Book 5: Chapter 44: The truth comes out

Book 5: Chapter 44: The truth comes out

Frank stared ahead, his mind spinning from the last few hours of chaos. They were running across the countryside following the course adjusted by Heather's bracelet. The pace was a brisk run to cover as much ground as possible, hoping to find what they were looking for. Of course, that came after the war of words that erupted on his shoulders.

Quinny ran beside him for the first few hours of the morning, trying to hold a conversation. She was grateful for his help with the werewolf and kept asking questions about Heather. Some of the questions focused on the figurine and what he planned to do with it. It seemed like she was getting at something but yelling while they ran made it hard. He was the one who suggested she ride on his shoulder so they could talk more easily.

It seemed harmless enough to carry Quinny like he had carried Heather. From there, it was much easier to hold a conversation, and she seemed to enjoy it. He found Quinny's company relaxing and far more predictable than Heathers. She was behaving strangely, showing him bursts of attention then burying herself in books. It was strange to see her staring at him during dinner and the outburst in the stables. They hadn't any time to talk once the battle started, and when it ended, she was unconscious.

That's why it was a terrible surprise when Heather appeared on his other shoulder and started arguing with Quinny. The debate centered on Heather being upset that Quinny was so close to him. She seemed to think that riding on his shoulder was something special to them, and Quinny was stealing it somehow. The argument grew more intense until they had to stop so he could throw them both off. They parted ways with some harsh words, with Heather retreating through the door and the safety of her books. Quinny went back to the palanquin, and he was left in silence to run for the rest of the day, wondering what had just happened.

Would you like to talk about it? Blackbast asked from where she reclined on the back of Legeiss armor.

Frank looked to the seductive cat woman who was once again wearing the barest of black silks. She laid on her side with head propped up on one arm and tail swishing side to side. Those green eyes stared at him with a penetrating gaze that he was sure went right through his armor.

I dont understand girls, he said.

That much is obvious, Blackbast replied. But then that might be your greatest strength with those two.

Frank wasn't sure what that was supposed to mean, so he dared to ask and wasn't sure the reply made it any clearer. Blackbast was suggesting that he treated them like good friends instead of objects of affection. For both Heather and Quinny, this allowed them to come to know the real Frank and see the heart that beat inside. Both women had, over time, grown to respect and rely on him. For very different reasons, both saw something in him that caught their attention and now saw the other as a threat.

A threat over what? Frank asked.

You, Blackbast replied. Did you not notice how fond of you they are?

Frank shrugged that off without a second thought. He was a ghoul, and his appearance was best described as horrific. If he knew one thing about girls, it was that appearance mattered, and he was repulsive.

Youre wrong, he said without a doubt.

I can assure you that I am not, Blackbast replied. You think that you are too ugly to attract a woman as pretty as Heather. You also cannot believe that Quinny might also harbor feelings for you.

Are you saying anyone could see past what I am? he asked.

What are you? Blackbast shot back. You are a man wearing a guise. This skin isn't who you really are, and we both know you could change it. It takes some time for it to sink in but eventually, we all come to the understanding that the skin can be easily changed, but what is inside is forever. Heather has come to realize that you are a good man, and your appearance means nothing. Yes, she would prefer you looked prettier, but that is the way of human nature. We are programmed to seek out physical attributes in some primal need to procreate with the healthiest individuals, but here that means nothing. She is brilliant, and her mind has long since given up the concept of human beauty. The more races she discovers, the more she understands that appearance means nothing. What matters is who you are deep inside, and to Heather, you are her champion.

How can anybody want this? Frank replied. It wouldn't be fair to her.New novel chapters are published on

Will you stop it with that self-loathing, Blackbast scolded. I have heard your remarks, and I know you came in here to avoid this sort of thing. This was a place to hide and build an entire dungeon to keep people away while you hid on the lowest level. Deep down, you are running from something you do not believe you have the right to have. Well, too bad for you, because not only does Heather want you, but so does Quinny.

He sighed and looked away as Blackbast studied him intently. He never knew what to say to women, and he had no idea what they were thinking. Blackbast seemed to sense this and motioned for him to come closer. He came as close as he dared, and she reached out and took away his helmet.

What are you doing? he asked, but she put a finger to his lipless mouth.

Yes, you are horrible looking, but this form is good for you. It has given you the strength and confidence that you lacked in your former life. This has allowed you to carry yourself boldly and show others who you are.

And you think that is enough to overcome this? he asked.

Blackbast leaned forward, and before Frank could react, she planted a kiss. He was sure his gray skin was flushing red as she cradled his cheek and ran a nail along his cheek.

Why did you do that? he asked when she pulled away.

Because you judge yourself too harshly, Blackbast replied. You are a good man and a great friend. If Heather was not likely to object violently, I would not hesitate to take you to bed.

What! Frank cried and fell back as he stumbled.

Blackbast laughed and swished her tail seductively. Poor boy. I am only trying to prove that you are wrong about yourself. Yes, you made this form look ugly, but the women around you have seen through it and approve of what's inside. Now, if you are too afraid of your appearance, put that figurine I gave you to use. Let your outside match your inside, and both women will fight over you as they did earlier.

You think I look like that inside? Frank asked in shock.

I can tell by your reaction that you find this hard to believe. People didnt treat you well in the real world, did they? she asked.

Frank shook his head and admitted that he had been a bit of an outcast. What little attention he got from girls was generally negative and often hurtful. For him, coming to New Eden was a way to escape his life and start anew.

Blackbast asked why he hadn't chosen to play something more attractive. He tried to deflect and say it was because this was what he wanted. She agreed that he embraced his class well but wondered if perhaps this was a way to hide. This way, he wasn't at risk of being rejected as he had been in the real world. As a ghoul, he would be expected to be hidden away in some secret lair, and even if discovered, his appearance would be considered normal. He could play his role and avoid complications, free from ever having to worry about the entanglements of a relationship.

I just wanted to be happy, Frank sighed. But I got lonely and then.

Heather showed up, Blackbast finished for him.

Yes, she did, Frank agreed. But she wants to go home.

And what do you want? Blackbast asked.

I want her to be happy, he replied. I would do anything to help her, even if it means losing her forever.

And you wonder why they fall in love with you? Blackbast laughed.

Frank sighed and looked to the palanquin where Heather and Quinny had retreated. He felt like he should say something, but what could he say? More importantly, who should he choose? In the end, Quinny claimed she was only talking to him and knew who he belonged to, but he was afraid her feelings were hurt.

The thoughts were so complicated, and he had no experience with these issues to guide him. He let the matter go with a resigned sigh and focused on the trip. It was hard to keep his mind clear, especially when he considered that Blackbast just admitted she would sleep with him.

Hours passed as he mulled over the options until Blackbast grew bored of watching him stew. She suggested he talk to Quinny so slowly he fell back until he was beside the palanquin.

Are you alright? he asked when he saw her curled up and looking down. Breanne was beside her attempting to offer some comfort.

Sorry, you had to hear that, Quinny replied. I didn't think it was going to upset Heather.

She jumped to conclusions, he said. I am the one who asked you to ride on my shoulder.

It doesnt matter, Quinny replied and looked away. I just hope Heather doesnt stay angry at me.

Why would she stay angry? Breanne asked. This was all a misunderstanding. When she cools off, she will come to her senses.

Should I go talk to her? Frank asked as Breanne and Quinny looked at him.

Yeah, Quinny replied. Tell her Im sorry.

You have nothing to be sorry about, Breanne said. This is all happening because some people arent being honest with themselves.

Frank nodded and asked Blackbast to stop so he could climb into the palanquin and use the door. She gave him a moment to climb inside and waited until he was gone.

Frank didn't find Heather or Webster in the magic room, so he used the door to go into the tower. She wasn't in the magic in the room or her bedroom down the hall. He checked the kitchen to find the cookies depleted but no sign of Heather or her spider. A brief memory of her feeding him cake flashed through his mind, but he set it aside and began to search her tower. There were dozens of rooms in the tower alone and many more in the tunnels cut into the mountain. It would take him hours to search them all, but he had a pretty good idea where he would find her.

She betrayed you once before, Frank remembered, and suddenly it all made sense.

Right, Heather said and looked into his eyes. I know Blackbast cast detect lies, but you told me that level matters when people use things like that. From what I have learned reading the guide to magic, all it would take was a higher-level obscure truth spell to cheat her detection. I don't know if wearing the crown is safe; I might be putting us all at risk. I dwell on it night and day, worried that I am somehow being manipulated like a puppet.

Umtha doesnt seem to think so, he said. She is happy youre wearing the crown all the time.

That's part of what I am trying to understand, she commented and ran a hand over the book. The woman in the crown didn't seem happy to know we were following Umtha's plan. She said the egg was something the goblins were working on, and Blackbast made it sound like she thought it would be a waste of time. The voice was more interested that I look for the hand instead.

She also wanted you to avoid getting anywhere near Kevin, Frank reminded.

Yes, she did indicate that Kevin was a danger to me. Maybe that means he is exactly who I need to see, Heather wondered out loud.

No! Frank shouted, then paused to regain his composure. Sorry, but if there is one thing I know, it's that going near Kevin isn't going to end well for you or any of us.

Youre probably right, Heather agreed. I need a lot more power before I take a risk like that, but something tells me that he will come looking for me eventually. She looked away and then smiled as if amused. So, are we officially boyfriend and girlfriend now?

I guess, he said and reached up to scratch his head. He had no idea how to respond to a question like that, and being this close made him nervous. She glanced away as if embarrassed, then flinched before turning to look at him closely.

Hey, there is something I want to know, she said as she looked over his face. Does your figurine turn into a copy of you like the bird statue does?

Frank nodded and fished the statue out of his pocket. He held it up for Heather to see, and she took it from his hands to marvel at it.

So it's a ghoul figurine now, she whispered and turned it over to look at the base. What a funny command word. I wonder why they made it karrack.

Frank was hurled to the side in a flash of light as Heather transformed into a hulking ghoul. He looked up with a stunned expression as she lifted the massive arms and started to scream.

Heather, relax! he cried as he scrabbled across the floor and picked up the figurine. Just take this and say karrack again.

There was a second flash of light, and Frank felt decidedly strange. He looked at his delicate hands with perfectly manicured nails and then lower to see a yellow dress. The figurine toppled from his hand as he struggled to accept that he was a woman. In a panic, he felt around his face and ended up clutching his chest to squeeze.

What do you think you're doing? Heather yelled in a masculine voice. Hands off! That's my body!

Sorry! Frank cried and let go as he flushed. He quickly looked around for the figurine to see Heather fumbling to pick it up with her long nails.

Take this and say Karrack! she commanded only to change in a flash of light to the handsome human form.

Oh, this is ridiculous! she roared as the door to the shop burst open, and four players ran in.

We heard screaming like the roars of a foul creature, a human dressed in fine armor announced as he surveyed the room.

Aye, it sounded like the howls of grave wolves, said a humanoid-looking man in leather armor but a face covered in fur.

I am sure it came from this shop, a slender elven woman with silver hair said. She looked at Frank and Heather with disdain then continued to look around. But I see no sign of trouble.

We all heard it, a lizard man in spiked armor added as he stepped closer. But all I see is the girl and her slave.

Slave? Frank said in Heather's voice before looking to the man beside him. Despite the switch caused by the figurine, the collar remained firmly around Heather's neck. Heather clutched the figurine and had a look on her face like she was going to tear him limb from limb. He would have to change into the ghoul so Heather could reclaim her body, but they didn't dare do that while four players watched.

You there, the human warrior called. What was the source of that scream?

Frank tried to play it cool and stood up before clearing his throat. Umm, that was me, he said, unable to believe how his voice sounded. I was startled by the shop's pet when he jumped out. To help confirm his story, he pointed to Webster, who was now standing in the corner equally as startled.

What kind of shop keeps a spider as a pet? the elven woman asked as she made a face of disgust.

I'm more interested in what kind of woman keeps a man as a pet, the human warrior said with a funny smile on his face. The two men laughed, but the elf rolled her eyes and called him a pig. He paid her no attention and strode into the shop, eyes focused on Frank the entire time.

I don't recall ever seeing you before, he said as he sauntered up to Frank. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lawrel Silver Heart, the Blade Dancer, and master of the lute.

Frank looked at him with a blank stare as Heather stood behind him and grabbed his arm.

Shes not interested! she shouted in a masculine voice.

The man made a sour face and waved his hand to brush Heather off. It seems your little pet doesn't know his place.

Pet who? Frank said and turned to Heather to see murder in her eyes. Oh, me! he choked and turned back. Right, Im not interested.

She's a funny one, the elven woman said. You sure know how to pick em.

Quiet Yancine, the man groaned. The poor dear is just overcome with emotion at meeting me. He stepped to Frank's side, and before anyone could move, Frank felt a swat at his rear. Don't worry, my dear. I understand how you feel.

A primal growl from behind caused the man to turn and meet Heather's gaze. He stepped away with hands raised as Heather threatened to use him for spider food.

Now, let's not cause any trouble, he said with a smile. We were investigating a scream after all.

That doesnt give you permission to touch me! I mean her! Heather snarled as her hands curled into fists.

It looks like the fella is the one in charge, the furry warrior pointed out.

You four get out of my store! Heather yelled and pointed to the door.

The four hero players looked confused a moment then started laughing.

The slave is the one who owns the store! the lizard man laughed.

Maybe the girl likes dominant men, the woman added.

I can show her a little domination, the human warrior suggested and leaned closer to Frank with a smile. Your little pet can help if youre into that sort of thing.

What? No! Frank protested with a hand raised.

Common Lawrel, the woman insisted. She isn't that good-looking anyway.

Frank knew it was already too late for them and wasn't surprised when the air filled with bees. They shouted and roared in pain as Heather yelled in a masculine voice for them to get out of her store. What he wasn't prepared for was the cloud of bees to suddenly vanish in a puff of blue smoke, revealing a tall, wizened man in green and white robes. He looked on the scene with eyes that said he was assessing the situation as the four adventurers rolled on the floor.

Battles within the city are forbidden, the man said and turned his gaze on Frank and Heather. You two will come with me at once.

Were busy, Heather protested as she pressed the figurine into Franks hand.

The man let out a low groan as if the whole situation was an annoyance. The four would-be hero's bowed in supplication, but the man pointed to the door and ordered them out. With that, six men in heavy armor and wearing tunics marked by the cities colors appeared in the street. The four rushed away, leaving Frank and Heather to face him alone.

I am afraid you have no choice in the matter. The Queen has requested you be brought to her at once, he said as his brow furrowed. Now, come along quietly. We don't want there to be trouble.