Chapter Six Hundred And Thirty Six – 636

Chapter Six Hundred And Thirty Six – 636

Choristry began not with godsNot power on high

But with a vibration among the firmament

The distant Realms

Turning

Humming

In Harmony

Present Day

The Low Roads were a warren of confusing tunnels beneath the Rimefang mountains, built by the Dwarves to connect their various cities to one another. Once, a Territory-spanning kingdom had spread out across the mountains, ruled over by a line of kings that Tzfell told him had long since died out. Most of the Low Roads were well-kept and orderly, all squared edges and gilded knotwork designs upon the walls. The one they found themselves upon, however, was rough and pockmarked by shallow pools of dark water, lit only by moss and crystals instead of magelights or inscribed lamps.

Thankfully, Felix didnt need conjured light to see. To him, the tunnels were lit by the unique vibrations of Mana, each one its own hue. Each perfectly describing the living world around him. With his Manasight so advanced, it was like walking through a multicolor landscape made of light.

Ungh. Damnit. Felix slowed, as did the others behind as the hold he had over his Abyssal Skein wobbled. There was a fire in his chest and it did not dim or flag, but he held it close. Pit.

He checked his notifications, but after two days nothing had changed.

Your Companion Has Claimed The Mote Of Frenzy!

Evolution In Process!

Etheric Concordance is level 92!

Holding Pit within his Spirit was the only way to move his Companion during their travels. Thanks to the layer of chaotic Mana around the tenku, even the Eidolon Exults couldnt carry him without fear of eroding the sigaldry that gave them life. Meanwhile, the power rioted within Felix, trying time and again to stab outward into his core space, and it required a good portion of his Will and Intent to keep it contained.

It wasnt always enough. It spilt like water through his fingerslike gasoline, pungent and filmy. It lingered, leaking into the boughs of his Divine Treeand unless he wished to leave Pit in the dark tunnels, alone and unconscious, there was nothing Felix could do about it.

He pressed onward, as he had for days. Deeper into the Low Roads, following broken Dwarven signage as they traversed between the Clan Holds. Tzfell said they were heading north, but the portion of the Low Roads they found themselves inthe portion connected to the Rockshapers secret workshophad all the signs of being abandoned for decades. Centuries. It was most evident in the rutted path and the profusion of wild mushrooms and small, feral game. Small monsters mostly, Journeyman Tier at best, but outfitted with fangs and teeth aplenty.

They were a steady stream of experience, at the very least.

His team had gained much from their journey up the Undermount, progressing through a number of Skill levels on their push toward Master Tier. None of them were much concerned with advancement at the momenttheir journey had not gone as they had hoped.

Evie trailed behind, unnaturally quiet, her thoughts clearly preoccupied much as Felixs own. For her, however, it was Harn that sat in the forefront of her Mind. The man had been feverish these past few days as his severed legs tried and failed to heal. It was not as bad as Pits wound had been, but the golden Mana that infested them worked to break open any healing applied to bone, muscle, or skin. Their Health Potions were running low and Tzfells own Skills couldnt flush his system for long before the golden light returned.

Tzfell? How much farther? he asked.

The Dwarven Chanter flipped through her maps, but her bald head was already shaking. This branch is too old. It doesnt appear on a single map. All we have to go on are the old signage, and those have proven less than helpful as well.

I dont like the idea of gettin stuck down here, Evie said with a sharp tone. Why dont we just dig out?

Tunneling through the earth is a risk we should not take lightly. This deep it is all too easy to encounter pockets of poisoned air or foul, subterranean monsters.

The Rimefangs are old, Laur added. A great many nightmares are clutched beneath their roots.

We continue on, as we have been, Felix decided. Hallow, tell the Claw that were on our way and to find shelter for now.

As you wish, Felix.

The plan had been to reunite with his company in the Hoarfrost and from there journey via Labyrinthine Wing back to Nagast. Failing that, they were ordered to travel without himhed already anointed two of them as Exemplars, able to use his Skill to traverse the Dark Passages. The problem with that, of course, was that their control was far more limited than Felixs own. If they could avoid that, they would.

Still. A great deal of Felixs plans depended on returning to Elderthrone and the resources he had at hand. He burned at the delay.

Cmon. I dont want to waste another moment down hereWait. Felix froze, arm outstretched. Do you hear that?

A faint echo tumbled down the cavernous tunnel. His friends tilted their heads, presumably flaring their Perceptions as best they could, but all of them looked confused. To Felix, the sound grew, resolving into something that sounded like rhythmic thumping. It was coming from ahead of them.

Evie.

Aye. On it.

Shadow wrapped around Evie like a cloak as she engaged her own Stealth Skill and sped off toward the sound. Her Born Trait kept her footsteps light, and her Agility and Dexterity meant she was little more than a whisper on the disused path.

They waited. For ten whole minutes, Felix stood, listening to the sound. It faded now and again, changed tempo, but never vanished. In time, Evie returned, zipping back just as fast as shed gone.

Were screwed, she said simply. Theres a fortress town ahead absolutely chock full of Ironclads. I found these pasted all over the gates.

She handed Felix a half-crumpled piece of parchment. He unfolded it with a frown, only to see an impressively accurate depiction of himself scrawled across its surface. Words in the common script filled the space around his scowling face.

Beef leaned over his shoulder. In connection with the crimes of murder, assault, and theft of the highest order, Felix Nevarre, alias Silas Veil, Autarch of Nagast is wanted. Dead or alive. Whoa.

Congrats, Archie said. Youre famous.

Shit.