ULTRAMagic Shadowland - Chapter 19
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“Alright, ladies, we have four days to get this mess sorted out” Andelin stated as she led Dunja and Torunn to Gummi’s house. It was a new day, but there was anxiety in the air. The street was abandoned and quiet, save for their footsteps and chatter. This was uncharacteristic given Hawk Street’s history.
“What happened to this place?” Torunn asked. “I thought people lived here before everything hit the fan…”
“Originally a fair amount of cultists lived here, but they were relocated to the various warehouses after Dunja and I appropriated their homes to generate money for the cult.”
Dunja gave a regretful chuckle. “Or at least, that was the idea. We were going to rent out the homes to potential recruits while the core members kept to the secret compounds.”
“I see,” Torunn said as she looked around. “Not a bad idea… not that I condone it, but still. If you need funds and men, there you go.”
“...And then Milosh had to go and ruin everything” Andelin stated, rather annoyed. “That utter genius wanted to start centralizing everything, starting with the homes. His logic was that we could increase our profits exponentially while controlling the populace if we owned everything.”
“I may not be the best queen ever, but even I know that’s a recipe for disaster” Dunja clarified. “Naturally we butted heads over this and nothing ever got done.”
Torunn laughed as they approached Gummi’s front door. “HA, a country from my homeworld tried that nonsense… it turned into a run of the mill dictatorship in no time.”
Andelin chuckled. “Not that I am going to do this now, but the best way to create a loyal following is to give your subjects the illusion of control. Make them think they’re free while you control them from the shadows.”
Before she could knock, Dunja had an objection. “Now hold up a second, that’s completely unnecessary. People in The Iron City are free to do what they want and they seem to be in control of their own lives.”
“Well yes, because you and Englehart say they can. It’s the law of the land… that you two enacted. You are in control of the people. And what happens the instant that freedom becomes an inconvenience?”
Dunja wanted to rebuke her, but held her tongue when she thought of Milosh. “Damn… I…I don’t want to be a tyrant though.”
“Then don’t. It’s as simple as that. Be good to your subjects and put your foot down when you need to… I kind of wish Feuerland had done that. Ancient history I suppose…” Andelin sighed, then knocked on the door.
“Dunja, you’re doing fine,” Torunn reassured. “You came back from the brink, so just do the opposite of whatever Milosh did.”
“Password?” Gummi asked as he peered through the crack of the door, secured by a chain.
Andelin stared at him with an amused look. “What password?”
There was a pause, followed by a snicker. “I’ve always wanted to do that…” The door opened once the chain was undone. “Come on in.”
The living room had been cleaned up a bit. The dust and cobwebs were gone and the furniture was upright. Gratiana was over by the fireplace, reading in a rocking chair. She looked up and her blood ran a little cold seeing her former comrades all in one place. Taking a deep breath, she closed her book, and got up to face Dunja. Before she could speak, Dunja gave her a big hug. Gratiana had always been like a sister she never had.
“Well this is quite the reunion,” Gratiana pointed out. “Unexpected to say the least.”
“Alright, what’s this I hear about a duel?” Dunja inquired. “Andelin’s been being vague about it…”
“Ah yes, that. Before I explain, are Maximus and The Beast on their way?”
“Yup,” Torunn replied. “Odo is bringing them here as we speak.”
“Very good,” Gratiana said as she indicated for everyone to take a seat. “I’ll save you the details on my ambitions and go to what prompted this idea. What originally started as an attempt to gain intel led me to sneaking into The Iron City to watch your duel with Sir Blood-Wraith and Englehart, Dunja…”
“Wait, you too!?” Dunja exclaimed. “Don’t tell me; So did Andelin?”
“Heh, guilty as charged. Don’t worry, Milosh was completely clueless and stayed here.”
Dunja sighed. “Alright, continue…”
Gratiana cleared her throat. “As you probably guessed by now, I fully intend to join the new blades. It’s just… I can’t just join. I don’t feel worthy yet…”
Torunn laughed. “Ha! Nonsense, Gratiana. Starting effective immediately, you are officially drafted into the new Blades of Dunja.”
She looked at her with disbelief. “I beg your pardon?”
“No back sass. My word is final.”
“Um, Dunja?”
The queen shrugged. “Torunn is the new leader and I fully back her decision.”
Gratiana inhaled and grumbled. “You can’t just task a villain to guard the crown of The Iron City!”
“Mom!” Gummi cut in. “Quit rejecting everyone's pity.”
She stuttered gibberish as the others chuckled. After a moment to collect her thoughts, she composed herself. “Fine, fine… I would like to redeem myself with an honorable duel against you three.”
Dunja looked at Torunn and Andelin, then back to Gratiana. “If that’s what you want, then so be it. When do you want this to happen?”
“On the day of the demolition. I want to destroy Milosh with the poetic justice of seeing his church and figure head sundered from his grasp.”
Dunja thought about it further. “I supposed it could work… but wouldn’t three on one be unfair?”
“Dunja, I need to repent for my sins. It’s more than fair.”
Torunn was making a note of Gratiana’s attitude. “Fine with me… on one condition: Let’s try not to kill each other, alright? We need to be ready just in case Milosh pulls a fast one. The minute, no, instant he jeopardizes the plan, we drop everything and deal with him. Capeesh?”
Gratiana would have voiced an objection, but Torunn had a very good point. “Fair enough. I accept your condition.”
“Just as a warning though: Weaver did an amazing job on my current hammer. It won’t break as easily as the last one.”
She chuckled. “I’d be concerned if it did.”
Assuming everything was all squared away, Gummi turned to Dunja. “Hey, Dunja? Thanks for keeping me out and about back in the day. It really helped.”
Dunja got up, went over, and gave him the hug he had been needing for some time. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I will do everything in my power to get you all settled in The Iron City.”
“Aw, thanks. Jeez, you’re like the aunt I never had…”
“Well if I have my way, she’ll definitely be your aunt…” Gratiana quietly muttered to herself with a silent giggle.
Andelin had been flicking through her cards, wanting to mention something. “You will need to make amends with Corentin, Gummi…”
“I know, I know,” he conceded. “Obviously I need to prove myself, but I think the box of alchemical reagents I’ve been preparing for him will help smooth things out… that, and several manuscripts he’s been looking for… I should know because I picked on him in the past over them.” He gave a regretful sigh.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Dunja replied. “He’s a lot happier as of late now that he’s married.”
“That’s good. How’s he doing? Aside from that.”
“I’d say pretty darn great. Getting into Kresimira’s good graces really pushed him to get his priorities in order. He dedicated himself to keeping The Iron City safe, building Maximus and the Ravagers. And that's not to mention how he got rid of…all traces of Milosh…” She paused. “Oh yeah…”
“What’s the matter?” Gummi asked, a little concerned.
Dunja thought about how to word her explanation. “Well, he sort of evicted both of you and now Blood-Wraith lives in your previous home.”
Gummi thought about that for a second, as It was pretty odd to hear. “Um… well, I suppose it’s fine. Can’t say I didn’t deserve that. I regret my actions under that filth of a man, but that doesn’t change the fact that they happened.”
“Let’s be real: Blood and Aureolus are total sweethearts and will probably let you stay with them for the time being… and now that I think about it, I should probably start working on your pardon…”
While Gummi went up stairs to get some paper, three individuals were approaching the house. One was Sir Odo, leading the other two and carrying a macabre lantern. The next one was Maximus, albeit the size of a normal man. He had been taught a height spell by the last person, The Beast of Old. The Beast looked like a mix of a bear, wolf, and a tiger. Normally he would have been around thirty feet tall, but he was employing the same spell, placing him at six feet tall. Looking over to Maximus, he noticed that he was half-limping.
“Still not used to this?” The Beast inquired.
“No…” Maximus groaned.
Well you won’t get used to it if you keep acknowledging the pain.”
“That’s easy for you to say. How am I supposed to ignore it when it feels like I'm walking on large stones with every step?” He neglected to mention that his bones were also aching, despite being a machine.
“You lack the grit of your old self…”
“Hey, go easy on him,” Odo chided. “He’s still young after all.”
“So young he makes The Child of Old look like The Adult of Old, HA!” The Beast received stern looks for this, so he chilled out. “Okay, sorry. I’m just a little on edge is all. I have no idea how this is going to turn out. The Fear and Hunger of Old are way out of my area of expertise. Hey, Maximus? Need a ride?”
Maximus looked at him, then to the house in the distance. “Thanks, but I think I can make it.”
“Alright, suit yourself. The offer still stands.”
Nearing the home, they were greeted by Torunn sticking her head out the door. “Ah, there you guys are. Hurry up, we gotta get this show on the road.”
The three entered and were greeted by Dunja, her blades, and Gummi. “Oh, wow… Hello everyone” Odo said while setting down the lantern. “I take it everything is ready to go?” The black flame had caught his eye.
“Yes indeed” Andelin replied. She then took the lantern to the fire. “Just let me get the ghost lantern all set up for you.”
Maximus looked at Gratiana, a little nervous truth be told. “So I take it we’re all on the same side now?”
She nodded. “Most certainly. It is an honor to fight alongside you, Maximus Schindewolf.” The two shook hands, with Gratiana becoming worried when Maximus winced.
The beast was over with Torunn, being pet by her. He then gave his attention to Gratiana. “What a throwback we have here. I remember your ancestors from the Epoch. A scrappy little family going out of their way to help us.”
“Really now? Well not to repeat myself, but that is quite the honor. Sadly such knowledge is hard to find in this era.”
“Shoot, that’s a shame. Well hey, after this is all said and done, feel free to come talk with me. Same goes for you, Odo and Maximus.”
“Oh, why thank you,” Odo replied. “Buster and I have been quite curious about our past as of late.” Andelin handed him the lantern, blazing with an eerie light inside it. “Are there any specific instructions?”
“Stick to that reality error and follow the light. I’ve shown the lantern exactly where The Fear is. And go easy on him, he’s just a kid after all. Don’t frighten him or he’ll run off.”
Odo nodded in confirmation. “Right, loud and clear. Beast? Maximus? Let’s roll.”
Andelin snapped her fingers, opening the fireplace into a doorway of sorts. “Best of luck to all of you.”
Once all three were through the goo-like portal, Gummi looked at Andelin. “Are you sure about this? I know it’d be a little difficult to do, but shouldn’t we go find The Hunger of Old? They are direct brothers after all…”
“Unfortunately he’s off dealing with a rogue god in the Trench Unlight with the Ar’ton, according to Delphine and Ultimatum,” she explained. “Odo, The Beast, and Maximus are the best we have at the moment.”
Dunja sighed. “I just hope The Fear isn’t too mad at us. I feel so bad for him…”
“Don’t worry, Dunja,” Andelin replied with a chuckle. “I’d imagine he’s going to be primarily mad at Milosh when the truth dawns on him. Be thankful we’re not Milosh at the moment, hehe…”
Next: Chapter 20
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
“Alright, ladies, we have four days to get this mess sorted out” Andelin stated as she led Dunja and Torunn to Gummi’s house. It was a new day, but there was anxiety in the air. The street was abandoned and quiet, save for their footsteps and chatter. This was uncharacteristic given Hawk Street’s history.
“What happened to this place?” Torunn asked. “I thought people lived here before everything hit the fan…”
“Originally a fair amount of cultists lived here, but they were relocated to the various warehouses after Dunja and I appropriated their homes to generate money for the cult.”
Dunja gave a regretful chuckle. “Or at least, that was the idea. We were going to rent out the homes to potential recruits while the core members kept to the secret compounds.”
“I see,” Torunn said as she looked around. “Not a bad idea… not that I condone it, but still. If you need funds and men, there you go.”
“...And then Milosh had to go and ruin everything” Andelin stated, rather annoyed. “That utter genius wanted to start centralizing everything, starting with the homes. His logic was that we could increase our profits exponentially while controlling the populace if we owned everything.”
“I may not be the best queen ever, but even I know that’s a recipe for disaster” Dunja clarified. “Naturally we butted heads over this and nothing ever got done.”
Torunn laughed as they approached Gummi’s front door. “HA, a country from my homeworld tried that nonsense… it turned into a run of the mill dictatorship in no time.”
Andelin chuckled. “Not that I am going to do this now, but the best way to create a loyal following is to give your subjects the illusion of control. Make them think they’re free while you control them from the shadows.”
Before she could knock, Dunja had an objection. “Now hold up a second, that’s completely unnecessary. People in The Iron City are free to do what they want and they seem to be in control of their own lives.”
“Well yes, because you and Englehart say they can. It’s the law of the land… that you two enacted. You are in control of the people. And what happens the instant that freedom becomes an inconvenience?”
Dunja wanted to rebuke her, but held her tongue when she thought of Milosh. “Damn… I…I don’t want to be a tyrant though.”
“Then don’t. It’s as simple as that. Be good to your subjects and put your foot down when you need to… I kind of wish Feuerland had done that. Ancient history I suppose…” Andelin sighed, then knocked on the door.
“Dunja, you’re doing fine,” Torunn reassured. “You came back from the brink, so just do the opposite of whatever Milosh did.”
“Password?” Gummi asked as he peered through the crack of the door, secured by a chain.
Andelin stared at him with an amused look. “What password?”
There was a pause, followed by a snicker. “I’ve always wanted to do that…” The door opened once the chain was undone. “Come on in.”
The living room had been cleaned up a bit. The dust and cobwebs were gone and the furniture was upright. Gratiana was over by the fireplace, reading in a rocking chair. She looked up and her blood ran a little cold seeing her former comrades all in one place. Taking a deep breath, she closed her book, and got up to face Dunja. Before she could speak, Dunja gave her a big hug. Gratiana had always been like a sister she never had.
“Well this is quite the reunion,” Gratiana pointed out. “Unexpected to say the least.”
“Alright, what’s this I hear about a duel?” Dunja inquired. “Andelin’s been being vague about it…”
“Ah yes, that. Before I explain, are Maximus and The Beast on their way?”
“Yup,” Torunn replied. “Odo is bringing them here as we speak.”
“Very good,” Gratiana said as she indicated for everyone to take a seat. “I’ll save you the details on my ambitions and go to what prompted this idea. What originally started as an attempt to gain intel led me to sneaking into The Iron City to watch your duel with Sir Blood-Wraith and Englehart, Dunja…”
“Wait, you too!?” Dunja exclaimed. “Don’t tell me; So did Andelin?”
“Heh, guilty as charged. Don’t worry, Milosh was completely clueless and stayed here.”
Dunja sighed. “Alright, continue…”
Gratiana cleared her throat. “As you probably guessed by now, I fully intend to join the new blades. It’s just… I can’t just join. I don’t feel worthy yet…”
Torunn laughed. “Ha! Nonsense, Gratiana. Starting effective immediately, you are officially drafted into the new Blades of Dunja.”
She looked at her with disbelief. “I beg your pardon?”
“No back sass. My word is final.”
“Um, Dunja?”
The queen shrugged. “Torunn is the new leader and I fully back her decision.”
Gratiana inhaled and grumbled. “You can’t just task a villain to guard the crown of The Iron City!”
“Mom!” Gummi cut in. “Quit rejecting everyone's pity.”
She stuttered gibberish as the others chuckled. After a moment to collect her thoughts, she composed herself. “Fine, fine… I would like to redeem myself with an honorable duel against you three.”
Dunja looked at Torunn and Andelin, then back to Gratiana. “If that’s what you want, then so be it. When do you want this to happen?”
“On the day of the demolition. I want to destroy Milosh with the poetic justice of seeing his church and figure head sundered from his grasp.”
Dunja thought about it further. “I supposed it could work… but wouldn’t three on one be unfair?”
“Dunja, I need to repent for my sins. It’s more than fair.”
Torunn was making a note of Gratiana’s attitude. “Fine with me… on one condition: Let’s try not to kill each other, alright? We need to be ready just in case Milosh pulls a fast one. The minute, no, instant he jeopardizes the plan, we drop everything and deal with him. Capeesh?”
Gratiana would have voiced an objection, but Torunn had a very good point. “Fair enough. I accept your condition.”
“Just as a warning though: Weaver did an amazing job on my current hammer. It won’t break as easily as the last one.”
She chuckled. “I’d be concerned if it did.”
Assuming everything was all squared away, Gummi turned to Dunja. “Hey, Dunja? Thanks for keeping me out and about back in the day. It really helped.”
Dunja got up, went over, and gave him the hug he had been needing for some time. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I will do everything in my power to get you all settled in The Iron City.”
“Aw, thanks. Jeez, you’re like the aunt I never had…”
“Well if I have my way, she’ll definitely be your aunt…” Gratiana quietly muttered to herself with a silent giggle.
Andelin had been flicking through her cards, wanting to mention something. “You will need to make amends with Corentin, Gummi…”
“I know, I know,” he conceded. “Obviously I need to prove myself, but I think the box of alchemical reagents I’ve been preparing for him will help smooth things out… that, and several manuscripts he’s been looking for… I should know because I picked on him in the past over them.” He gave a regretful sigh.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Dunja replied. “He’s a lot happier as of late now that he’s married.”
“That’s good. How’s he doing? Aside from that.”
“I’d say pretty darn great. Getting into Kresimira’s good graces really pushed him to get his priorities in order. He dedicated himself to keeping The Iron City safe, building Maximus and the Ravagers. And that's not to mention how he got rid of…all traces of Milosh…” She paused. “Oh yeah…”
“What’s the matter?” Gummi asked, a little concerned.
Dunja thought about how to word her explanation. “Well, he sort of evicted both of you and now Blood-Wraith lives in your previous home.”
Gummi thought about that for a second, as It was pretty odd to hear. “Um… well, I suppose it’s fine. Can’t say I didn’t deserve that. I regret my actions under that filth of a man, but that doesn’t change the fact that they happened.”
“Let’s be real: Blood and Aureolus are total sweethearts and will probably let you stay with them for the time being… and now that I think about it, I should probably start working on your pardon…”
While Gummi went up stairs to get some paper, three individuals were approaching the house. One was Sir Odo, leading the other two and carrying a macabre lantern. The next one was Maximus, albeit the size of a normal man. He had been taught a height spell by the last person, The Beast of Old. The Beast looked like a mix of a bear, wolf, and a tiger. Normally he would have been around thirty feet tall, but he was employing the same spell, placing him at six feet tall. Looking over to Maximus, he noticed that he was half-limping.
“Still not used to this?” The Beast inquired.
“No…” Maximus groaned.
Well you won’t get used to it if you keep acknowledging the pain.”
“That’s easy for you to say. How am I supposed to ignore it when it feels like I'm walking on large stones with every step?” He neglected to mention that his bones were also aching, despite being a machine.
“You lack the grit of your old self…”
“Hey, go easy on him,” Odo chided. “He’s still young after all.”
“So young he makes The Child of Old look like The Adult of Old, HA!” The Beast received stern looks for this, so he chilled out. “Okay, sorry. I’m just a little on edge is all. I have no idea how this is going to turn out. The Fear and Hunger of Old are way out of my area of expertise. Hey, Maximus? Need a ride?”
Maximus looked at him, then to the house in the distance. “Thanks, but I think I can make it.”
“Alright, suit yourself. The offer still stands.”
Nearing the home, they were greeted by Torunn sticking her head out the door. “Ah, there you guys are. Hurry up, we gotta get this show on the road.”
The three entered and were greeted by Dunja, her blades, and Gummi. “Oh, wow… Hello everyone” Odo said while setting down the lantern. “I take it everything is ready to go?” The black flame had caught his eye.
“Yes indeed” Andelin replied. She then took the lantern to the fire. “Just let me get the ghost lantern all set up for you.”
Maximus looked at Gratiana, a little nervous truth be told. “So I take it we’re all on the same side now?”
She nodded. “Most certainly. It is an honor to fight alongside you, Maximus Schindewolf.” The two shook hands, with Gratiana becoming worried when Maximus winced.
The beast was over with Torunn, being pet by her. He then gave his attention to Gratiana. “What a throwback we have here. I remember your ancestors from the Epoch. A scrappy little family going out of their way to help us.”
“Really now? Well not to repeat myself, but that is quite the honor. Sadly such knowledge is hard to find in this era.”
“Shoot, that’s a shame. Well hey, after this is all said and done, feel free to come talk with me. Same goes for you, Odo and Maximus.”
“Oh, why thank you,” Odo replied. “Buster and I have been quite curious about our past as of late.” Andelin handed him the lantern, blazing with an eerie light inside it. “Are there any specific instructions?”
“Stick to that reality error and follow the light. I’ve shown the lantern exactly where The Fear is. And go easy on him, he’s just a kid after all. Don’t frighten him or he’ll run off.”
Odo nodded in confirmation. “Right, loud and clear. Beast? Maximus? Let’s roll.”
Andelin snapped her fingers, opening the fireplace into a doorway of sorts. “Best of luck to all of you.”
Once all three were through the goo-like portal, Gummi looked at Andelin. “Are you sure about this? I know it’d be a little difficult to do, but shouldn’t we go find The Hunger of Old? They are direct brothers after all…”
“Unfortunately he’s off dealing with a rogue god in the Trench Unlight with the Ar’ton, according to Delphine and Ultimatum,” she explained. “Odo, The Beast, and Maximus are the best we have at the moment.”
Dunja sighed. “I just hope The Fear isn’t too mad at us. I feel so bad for him…”
“Don’t worry, Dunja,” Andelin replied with a chuckle. “I’d imagine he’s going to be primarily mad at Milosh when the truth dawns on him. Be thankful we’re not Milosh at the moment, hehe…”
Next: Chapter 20
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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