“I couldn’t agree more,” said Tyler. “I am feeling the effects myself. A nice brook or stream would be welcome at this point.”
“We’re bound to run into one, sire.”
Then Tyler mentally kicked himself.
What the fuck am I doing? I could ask Birki or Vivindel to look for one nearby!
A quick query and the party made a slight deviation from their route in the direction of a stream Vivindel had found. Water never tasted so sweet to the mage as he had his fill from the peaceful brook. The cold liquid refreshed him. Seeing the condition of the crew, he told everybody to take their time and wash up if they felt like it. Everybody took him up on the offer. As he sat on the ground watching the tired and scared crew make the most of the welcome break, he again scanned his surroundings and immediately discovered that the infuriating cloaked figure had again materialized and just as quickly vanished.
Again?
Even as he felt his irritation rise, the mage felt the materialization of three large figures in the distance. They were magical, he had no doubt of that, and they were headed towards the group. From what he could discern from his spell, they appeared like large dragons similar in size to the skeletal drakes they had fought in Hedmark. But these monstrous lizards were three-headed ones. Tyler called out to Birki.
“You know of the recent arrivals?”
“Of course, sire. The magical signature of their arrival was deafening enough.”
“What are they? Some species of drake?” asked the mage.
“Oh, no, sire. Not quite as ordinary as those over-growth chickens. These are zmei, if Rumpr’s memory is correct. Though they’re usually found in the forests of the Bastjan lands. Shapeshifters, regenerative powers, and can regrow their heads.”
“Can you guys handle them? You need my assistance?” asked the now greatly worried Tyler.
“Oh, don’t worry about those minor creatures, sire.”
Minor?
“It’s that clown who keeps appearing and disappearing which you should be concerned about. I don’t think your wards are capable of handling a being with that power. Transporting creatures from various parts of Adar to this location meant extraordinary magical knowledge and a huge amount of magical power.”
“But how are you going to handle these zmei? They can regrow their heads, you said, and I guess that also applies to their other extremities too.”
“Hah! Not if they don’t have a body to regrow anything from,” laughed Birki. “We’ve already figured it out. All we need is to pin them in place and boom! – no more zmei.”
Then Tyler felt another magical disturbance, this time closer to their location.
“Shit. Doesn’t that bastard run out of energy?” he cursed. “You felt that, Birki?”
“Yes, sire. Merthykhuwar, also three of them,” replied the being.
“What are merthykhuwar? I don’t think I’ve heard of them. That bastard is unleashing an entire freaking bestiary on us,” said Tyler.
“Let see if I could give a simple description. They’re from the northeastern part of Adar. Mostly found in the inhospitable parts of the Dual Monarchy. Human head, the body of a lion, scorpion tail. Sometimes has wings,” replied Birki.
“I think we called them manticores back in the First World.”
“Manticores or merthykhuwar, makes no difference for us, lad. They’re still beasts. Magical beast-monsters, but still not a problem. Though we better handle them first. I hope somebody in your group knows how to cook.”
As Birki left, the mage inwardly cursed again.
This fucking trek is turning out to be a gauntlet. No, not really a gauntlet. We’re not doing any of the fighting ourselves. Yet. Though it’s good thing Tyndur is not around. He’d be so disappointed. Probably throw several tantrums.
Tyler decided to wait where they were until he heard from Birki. Another scrying spell merely revealed the sliced and mangled bodies of the manticores and the energy trails of the wards as they moved to intercept the zmei. He felt immensely proud of them, though the mage considered tempering his congratulations. Too much confidence could be disastrous. But he honestly didn’t expect how deadly the combination of their powers and abilities would be. It was a source of pride and yet, also a matter of concern.
Several minutes passed. The mage resisted the temptation to check on his charges. They would feel the scrying spell and Tyler didn’t want them to think that he wasn’t that confident in their abilities. And the mage also feared what he would see if the worst scenario happened.
Finally, Birki’s voice sounded.
“All done, sire. I do have Apulli here with me. He wanted to say something.”
“Thanks, Birki. And also to you, Apulli. You want to say something to me?” said Tyler.
“Yes, fath… sire. We all would like to thank you also for the confidence you have in us. This experience was exhilarating! And good practice for all for us – for the use of our individual abilities and working together. We all feel much closer now. A family.”
“Excellent, all of you. Extend my thanks to everybody. But tell them, no unnecessary risks. If you notice something, report to Birki first. And I don’t mind being addressed as father, Apulli.”
“Thank you, father.” Tyler felt the spirit leave.
“Well, that was nicely handled, sire. Especially that last part. They can’t look up to the sources of their powers as their parents, and I doubt if they think that way. As I mentioned before, they might be energy beings like me, but they’re children, and children need parents to look up to, especially at their age.”
“I know, Birki. At least Eira loved them all and didn’t scalp me for suddenly having so many children,” smiled Tyler. “So, in what direction were those manticores again?”
Chapter Five
Demon Hunter
The manticores proved to be delicious steaks when roasted. Birki had assured him that the beasts were edible and even increased endurance for a time due to their magical nature. Still, Tyler thought it a good idea to send the entity ahead to dispose of
