basic form in this iteration. Though more information is available, the means of
converting and applying them in communicable format is extremely limited.
No wonder you sound so robotic.
An apt analogy, Elder. But at least, I am awake and able to communicate, even in a
limited sense.
I guess that would be better than nothing at all. How about the guardian of this
temple? Your counterpart?
His module had been destroyed. All that remained is this one tablet. But the data
contained therein is intact and I have already processed it.
Just how many tablets are there, Hal?
Present database unable to provide the answer. But this tablet you accessed is Number
15.”
So that makes 1, 2, and 15?
Yes, Elder.
Will Adar beings be able to sense you?
No, Elder. My energy and present form is beyond their comprehension. They won’t be able to sense me at all. Unless you allow me to adopt an independent semi-autonomous
existence later on when the knowledge is available.
Alright. I won’t shut you down. As of now. But stay in the background. Observe and
only talk when I ask you. Except of course if my life is threatened, then do what you
think is best.
Offensive measures too, Elder?
Wait… hmmm… not for now. Still have to learn what you can do. Defensive measures
only. Make it appear as if they are runic spells. And never scan or interfere with my
thoughts!
As you order, Elder. I will only respond to thoughts directed at me.
Shit, good I caught that. No telling what Hal can do in offensive mode. Though I have a
rider now. Scratch that. Hal has been with me since Fossegrim. A conscious rider. Or a
virus? Well, so far, he has been MY virus. Wait. That doesn’t sound right. The only way
I could be reassured is if I get him his own body. Outside of mine.
Tyler walked to the front of the ruins. Rumpr was still seated in his stump throne,
looking at the mountain peaks. He waited until the being noticed him and came over.
“Time to go back?”
Tyler nodded.
When the two appeared back at the cavern, things were better. Habrok was seated and
eating at the table with the rest. As they took their seats, he noticed Hrun was looking
at him. The stone elemental gave him an imperceptible nod. Eira stood up and took a
seat beside Tyler. Tyler smiled at her.
“I really do appreciate the wake-up call, painful as it may be. How did you know when
to come? Jorund tells me it could have been worse if you weren’t around.”
“The staff. As long as you hold it, I can sense what you are going through if the
emotion is deep and strong enough. I felt darkness around you. A rising hungry
darkness.”
“So Scarburg is within your transference capabilities then?”
“It lies just inside it. Even with what we found, I find it difficult to hold this form far from Fossegrim. I may have to leave in a while.”
“How about the attacks on Fossegrim?”
“They have lessened since the assault on Scarburg began. But nothing like before. My
guardians can easily take care of such threats in my absence.”
“Is Habrok alright?” He looked at the ranger before turning his attention back to Eira.
“A bit weak but he’ll be fine. With the Ellri at my side, it was a lot easier. His armor
prevented what would have been a fatal strike. His main injuries were the damages to
his ribs and the area around it.”
“Thanks, Eira, you can’t imagine how grateful I am. That womanizing ranger, even with
his non-stop talking, had begun growing on me.”
Eira laughed. Such a wonderful laugh. Musical and ethereal at the same time.
“As long as you don’t follow his ways? I mean, two nymphs would be fine but a whole
horde of them?”
Eira laughed again. She evidently didn’t forget her jibe at him back in the forest.
“But it’s time for me to go back. I can feel the strain of keeping my form here.”
She stood up and went to the two ancient beings to say her goodbyes. She then went
to a position some distance from the table and looked at Tyler. He stood up and walked
to her. As he got close, she laid her hand on his face.
“Please do be careful, kerasti. Don’t die. I will not always be able to go to you. And your journey may take you far from me and mine.”
With that, she started to disappear but not before kissing Tyler on the lips. And again,
he felt that familiar electric and dizzying feeling as their lips touched. I could live with this every day.
As he walked back to the table, he could feel his cheeks blush. It didn’t help that Jorund
and Habrok were pointedly looking at somewhere else. Only Hrun and Rumpr were
looking at him. The latter with a wide grin on his face.
“Lad, I have known the Lady since the time she arrived. Mortals she has shunned. But
now…”
Hrun grunted.
“Oh, my apologies, young mage. Not my business. But do take good care of her. She retained the qualities I remember. A pure, innocent, and caring being. More powerful
than before. Yet….”
Hrun grunted again. Louder this time.
“Keeping my mouth shut now.”
Tyler looked at his two companions. Habrok was desperately trying to hide his grin
while Jorund was his old taciturn self.
“Sire.”
“Yes, Jorund?”
“Our plans now?”
“I guess it’s back to Scarburg. In the best innocuous manner possible. They have no
idea anyway on what we have done to help. It’s best and must remain that way.
Attention would not be good for us right now. Then we go and look for that mad
hermit.”
“Which hermit?” piped up Rumpr.
“One called Starkad, among other names, I was informed. We’ve already learned where
he stays but we hope he’s still there.”
“I know of him. The mad Einherjar. Or former Einherjar. Refuses to go back to Asgard.
Can’t blame him. All that mead, ale and grog. No wine. Bad table manners. All that
testosterone. A bit uncivilized, if you ask me. And those Valkyries! Too tall and too well-
armed for me. No, thank you.”
“Can you tell us anything about him?”
“Better if he does it himself, lad. I
