Den of Beasts 7


    All of a sudden there was a gasp of surprise from where Mahedium was working, and then the mage began madly scribbling away and sorting through a pile of papers. Everyone looked over his way at the unexpected noise.


    Ha, I cant believe my luck, Mahedium eximed as he worked.


    Made a discovery have you? Perhaps Highwart nt is a goblin love potion or something? Saeter asked with a roll of his eyes.


    The mage didnt bother answering, or even appear to hear the other man. He just started chuckling to himself, as he stared at cknails blood sample. Saeter scowled and looked worried.


    I think our mage has lost it, Saeter remarked.


    Even cknail found the mages behavior more than a little odd. The hobgoblin got excited over blood sometimes, but only when it was fresher, and there was a lot more of it.


    He needs to stop sniffing his own herbs, if you know what I mean, Khita said.


    cknail had no idea what she meant. Saeter apparently did though, because the corner of his mouth curled up into something that sort of resembled a grin. Mahedium ignored Khita and turned to Saeter.


    Ive made an incredibly exciting find. It has nothing to do with herbs though. After the surprise revtion that Varhs pet goblin had the mage spark, I decided to run some tests on cknails blood just in case, and I just found something, he announced with obvious excitement.


    The young mage was practically vibrating with enthusiasm. In one hand he held up a small vial of purple liquid.


    Oh, is goblin blood like deadly poison or secretly magical? Khita remarked.


    No, thats idiotic. Stay silent while the grownups are talking, please, Mahedium replied irritably.


    What did you find? Saeter asked curiously, as Khita red at Mahedium.


    Before I say anything I want to be absolutely sure Im right, so I need to perform a few more quick tests, the mage answered as he quickly gathered up several things from his desk.


    Once Mahedium had what he wanted he hurried over to where cknail was sitting. The hobgoblin eyed him warily. He was fairly sure he didnt want the mage running any more tests, or performing any weird magic, on him. The eye test from earlier had been ufortable enough.


    Open your mouth, please. Normally Id just take a hair sample. Since you dont have much in the way of hair though, Im going to have to take a look at your teeth, Mahedium told cknail.


    The mage raised his hands in front of cknails face and waited expectantly.


    The hobgoblin met the mages gaze and gave him a dubious stare. The man couldnt seriously be nning on shoving his hands in between his jaws, could he?


    I dont want your fatty human hands in my mouth. Theyll taste bad, cknail replied as he stuck out his tongue in disgust.


    I keep my hands very clean, and I just washed them, Mahedium responded.


    Youre still human, and oily, the hobgoblin muttered.


    Just get it over with, cknail. Ill get you a treat right after, Saeter told him impatiently.


    The hobgoblin sighed but did as he was told. Maybe he could convince his master to get him one of those meat pies from earlier


    Mahedium raised his tiny light crystal up to cknails mouth. As it red to life he raised a small knife and began to carefully poke and prod around the hobgoblins teeth. It was more than a little annoying, and cknail gave Mahedium an irritated look. As he had suspected the mans fingers also tasted horrible, like old sweat.


    Huh, I expected them to be dirtier. You actually keep your teeth fairly clean, the magemented as he worked.


    cknails eyes narrowed. Why wouldnt his mouth be clean? It was humans that were weird and smelly.


    I know its tempting, but dont bite him, Saeter told cknail.


    A few secondster the mage withdrew his hand and smiled proudly to himself. cknail shut his mouth and rubbed his jaw. Holding it open like that had been kind of painful.


    I was right! An elemental test of his blood revealed traces of crystal integration, and just now I discovered his teeth show subtle signs of fairly recent crystallization, Mahedium announced.


    So hes a mage too? Saeter replied warily.


    He didnt seem too happy at the idea, which kind of hurt cknails feeling. Hadnt he earned his masters trust yet? The hobgoblin wouldnt mind bing a mage. There were so many things he wanted to blow up! It would be glorious.


    No, thats not indicative of the evidence I found. If he was a mage he wouldnt show the secondary signs such as crystallization of the teeth. Not to mention, I tested him for that not too long ago and found nothing. Hes also not a mutant, for obvious reasons. So, by process of elimination we can conclude that cknail is actually a dormant Vessel, Mahedium exined happily.


    Hey, thats what I just said; his bloods magical, Khita muttered as she red angrily at the mage.


    No one bothered to respond to her. cknail sighed in disappointment. So he wasnt a mage and he wouldnt get to start blowing things up with magic. At least he was a Vessel thingy though. That made him super strong or something right?


    Hows that possible? Hes never shown any signs of that, and hes certainly never taken any Elixir, Saeter asked with a voice full of doubt as he crossed his arms in front of himself.


    I dont know how he was initially exposed to some form of Elixir, but at some point he undoubtedly was. As to him not showing any signs of being a Vessel, well the answer to that is obvious. He hasnt had any Elixir to fuel himself, so the ability is nowpletely dormant, the mage replied.


    So its utterly useless, since we have no way of getting him Elixir or even knowing what the right type is, Saeter pointed out with more than a little evident relief.


    Maybe Id like to run a few more tests, and theres someone in town that I may be able to consult with. It might be technically possible to find the correct type, Mahedium told them.


    Well, good luck with that. Just dont be expecting to draw too much more of cknails blood. With the way things are going hes going to need it right where it is. If you want to y around with a Vessels blood feel free to ask Herad, though, Saeter told the mage.


    I have as of yet not decided on the proper time or method of asking Herad for a blood sample Mahedium admitted reluctantly.


    And thats why youre still alive, Saeter told him.


    His remark caused Khita to chuckle, which earned her a re from Mahedium. cknail wasnt quite sure what was going on, so he decided to ask.


    What does me being a Vessel mean? he asked the others.


    Nothing really, dont worry about it, Saeter replied.


    It means if you find this one type of magic potion then it will give you magical powers, and you wont die, or explode, or anything, Khita added


    Good, thats good, cknail mused aloud.


    He really wanted magic of his own, and he definitely didnt want to explode. It sounded like he needed to find this Elixir stuff.


    Theres absolutely no way to find the right Elixir though, Saeter told the hobgoblin.


    Thats notpletely true. I just finished telling you that I may know of someone who could help, Mahedium argued.


    Fine, you do what you want. If you manage to find anything then tell us, but dont expect any help looking. Also, if you tell Herad about any of this nonsense then Ill make sure you regret it for the rest of your life. Thanks to cknails recent idiocy she already has enough weird notions in her head about using him. If you tell her about this, Saeter warned the mage.


    He stopped talking when cknail poked him urgently on the shoulder, and he threw the hobgoblin a confused nce. cknails eyes were wide with concern. He hadnt noticed it at first because hed been distracted by the conversation, but now he definitely heard the sound of familiar footsteps approaching.


    Ah, Saeter youre so predictable sometimes. I knew youd try to keep the hobgoblin away from me, Herad said as she walked through the doorway and into the room. Im sorry if Im intruding, but the things you were just saying sound so intriguing. Im having weird notions am I? Well have to talk about thatter. Right now though, I want my mage there to tell me more about the rather interesting conversation you were all just having.


    There was a rather nasty looking grin on her face that was directed Saeters way, and from under her dark bangs her eyes gleamed with furious excitement. cknail winced in apprehension and took a step away from Saeter. His master should have kept his big mouth shut.


    Fuck, Saeter grunted quietly, before turning around and facing his boss.


    Exin, now, Heradmanded Mahedium.


    Right, of course, the mage stuttered in reply. As you undoubtedly heard just now, after running some tests on cknails blood I discovered that some time ago he must have ingested a sample of Elixir. Obviously, he managed to survive the transformation into a Vessel, but he hasnt been showing any signs the mage quickly exined before Herad cut him off with an annoyed re and wave of her hand.


    I heard that part, and I dont much care. I dont need another Vessel, I need ess to Elixir. Get to the part where you mentioned knowing someone that might be able to supply you with some, she told him with a disdainful sneer.


    Mahedium opened his mouth as if to talk, but then closed it again. His forehead grew creased and he seemed reluctant to speak. Herad made an irritated growling noise, and he flinched before finally answering.


    Since my arrival in Daggerpoint Ive been making inquiries about any other rogue mages that might be in the city. Most of the leads Ive found were dead ends, unfortunately. None of the mages in this city are very knowledgeable about the magic they unt. Theyre the lowest sort ofbat mage, with not a schr among them, Mahedium bitterly told her.


    As the mage talked Saeters eyes flickered towards the exit. He looked to be considering trying to slip away while Herad was distracted. cknail didnt me him.


    Even the market for spell stones and Elixirs is very limited and expensive. It contains nothing but the asional piece of loot taken off a corpse. I highly suspect most of the crystals get purchased and then returned unused to the market when their owner is murdered, Mahedium continued.


    But you said you found someone, Herad pointed out impatiently.


    Yes, there was one merchant who seems to have a steady source of several Elixers, including Braxwells and Whitestrom. He refused to even discuss where he got it at first, but I was persistent. Eventually, I managed to get him to deliver a message to his supplier. I only got a short reply back, but it was enough to confirm my suspicions that someone in town is creating the Elixir. Theyve agreed to meet with me in order to facilitate an exchange of knowledge, the mage concluded.


    Tricky Saeter remarked softly.


    Yet, more than worth a little risk. A reliable source of Elixir could change the odds against uspletely, Herad added with a hostile re at Saeter.


    cknail blinked in surprise at Herads reaction to Saeter. He was more than a little surprised she hadnt sheathed a few of her knives into his masters chest already. She seemed really focused on getting her hands on this Elixir stuff. He almost thought he detected the tiniest bit of sour smelling desperation from her


    True, but that doesnt mean we should run right into this. Anyone with a monopoly on such a lucrative trade isnt going to just give it up, and is more than likely working with one of the other chiefs. Its probably a trap, Saeter replied as he frowned in concern.


    Obviously, it could be a trap. I dont need you to tell me that, Saeter. Well just have to take precautions, and turn it back on them if theyre stupid enough to try something, Herad told him scornfully.


    cknail smiled as he listened. He thought that sounded fun. The idea of the hunter bing the hunted amused him.


    When and wheres this meeting supposed to take ce, Saeter asked Mahedium.


    Two days from now at a residence in the Central District of the city. Im allowed toe armed and bring onepanion, the mage answered.


    You agreed to enter a location of their choosing, with only one man for back up? I honestly thought you were smarter than that, Mahedium! This magic stuff is sure makes idiots out of people, Saeter told him.


    Im not stupid, Saeter. Theyre allowing me to bring my gear, and Im abat mage. Ill have someone with me to watch my back, and enough magic at my disposal to level a small building. Besides, meeting in a public ce wouldnt do me any good; Ill be visiting theirb. Well need equipment and resources in order to aplish anything, the mage replied.


    What if they take you by surprise? Saeter asked.


    Ill just have to make sure that doesnt happen. Youre worrying too much anyway. Ill be going to the Inner City which is neutral territory. If they cause a disturbance there it will draw the attention of the Governor, Mahedium responded.


    Ha, I have way more experience with this city than you, boy. The Governor and his men may enforce peace within the center of this snake pit, but theyre powerless outside of it without the backing of the band leaders. They also dont care about murder, just that it doesnt happen on the streets, cknails master countered scornfully.


    Its worth the risk, Saeter. Youve said enough, dont you think? So shut your trap, Herad ordered the old scout before turning to the mage. Who were you nning on taking with you, Mahedium?


    Yesterday I couldnt have told you, but just now I decided on taking cknail, Mahedium replied.


    Absolutely not! Saeter barked immediately.


    Herad threw him a dark look and the old scout took a step back. Saeter looked like he really regretted speaking.


    Its very simply not up to you, so be quiet. cknail is no longer your servant, Herad told him coldly, before turning to cknail. Its up the hobgoblin himself, and me. Youre both my minions,


    cknail froze as everyone looked his way. Oh oh, this wasnt good. He really didnt like being in the middle of a fight between Herad and Saeter. No matter which side he chose it wouldnt be good for him. Why couldnt everyone just get along?


    I had intended his presence to serve several purposes. You just mentioned that I should be concerned about being taken by surprise. I think we can agree thats unlikely to happen if cknail is with me. They will be unprepared for the superior senses of a hobgoblin, Mahedium reasoned.


    Saeter just scowled and grunted vaguely in response. cknail however grinned happily to himself. Mahedium was right; hobgoblins were both superior and more sensible than humans.


    If they have good intentions and we cane to a deal, then cknail will also serve as a test of their skill as well. If they can make an Elixir for him they can undoubtedly make one for Herad as well, Mahedium exined to Saeter.


    You could just take a blood sample with you, Saeter told him.


    I thought you didnt want me taking anymore samples from cknail, Mahedium replied scornfully.


    cknail will go with Mahedium, and hell even get a pay raise for volunteering. To reflect his increased usefulness, Herad said with a meaningful look at cknail.


    The hobgoblin gave her a confused look back, before realizing what she wanted a secondter. Oh well, surely Saeter wouldnt me him since Herad was giving him an order, sort of.


    He kind of wanted to go anyway. From what he had heard this might be is best shot of getting some magic of his own. That would be so useful


    Ill go with Mahedium-ss. Ill fill these men with fear, and stab the people who try to hurt him, cknail told Herad with an enthusiastic nod of his head.


    Saeter scowled grumpily at the hobgoblins reply, but he didnt say anything. Herad threw a smug grin his way. She seemed to take a lot of pleasure from gloating over Saeter.


    Ill go too. Im also great at stabbing people, Khita added from where she was standing off to one side.


    Youll be staying here; safely out of the way, Herad told the younger woman without even looking at her.


    But Khita started to say before cknail kicked her in the back of the knee.


    Khita stumbled and red with narrowed eyes at the Hobgoblin, but he didnt care. She seriously didnt know when to stop talking. You didnt argue with Herad; you shut up and did as she told you.


    Its settled then. Mahedium will take cknail, and together theyll enter this rogue magesboratory. Ill prepare a squad of men that will wait nearby. If theres trouble then Mahedium will signal us using magic, Herad told everyone.


    Thank you for your support in this, Mistress Herad. I predict this endeavor will benefit us both greatly. As for a signal, I could always aim a force st upwards. That should make a lot of noise and throw a quite a bit of debris into the air. It would be hard to miss, the mage remarked.


    What could go wrong? Saeter muttered grouchily as he nced at Herads turned back.