Mark of the Fool

Chapter 389: Looking to Question the Source

Professor Jules stepped back, giving Carey space. What do you mean, Carey?

The young woman wiped her tears. I meanUldar left for his divine realm cycles ago. He left the holy Heroes She looked at Cedric and Hart. To defeat the Ravener while he watched over Thameland from his throne. But what if we went to his divine realm? What if we met Uldar and asked him what this all means?

Alex froze, shocked at both the simplicity of the idea, and Careys single mindedness.

Holy shit, he murmured, looking at Theresa. Can we do that?

The huntress startled. Whyre you asking me?

She turned to Cedric. Can we do that?

The Chosen startled. Whyre ya askin me? I dont know nothin about this! He turned to Professor Jules. You teach in Smart Wizard Land. Can we do that?

Whyre you asking meOh, nevermind. Well, the answers complex. While its true that some priests have gone to meet their gods in their divine realmsas have some wizardswhether or not it works, depends on the deity, Professor Jules said. For some, a simple Plane Shift spell or equivalent miracle puts you in a deitys divine realmor at least at its front gateas long as youre a worshipper. Some ancient wizards used to visit their deities divine gardens to collect rare alchemical ingredients. Some still do. Butfor other deities

She tilted her hand back and forth. Some ask for massive rituals and sacrifices. Others give the petitioner trials before they allow them to magicthemselves into their realm. And others justclose themselves off. So the question is, has anyone from Thameland ever done that before? Gone to see Uldar?

No. Alex shook his head. At least not that Im aware of.If there was a history of priests visiting and talking to Uldar, then its been hidden. Were taught that Uldar went to his divine realm, stayed there, and has been quietly watching Thameland ever since.

To get out of our way, one of the priests in Wrexiff used to say. Carey crossed her arms. She looked at the two Heroes. Er, CedricHartdid the priests ever teach you a way to get to Uldars divine realm?

No, the Chosen said. Fraid not. Just gave us the same song they give everyone else: well all meet Uldar when see the afterworld, if were good enough.

Is that it, then? Hart asked. Plans dead?

Well, maybe not, Carey said. Im wondering if maybe theres an answer in the Cave of the Traveller.

Alex and Theresa flinched, but everyone was so focused on Carey, they showed no sign theyd noticed.

The Traveller? Alex asked carefully. Why her? What do you think shes got to do with this?

Well, she had a secret citadel underground, Carey said, drying her face with a handkerchief. All signs of tears were nearly gone. And it was full of portals. Legends aboundas you know since youre also from Alricof people wandering into the cave and appearing in all sorts of places. But theres stable portals all through the secret area down there. And she was a Saintwhat if she was trying to find a way into Uldars realm?

The possibility struck Alex like a bolt from the blue.

Could that be it? he thought. Was she working on somestrange power that would let her travel across planes and into Uldars realm? Is that it? maybebut then why did she have goddess statues in her temple, they definitely werent in Uldars image? Theres more there, but

You could be right, Carey, Alex said, looking at Cedric. Have they explored the entire cave?

I dunno, tbe honest, the Chosen said. Last time we was there was ta help people with the portals so they could leave Thameland. It wasnt mapped out back then

but its been a year, things change, Hart jumped in, scratching his stubble in thought. You know, it might not be a bad idea to go back there and check it out.

Go back where? a new voice joined the conversation.

Everyone faced Ffions cottage door as Drestra and Baelin stepped into the cold, closing the door behind them.

real food! Tell them, Ill spit the next spoon of bone broth they bring here in Ffions voice called out before Drestra shut the door purposefully.

Baelin snorted in amusement. So, what is this about going back somewhere?

They filled Baelin and Drestra in with details of what theyd been discussing.

Huh the Sage raised an eyebrow. The magics in the cave were uniqueyou might be onto something.

It is indeed possible, Baelin said. Possible.

Yes, its important not to accept an idea as fact before proper investigation is done, Professor Jules said. But, its definitely a very good place to start.

Mm, we could go back there an have a proper look around, the Chosen said. Maybe make some quick excuse to the priests about wantin to check some o the portals or somethin. I dunno, the church lets us go where we want as long as were smashin dungeons.

Ah, you know what? Hart snapped his fingers. We could say that there was an invasion by a big, nasty demon leading its big, nasty army. So, were just looking at the portals to make sure they cant be used by other big, nasty demons. theres something we need to talk about, though. We have confirmation now, right? So, what do we do about Merzhin? Do we tell him?

No, Drestra cried. Heszealous beyond anyone Ive ever met. Hed head straight for the nearest priest, and if theyve been hiding things, hell tip our hand. But, even if he doesnt run to the priests, what if he has a melt down?

Aye, until we know more then, it stays between us, Cedric looked at Carey. Your ideas a good one there Carey, headin ta the Cave o the Traveller ta start lookin fer leads is probably the best place ta start.

And Ill see if theres anything else I can think of, She said. The ideas a long shot and it might not work.

Well. Hart shrugged. We could always go knock on the cathedral door back in the capital like I said. That should get us some quick answers.

Well, well cross that bridge ifn it comes to it, Cedric said. But I hope not. In the end, our dutys still fightin Ravener-spawn, not people.

Could be that dutys false, the Champion suggested.

Aye, but we know fer a fact that the Raveners tryin tkill our people. Its spawn hunt them like theyre huntin quail an that dont sit well wit me. We gots tatleast stop that from happenin.

Still, I hope we find something in that cave, Drestra said. This is going to keep me up at night.

Well, it's a lot. A lot, Alex spoke up, his mind racing. What if the Heroes found something down there? Would that be such a bad thing? Why did he feel almostpossessive? Like he needed to be the one to find out more about the Traveller?

Well, I wish you good hunting in that, Baelin said. Weon the other handI think we should explore exactly what mortals can do with a dungeon core, wouldnt you agree, professor?

I do, Jules said. It might be dangerous, but its just as important to understand the parameters of connecting to a dungeon core, as it is to find the origin of this connection.

Yeah, I agree with that, Alex said.

Me too, Carey said. Ijoined the expedition to find the truth about the Ravener and find ways to get rid of our enemy and also help out the best I can. I want to see this through to the endwhether that end is bitter or sweet.

Yeah, Alex said. Whether its bitter or sweet.

A coldness crawled up his spine, leaving him with the feeling that they were in a frozen bottomless abyss, turned a corner and found something they were never meant to see.

It wasn't that long ago that only him, those closest to him, and Baelin knew there was a strange connection between mortals and dungeon cores. Back then, theyd thought all mortals had that connection.

Now, they knew better: that only those who worshipped the very god who opposed the Ravener, could control its minions. For a moment, he wondered if Uldar had left a secret gift for his followers behind: something they could use against the Ravener and purge it from the land once and for all.

But why would he keep it secret? Alex considered. How many cycleshow much death could have been avoided if everyone knew. No, that doesnt feel like a benevolent plan. It feels more likelike our own god has a dark plan hanging over us.

He looked to the sky, watching the blue and white above.

And if darkness is what he has in store for his followers Alex thought. Something hidden from them, how far would he go to keep his secret?

The Fool swallowed. If we do find his divine realm and can get answers to our questions, then we sure as all hells better have Baelin with us, cuz what does a mortal do if their own god tells you that you know too much?

The evening feast would be their last meal in Crymlyn Village, at least for now. And witches had clearly set out to give them a grand send-off.

Sturdy woven tables of magically animated woody vines called hadwovhas, were placed in rows in front of the Elders hall, well within sight of the standing stones in the centre of the village. Professor Jules had returned to the encampmentsaying she would feel like a sponge attending a feast she did nothing to contribute toand Carey was back at Generasinot feeling great, which Alex could understandeveryone else had seats of honour at the largest table.

Unfortunately, the table had been positioned in such a way that it faced the symbol of Uldar emblazoned on the witches standing stones, a matter of pride for Elder Blodeuwedd. Her ancient eyes had crinkled with pleasure while she explained that theyd been placed in view of Undars symbol in consideration of the guests faith in the god. Well, this is awkward, Alex whispered to Theresa as the glyphilluminated by bonfire lightsent an uneasiness seeping into everyone whod visited Ffions cottage earlier.

Everyone, that is except Baelin and Hart. The pair were thoroughly and enthusiastically, enjoying themselves. They watched, loudly laughing and clapping at the witches' displays of light and sound using illusionary magic. Conjured pixies fluttered overhead, spreading glowing dust through the air.

Musicians played stringed crwths and pibgorn pipes, while dancers performed ancient steps offering praise to the spirits in the land. Alexs mood was subdued. On another day, he wouldve been joining Hart and Baelin, enjoying every new sight, sound and magic the witches had to offerbut today was not that day, he wasnt in the mood to celebrate. He simply tucked into his herbed fish, washing it down with a mug of elderflower and herbal brew set beside him.

The Heroes and Theresa did much the same while Brutus begged her and Alex for scraps.

Alexs eyes drifted to Claygon standing nearbysilently watchingwhile the celebration continued.

The Thameish wizards eyes traced the damage on the golems body.

Cracks, he thought. Just like the cracks in all of us now. Cracks in faith. Cracks in purpose.

Looking around at the witches celebrating their lives and freedom, he wondered how they would react if they knew the truth. Would they think Uldar had given them a gift against their enemies? Would they think that he was in league with the Ravener? Would they think something else?

Such thoughts plagued Alex throughout the meal, and the more he wrestled with them, the more confused he became.

His eyes rested on Theresas face; she was likely having similar thoughts. Her eyes were downcast, her face was pale, and she paid little attention to anything around her.

One of her hands hung by her side.

Alex reached over and squeezed it. Itll be okay, he whispered. Well figure this out.

Thats what Im afraid of, Theresa whispered, meeting his gaze. Whatwhat if all of this is for nothing? What if we couldve been rid of this thing generations ago, but the priestsor someone, or something elsekept that knowledge from us? What in all hells do you even do with that kind of information?

Alex shrugged. I dont knowhonestly, I dont know. What I do know is that things are probably going to get way more dangerous from here on out. People are going to have to know, eventually.

Yeah, Theresa said. And I dont think a lot of them will take it as well as we didand we didnt take it very well. Jeez, and thats without confirming what any of this means. Hows Thameland going to react, Alex? What if the priests are trying to hide this huge secret from everyone? The church educates almost everyone in Thameland, they do good things, whats going to happen to any of us if theyre completely rotten to the core.

I

A sound of wood on metal drew everyones attention to Elder Blodeuwedd, who was tapping a large cauldron. A cauldron that was floating in mid-air.

Tonight, the Witches of Crymlyn honour those who have helped rescue our people, she floated over the cauldron. The liquid within it cast eerie light over her face. And it is time to see them rewarded.