesterday to stock up for this trip,” Killian said, lips twitching into a grin.

I nodded, having already heard from Taurie about the healers purchase. The pretty dark haired elf had officially been promoted to a guild apprentice by Darius before we left, while I’d been moved up a rank to craftsman. With her new rank, Taurie was given the choice of changing her profession from cook to potioneer, which she’d happily agreed to. I was more than happy with the situation as having Taurie around was no burden, and it allowed me to focus on other things. The last thing I wanted was to spend hours a day making the same things repeatedly. Taurie seemed to enjoy it, and even incorporated her cooking knowledge into her work. The elf was even talking about different methods to make candies from the Hype juice, and I was interested to see what progress she’d made when I returned. 

“What other potions do you have that I can use on my arrows?” Killian asked as we led the four mounts back to the tents, passing Dorian who was heading to collect another pair of horses. 

“I have a poison that freezes a persons internal organs. The effect is lessened to about five minutes of chilly pain before it dissipates when used on a dart. I’ve also got some diluted Scorcher venom, which is cheaper than pure.” 

“How much is the freezing poison.” 

“A thousand gold,” I informed the archer whose eyes widened. 

“Guild rate?” He questioned almost pleadingly. 

“That is the guild rate, a thousand gold for a fifty milliliter vial.” 

“Damn Kadia, that's cold.” 

“Very.” I agreed lips twitching. “However, as we are on the same hunting team, I will coat five arrows for you at the cost of a hundred gold. A single vial will coat thirty arrows.” 

“How much is the Scorcher venom.” 

“Ten gold a drop, which is half a milliliter.” 

“Diluted?” Killian asked dejectedly. 

“Eight hundred gold, or five arrows for eighty.” 

“Dare I asked how much the Paralysis poison is?” 

“I’m undercutting Ge Hong, so five hundred gold a vial. I’ll do five arrows for fifty gold.”

“How about one arrow of each, as a try before I buy deal,” Killian implored as we reached the area where the others were packing away the last tent. 

“I’ll let you test out three of my darts,” I offered, and the archer nodded. 

After handing him the three darts, which he slid into a pouch, I turned my attention to saddling Arion. Basher would need to wait for my brother, as I wasn’t able to lift the Rhino’s heavy saddle. Once everyone had their mounts tacked, and we’d visited the oasis one last time to restock our water supply for the mounts, we rode out of the outpost, leaving behind a smoldering merchants tent.  

The group’s riding formation was something Bastian called the squishy shield. With Darius riding forward point, Dorian, Conrad and I rode behind him in a diamond formation. With the healer to my left and the water mage holding the position of rear point. That left Markion, Roderick, Bastian and Killian to ride in a square formation around us, with their front line riding just behind Darius. As we rode, I was guided through different scenarios by Dorian who gave detailed explanations of what my positioning should be. I’d never really worked with a team when questing with my brother in the past, so this was an unfamiliar experience for me. 

“Don’t worry, so long as you stay away from the melee and don’t try to rush into the midst of battle you’ll be fine. Just stay with me,” the healer said, giving me a gentle smile. 

 

“Thanks,” I murmured, taking a sip of my water flask. 

The heat of the desert wasn’t as unbearable as it had been previously, as the sun was slowly creeping down over the horizon. I’d reapplied some of the cooling balm to my forehead, neck and shoulders, which was more than enough to keep me from feeling over heated. 

I was right about the group being hesitant to buy the balm, and only sold a single jar to the hunting team who was sharing it amongst themselves. My brother on the other hand, bought an entire jar for himself, and ended up using almost half the jar, smoothing it over his fur covered chest. I hadn’t thought about the application of the balm for people with fur, but my brother seemed happy and reported it worked. Darius had also purchased himself a jar, which he’d spread over his neck and temples sparingly. 

As I put my water flask away, a whistle from Darius had the square formation tightening around us, and I directed Arion to side step closer to Dorians horse. Tightening my hold on the reins, I scanned the area ahead of us, searching for what had caused Darius to order the formation to close in. In the distance, a dark splotch could be seen, and it appeared to be growing larger as we continued riding forwards at a slow walk.

 We were currently riding over a vast flat plain, following a series of stone pillars that marked out different routes through the desert. The newly discovered dungeon we were heading to was located in the mostly unexplored central part of the Sarin desert. The nearest settlement to the dungeon was a place named Hathus, which was our current destination. According to Darius, it would take three days to reach Hathus, and another four from there to the dungeons location, if we didn’t get lost on the way that is. 

“What is it?” I asked, glancing at Dorian as we continued riding towards the dark spot on the horizon. 

“My guess is another group of travelers. Hopefully, we’ll pass each other with no issues. Depends on how long they’ve been in the desert, if they’re low on water and food, we may be in for a fight.” 

“Why would we fight them if they asked for water?” 

Laughing, Dorian shook his head. “They won’t ask, no one will give away or sell supplies in the desert unless they are a merchant caravan. Why bother asking when you already know the answer?” 

Unable to think a reply, I stayed silent, mulling over this new information. The desert was a harsh environment, and I could see the reasoning behind not offering a portion of our supplies to others. If we sold off our own supplies, we’d be without as well. 

As it turned out, the thing approaching us wasn’t a group of travelers, as Dorian had thought, but some kind of enormous beast that was plodding along the trail. I’d been worried as the creature appeared to grow larger and larger, but the others stayed calm not showing the slightest bit of concern. The true nature of the creature soon became clear, as we drew closer to the dark form, and I began to make out more of its shape. 

You are reading story The Nine Tails of Alchemy at novel35.com

A chill crept down my spine, as I stared at the massive skeletal form of what was once an enormous elephant. Large tusks curved out from the skull, with a wooden plank stretched between them. A robed figure sat cross legged on the plank, their face concealed by a hood. As it plodded past, I gazed up in awe at the animated skeleton, which was fitted out like a giant walking wagon. The sides of the elephant were covered in a gray canvas, and I could see they’d used wood to create a floor inside the rib cage. 

“Damn, I hate necromancers. Their magic feels like I’m being stabbed in the heart with an icy knife.” Dorian grumbled, rubbing his chest with a disgusted look on his face. 

“Really? I didn’t feel that.” I said, looking over at him in concern. 

“It’s because of my alignment, I’m a follower of Vēdiovis. He is a god of the light pantheon, and the god of healing.” 

“How many gods are there? I only know of Celeste and Trismegistus.” 

“No one really knows for sure, but there are several deities who are known. Such as Celeste who all digital citizens meet when they arrive in Kaledon. Like Vēdiovis, Celeste is a light aligned deity. I’m not sure who Trismegistus is, so I can’t say what his alignment is.” 

“Trismegistus is the god of Alchemy, Astrology and Transmutation.” 

“Never heard of him, and I’ve not seen his name in the temple of light. Though, that doesn’t mean he is a dark god.” Dorian assured me, and I shrugged. 

“If anything I would say Trismegistus should be considered neutral, Alchemy is neither light nor dark.” 

Correct my disciple, I’m of neither the light nor dark pantheons. My followers walk a path between light and dark. I see you have not yet made full use of your blessing. How disappointing. 

Startled by the vaguely familiar voice which seemed to come from all around me, I yanked hard on Arion’s reins, causing the horse to whinny loudly and come to a jerking halt. 

“Kadia? What’s wrong.” 

Ignoring Dorians worried question, I twisted around in my saddle looking for the old man, but I only saw the hunting group who’d closed in around me. Seeing my expression, the group began unsheathing weapons and scanning the nearby area with their eyes. 

“Where are you old man?”

 As above, so below.

“As within, as without. What do you want?” I responded, eyes narrowed. 

I was merely curious what would place my name upon your tongue with such frequency.  

“I was gaining knowledge,” I said, relaxing ever so slightly. 

A worthy endeavor, though the source from which you seek knowledge is a shallow one. 

“Kadia? What is going on?” Darius asked, moving his horse alongside mine. 

“I, can’t you hear him?” hesitating, I glanced around the group who were staring at me in confusion and flushed. 

I must seem like I’ve gone crazy. 

“I was speaking to Trismegistus. I didn’t realize I was the only one who could hear him.” I admitted, and the guild leader relaxed. 

“We can not hear him, a god can speak directly into their followers minds if they so choose. I’ve never heard Vēdiovis speak myself, it is a great blessing to be granted a god's words.” Dorian informed me, with an expression of awe and jealousy. 

Having confirmed that there was no danger nearby, Darius ordered the group to resume their previous formation. 

‘Are you still there?’ I attempted to ask silently, getting a low chuckle in response. 

‘You said I’m not using my blessing fully, what did you mean by that?”

The Transmutation amulet, you have empowered it, yet have not even used it once. 

‘Transmutation amulet? My necklace?’ Reaching up, I touched the necklace I wore, feeling the soft thrum of power from within it.

Indeed. 

‘Well, how was I meant to know what it was or how to use it? You didn’t exactly leave any instructions behind.’ I thought with a scowl. 

No response sounded from the god, and I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

 ‘Even the worst teachers will at the very least explain the basics.’

Transmutation is the magical art of modifying energy and matter. Your amulet is a focusing tool that contains the energy needed, you need only add the matter. Take a fistful of sand into your hand. 

Pulling on my reins, I brought Arion to a halt, and handed my wagasa to Dorian who’d stopped alongside me. This time, the others didn’t react, and simply watched in confusion as I slid down from my horse to pick up a fistful of sand. 

 Good. This next part requires focus, so I advise closing your eyes. Imagine a glass vial in your hand, not a large one as you only have a small fistful of sand. Put into your mind this vial, think upon how it must look, how it will feel in your hand. Now think upon how it shall be crafted, through heat and sand to form the glass.  

Closing my eyes, I did as instructed, picturing a simple glass vial just like the ones in my bag, trying to recall every detail I could about the item. Power pulsed around me, and the sand in my hand felt more solid than it had moments ago. Opening my eyes, I stared down at the glass vial I held. The glass was cloudy, and it looked a little misshapen, but it was easily identifiable as a vial. 

Congratulations, disciple. You made a common glass vial. That concludes our lesson on transmutation basics.

‘Thank you. I am grateful to have received your teachings.’

One typically pays a tuition fee to their teachers. 

‘I hereby offer this vial to Trismegistus, god of Alchemy, Astrology and Transmutation. May he treasure this keepsake of my first steps on the path of Transmutation.’  I mentally narrated, trying to imbue my thoughts with as much sarcasm as possible. 

I accept. Trismegistus said, sounding a mixture of annoyed and amused. 

‘Next time you should state the price up front.’  I said silently, but got no response as the vial disappeared from my hand.  

Remounting Arion, I took my wagasa back from Dorian who was looking like he was ready to start interrogating me with how intently he was staring. 

“Are you done?” Darius asked, and I looked over to see him sitting on his horse not far from me. 

“Yes, sorry for the hold up. I was getting a lesson on transmutation.” I told him giddily, my mind whirring with ideas for all the things I could make with this new ability. 

“So we saw.” The guild leader said, inclining his head. “We’ll discuss this new trick of yours later. For now we need to get moving. We only have a few hours of daylight left and I want to make the most of it.” 

 As we once more resumed our path towards the next trail marker, I inspected the amulet and noticed that the scripture for the fire and magic symbols were faded. Pressing my finger to the center stone, I allowed a trickle of power to flow into it and watched as the symbol for magic regained its brighter color. 

So, the amulet needs to be recharged? What happens if it doesn’t have enough ‘energy’ or matter for the item I am trying to make? Also, why did the vial look like that? That wasn’t how I pictured it. 

Lost in thought, I barely noticed the passing of time as we continued our slow monotonous trek through the desert. Until a sharp cry from Zosimos broke me from my internal monologue and sent the group into high alert. I’d asked the crow to fly above us, searching for danger at Darius’s direction, and now he was circling in the air near a clump of vegetation a hundred meters to our right. 

You can find story with these keywords: The Nine Tails of Alchemy, Read The Nine Tails of Alchemy, The Nine Tails of Alchemy novel, The Nine Tails of Alchemy book, The Nine Tails of Alchemy story, The Nine Tails of Alchemy full, The Nine Tails of Alchemy Latest Chapter