Azarinth Healer Chapter 659: Suspicions

Chapter 659 Suspicions

I agree, Ilea said. Not sure what my instinct is telling exactly, but theres sothing about this place.

We do not belong, Verena whispered.

We dont belong anywhere in the north, Pierce said. Stop acting like pansies. You two are the last won Id expect that from.

You dont sound particularly experienced right there, Ilea pointed out, summoning the locator. It pointed down and to the other side of the cavern. And it was active. There is a key nearby. What are the fucking chances?

None of us here have the abilities to sneak up on a perceptive creature. What we can do is escape should we find ourselves outclassed. We shouldnt waste ti on pointless endeavors and focus on our strengths, Ilea. So lets go find the next artifact. We can just teleport to the next location and see if sothings close, said Pierce.

No need. Theres one here. In this dungeon, she said.

Of course there is, Pierce said, giggling to herself. Lilith, finder of treasures, fighter of perfectly opportune monsters. Are you sure youre not a true deity playing at being a mortal? Pulling the strings of fate with your very own magic?

Deities are just powerful beings with enough followers that believe they are in fact, gods, Ilea said.

Youre not helping your case, Verena said with a light smirk.

You two are just envious of my incredible deductive capabilities, Ilea said, having chosen the destination pretty much randomly.

Verena suggested the location, Pierce reminded her. But Im envious alright. Let profit from your godly powers, oh mystical Lilith, slayer of demons, freer of slaves, Mother of Sentinels.

Ilea huffed out so air, the last bit amusing her at least sowhat. Birthing out little ash adventurers.

She didnt quite see her ash copies as her children but maybe she simply wasnt eccentric enough. With her reputation, she should at the very least get so weird ass pet. Ah wait, I already have Violence. So maybe Im already there.

Ilea spread her wings and jumped off, enjoying the cool breeze within the cavern. It felt downright rejuvenating. Her eyes opened wide before she teleported to reach the other side, hiding in a broad fissure with the Elders appearing nearby.

What is it? Verena asked.

Healing magic. Faint, but its there, Ilea answered.

Ah that was that feeling I wasnt sure, Pierce said. In the air itself.

An artifact? So kind of plant? Or perhaps a being, Verena suggested.

Its extensive to say the least, Pierce said, flying out into the open. Here as well, she said, summoning an obsidian dagger to cut into her hand. The effect is stronger than my regeneration, she mused.

How quickly do you regenerate? Ilea asked.

Quick, Verena said.

What a perfect place to train, Pierce said.

Just go to adows lair, Ilea thought.

Depends on what exactly is causing it, Ilea mused, following the locator as she jumped down, teleporting or using the trees and roots as steps to get closer.

Here we go, she said, entering through a hole in the ancient broken wall. The air was fresh even in there, vegetation growing despite a lack of light. Roots had broken through most of the buildings but the Taleen great hall was still recognizable to soone who had visited a few of them.

She led the group towards another tunnel, following her locator when a humanoid creature stepped out from a nearby entrance.

Oh.

Pierce had already vanished, lightning flowing on her armor as she appeared behind the Mind Weaver, her arms spread wide as if to embrace the creature.

Ilea appeared between them, extending a hand towards the now much larger Dragonkiller, her armor thicker even than Ileas heavy Wyrm set. She could feel the lightning flow through her, most of the power absorbed as it slowly traveled through her armor and body.

Pierce jumped back, landing with a heavy impact. They have mind magic, she said quickly.

Ill kill it if it attacks you, Ilea answered, turning around to face the calm demon. The black abyss like lack of eyes stared right into her soul, the scrawny being moving its thin hands, long claws clicking together with unnerving sounds. Greetings, Ilea sent, initiating telepathy.

Verena had remained where they had started, her axes ready, the woman looking at the weapons with so confusion.

YoU spEaK a TonguE. AnD ThRouGh MinD noT sOUnd! the demon said, its shoulders rising slightly.

[Mind Weaver lvl 228]

Ilea didnt feel particularly threatened.

Indeed. Youre too loud. When you talk to humans you shouldnt be this intense. Talk like in a whisper, faint and calm, Ilea explained, now able to send more complex thoughts.

The mind weaver hadnt attacked so far, not even touching them with mind magic.

Ilea had fought plenty of them to know that they threw around their magic on a whim. Even Weavy still sotis used it without reason.

Like this? I apologize, traveler. I have not t your kind, nor do I know your purpose here. And yet I can feel, the mind of a master. One that may not wield our magic but one well versed in it, it said and bowed, the gesture well executed, only slightly diminished by the rags it wore. You may call Hereven, though my true na I shall retain. You have arrived here in Izculen, may I inquire about how you did so?

Im not sure I can trust you with that information, Hereven. Im Lilith, she said, rembering that Weavy had gone on about true nas as well when they had first t. By now she was sowhat sure it was just a superstition that Mind Weavers seed to believe in. No magic or skill she had seen had suggested true nas really had any sort of power over soone. And still, she couldnt help but use her moniker. Have you co here from the Great Salt?

Hereven reeled back. You know of my hO! WonDrOuS apologies you do not look like our kind. Are you perhaps one of the Old Ones?

Im not. But Ive visited your realm before. And Im friends with one of your kind, Ilea explained. What is this place? And why are you interested in how we got here?

Yes yes. You do seem powerful. It is only natural that you have braved the Great Salt. This is Izculen, the ho of Audur and those she shelters, it explained, hesitating for a mont as it took a step back, its claws nervously clicking together. Are you servants of Audur?

Were not, Ilea said. Why dont you tell about this Audur?

Ash it is you wield yes you would not be. Forgive my inquiry the great being Audur, Guardian of the West, rests at the bottom of this cavern deep below unforgiving lands ravaged by arcane storms and walking mists. I cannot leave, for the Guardian does not take kindly to those that dare abandon her generous care, Hereven explained.

Sounds to this Guardian is a bit of a shithead, Ilea answered.

Shit head? it mused. You would dare insult? The winged giver of life?

Yeah, if shes forcing people to stay sowhere? Sure, Ill insult her, Ilea said.

Whats going on. You two have been staring at each other for minutes, Pierce said, walking a little closer. Did it get into your head?

Were communicating telepathically, Ilea said.

Figured. Just wanted to make sure we wouldnt have to escape a brain dead Lilith, the woman answered, laughing to herself. Ah, she mused and shook her head. That wouldnt be fun at all. No, no it wouldnt.

Verena joined them too, looking between the being and Ilea. My fire is subdued, she whispered, giving the demon a wary side glance.

Audur, does not condone the burning fla, it said.

Verena touched her head. I dont like telepathy.

I dont think it can communicate in a different manner, Ilea said.

I cannot. But I can hear your words, and may fathom their aning, Hereven said and turned back to Ilea. You are brave to insult her. A foolish bravery it may be but one I welco wholly, it said. What would it take for you to free from this prison? All I can offer, but servitude and my life itself.

Id want to get to know you a little. But I suppose if you dont just randomly attack sapient creatures youd be welco in Hallowfort, she said. And the adow would step in anyway if it goes too far.

I have learned much about this realm since my summoning many centuries past. I rely wish to tread freely. I will not use my magic on creatures that did not provoke or attack, not beyond my need for nourishnt, the demon explained.

Im sure we can figure out the specifics. Shouldnt be an issue to get you out of here once were done. First, Im looking for an artifact shaped like this, Ilea said and ford an ashen copy of the Taleen keys.

The demon hesitated. I advise you not to take from Izculen, that which is not yours to take.

Im afraid its not negotiable. And I know where to find it. Do you know of additional traps or dangers on the way? Ilea asked.

There are no such things, Hereven said and pointed to one of the open entrances. That which you seek, will surely lie within. I will guide you, he said and rushed ahead, floating slightly.

What did you learn? Verena asked, still looking at her axes.

A being called Audur rules this place, and it will stop creatures from leaving apparently. Hereven here at least. We are in the north, there are supposedly arcane storms and mists up on the surface, Ilea said.

What kind of creature is this Audur? Pierce asked, addressing the demon.

The winged guardian rests at the pinnacle of magic, her will alone having ford this dungeon, it explained.

Be more practical. Is it humanoid, two legs, two arms, armor, weapons, what kind of magic does it use? Pierce said.

I understand. The magics of life and wood, I believe it is called. She is four legged, with two wings sprouting from her back. Scales, green like leaves protect her form from all that is and will be, slitted eyes of gold see all within and out of her domain. Horns larger than yours adorn her head, Hereven explained.

The three won remained quiet for a mont, walking silently through the corridors of overgrown Taleen ruins, every section where traps wouldve once been, were broken and destroyed.

Seems like you might get your chance sooner than you thought, Ilea said, winking at Pierce.

The woman gulped, a wry smile on her face as she addressed the demon. Is Audur a dragon?

I do not know that word. Audur is Audur. There is none like her, Hereven said.

Dragon cult, Ilea mused. They are supposed to be vain after all.

Says who? Pierce asked. Nobody knows a damned thing about these beings.

I have my sources, Ilea said with a smirk.

I have seen the hunters in the Great Salt, the beings that rest below the endless waves. None of them would challenge her. I am certain, Hereven said.

Ilea wasnt quite that sure. And even if what he said was true, she had helped kill a rather large demonic being flying above Ravenhall. Back when she had been considerably weaker. There was really nothing the present group could offer her to help her gauge the power of Audur. A part of her hoped the being would find them. Would be a sha to lose these three in the process though, Ilea thought. Guess Ill just have to teleport them out if it gets too dangerous.

Hereven may be from the Great Salt but with his level, Ilea doubted he had seen creatures comparable to the Daughters of Sephilon, the adow, or the Fae. Ti would tell of course, and right now they had to focus on the task at hand.

You said she can see everything. Do you think she will co here to stop us? Ilea asked, the group entering a decrepit Taleen hall. She glanced back behind and found that the hallway looked decidedly large, parts of it smashed because of the traps but so of the damage seed unnecessary.

I do not know her intentions, whims, and desires. Rarely have I seen her move from deep below, surrounded by lakes and monunts, the demon answered.

Youve been down there then? Ilea asked.

Indeed. All those who have found their way here or were taken et with the Guardian, or so it is said, it said.

aning youve talked to her? Identified her? Four mark I assu? What did she sound like? What did you gauge about her power? Ilea said, the group following Hereven and the locator, both leading to the sa direction.

Four uncertainties. She spoke the tongue of the Salt. The tongue of my kind. Her words seed well chosen, the language though fluent, unpracticed. She spoke to the way I speak to thee, it explained. What I felt from her, Hereven paused for a mont. I felt unworthy.

The demon seed almost ashad at admitting it. It was overwhelming. To find this realm, to be summoned. I had many things to explore, to learn, to experience. The gift of earth, water, untainted by salt, the light of the suns, plentiful creatures to hunt and eat. How could I not be awed?

Ilea nodded to herself. Their realm seed like a pretty rough spot to grow up in, no matter what kind of being you are. When even the North offers so many benefits in comparison.

Pierce glanced behind herself, pausing for a few seconds before she turned again. Was she the one to summon you? she asked the Mind Weaver.

No. A spirit of dark magic living in these parts sought knowledge from our realm. They were powerless against my magic. And yet I was stranded, in a place I did not know, that held so many riches, the demon explained.

Maybe you wouldnt have ended up here if you hadnt killed that spirit imdiately, Ilea said.

Yes. Indeed. I have had ti to reflect, Lilith, and I had co to the sa conclusion. I regret my actions but they were reasonable at the given ti. My only desire for decades upon decades had been the escape from the cursed lands of my ancestors. Freedom is what I sought, not cooperation, servitude, or imprisonnt. Strife is all I knew. For the concepts taught to by Audur, I am thankful, but she sees not her own domain as imprisonnt, whereas I do.

A reflective demon, who wouldve thought, Pierce said, again checking behind herself.

Youre making nervous, woman, Ilea said.

They ca into a large hall, tables and walls only barely recognizable in between the roots, plants, and rubble. No light reached into these sections of the dungeon, a few more hallways leading deeper into the once Taleen facility.

Ilea recognized tal pieces on the ground and in the walls, pieces from Guardians and Centurions. She paused, displacing a large chunk of Taleen out from between a few roots. Hmm, she mused, looking at the piece that landed on the ground with a dull clank.

Machines, well soone mustve cleared them out. Audur probably, Pierce said.

This is part of a Praetorian, Ilea said.

You fought them too, did you not? Verena asked.

She nodded slowly. Yes. Theyre level six hundred. Have you guys defeated one?

No, Pierce said.

Verena shook her head.

They detonate, much like Centurions. This part here is from a section close to their core, she said.

Its entirely undamaged, Pierce observed.

Yep. Which ans it was taken out faster than its self destruction could activate, she said. Could I do it at this point? With my evolutions? Fully charged Archon Strike at the right ti and with the right buffs. Probably.

With the state of this hall however, Ilea didnt consider it a deliberate attempt to disable the machine. It looked more like overwhelming power.

This way, Hereven said, pushing them deeper into the complex.

Ilea followed.

I have a bad feeling about this, Pierce said, her armor much lighter again as she walked close to Ilea.

Rember when you called us pansies? Ilea said.

Pierce remained quiet.

Do you know about the effect on my flas? Verena asked the demon.

There is little you can do, in the presence of Audur. She does not condone those of death, fire, and ash, Hereven said, looking at the Elder before it turned its head to Ilea. I suggest we leave the way you ca once you have what you desire.

Audur sounds more interesting by the minute, Ilea admitted. I might go et her either way.

Pierce blinked her eyes as she looked at her. She sighed and bit her lip, opening her mouth and then closing it again. Annoying, she whispered, flicking her own cheek before a helt ford to cover her face.

What is? Ilea asked.

I dont want to talk about it, Pierce said and crossed her arms.

I can see why you inspire bards and fighters alike, Verena said.

Ilea grinned. I do rember you jumping at that massive demon back in Eregars Haven.

Ah, yes, Verena said, scratching her cheek. No other choice at the ti.

Ilea waved her hand sideways. Not so sure about that.

Soone had to stop it. I had the best chance of the people down there, Verena said. And I guess it seed interesting to fight. Not stronger than other things Ive tried myself against before.

Unreasonable but not quite THAT unreasonable, is that what youre trying to say? Kind of what I thought I was to be honest.