“I’m confident they don’t serve or are affiliated with the Keeper of Knowledge,” Penelope said after Lukas explained everything he had learned through Zwei’s memories. As expected, the oath had unravelled as soon as the clone was dispelled. “His library contains endless volumes on otherworldly technology or magic. However, he doesn’t believe in using his volumes to help worlds progress. Only his Seekers get access to them, and even then, it's only related to concepts already discovered or explored on their worlds.”

“I don’t know if it's their organization’s crest, but all of the senior members, including Irma, carry some variety of trinket carrying the same emblem,” Lukas stated, watching a clone and the fabric barmaid pack a couple of bags with bread, cheese, and dried meats. “A gear with an eye at the center of it. Apparently, I’m due something similar.”

“And you’re sure they helped this Mira awaken her heritage?”

“That’s what she claimed, at least. I think the prospect of an introduction made her super mouthy. I don’t think they awakened her draconic heritage so much as put her in contact with the Great Black Dragon and helped her get the black flame.”

“That doesn’t sound right.” Penelope frowned, glancing at the barmaid. She stood frozen, the chunk of cheese before her only half wrapped. “A dragonblooded should only be able to tap into the draconic magic she was born with. I haven’t read about any cases of adopting another dragon’s fire. It shouldn’t be possible.”

“Could it be the result of a warlock pact?” Lukas asked.

“I haven’t encountered any report cases. It shouldn’t be possible.” The sorcerer sighed. “I requested you to stay away from this.”

“Do you think I actively pursued this? The last thing I was expecting was to run into Mira at the meeting. She revealed nothing about herself during the job. But none of that matters now. I’m a part of the Revolution, and she’s a member. We need to explore this thread. Right?”

“Of course, we do. But I don’t like this. From what you’ve told me, there doesn’t seem to be anything nefarious. However, communing with the Great Black Dragon? He is an agent of destruction and chaos. Either they’re fools or up to no good.” Penelope paused. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Lukas. “You said they made you swear a binding oath of secrecy.”

Lukas grinned. “Zwei swore the oath. It ceased to exist the moment I dispelled him.”

“You did the same thing in Iskander, didn’t you? Clones signed the contract and promised to keep my secret.”

“Doesn’t that prove how much I value your companionship and our partnership?” Lukas asked. “I had ample opportunity to profit and disappear. You gave me access to your room, and it was packed with treasures. But, here we are.”

“Is that supposed to give me confidence?”

“It’s the truth. I refuse to bind or limit myself with oaths. It’s how powerful entities and organizations exploit their assets. Tell me the truth, Penelope. Would you have kept me around if I didn’t prove myself useful?”

The sorcerer ignored the question. “Are you sure you want to go on this job? You have clones to spare. Send them.”

“I’m treating it as a trip away with Liesel. If things get hairy, I can retreat and hide, let the clones pretend to be me.” Lukas held up a hand when she tried to interrupt. “Spellweaver is refusing to advance, and I’ve tried everything. It won't happen while I’m comfortable and not facing any challenges. Things will get hectic out on the field. I have my fingers crossed that the stress will help me with a breakthrough.”

“Why are you in such a rush?” Penelope sighed. “Don’t you think you’re pushing yourself too hard and fast? Your soul just hit tier three. People take months, if not years, to ascend their powers. It shouldn’t take anywhere as long with eight blighted clones working on it.” She sat back in her chair, crossing her arms. “I’m not going to tell you not to go. Have fun out on the field with Liesel. But don’t put yourself in danger unnecessarily. Let the clones bear the brunt of it.”

“I’m talented at disappearing.” Lukas smiled. “You know that better than anyone.” His attempt at breaking the tension failed. “I’ll only push myself enough to help push Spellweaver, but will avoid mortal danger. “They expect me to act as their scout, infiltrator, and reconnaissance agent.”

“And you excel at just that. But what I’m saying to you is clear. Yes?”

“Yes.”

“Where are you going?”

“Upriver. There is a settlement up there. It serves as a Union base. Apparently, the nature of communication has changed. The quality and quantity of shipments are subpar. Corpses had been pulled from the river, too. Frozen Phoenix is one of the guilds charged with its policing and care, and things have fallen through the cracks.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“So you’re transporting and protecting auditors?” Penelope asked.

“And helping resolve whatever problems the settlement has,” Lukas answered. “It might be something as simple as a corrupt, tyrannical manager. Worst-case scenario, raiders or bandits have taken over.”

“Want me to go with him?” Bass asked, leaping down from the upper floor. Lukas hadn’t seen the familiar in a while. Penelope claimed he was enjoying his time off, but Lukas believed Bass was starting to get antsy without excitement, hunting, and action.

“No.” Penelope and Lukas said in unison. The familiar growled before trotting out of the dining room and into the kitchen.

___________________

Morph wanted to believe he had done a good job of infiltrating the Frozen Phoenix guild. Despite his short time with the guild, he had won himself the number-two position on the expedition. In his short time with the organization, he had completed over a dozen jobs and was a probationary tier-three member. Morph had the gross under-staffing and primarily green, inexperienced roster to thank for his rapid progress.

The guild had managed to field only three members for the six-person team. First, there was Liesel, the seismic mage. Her experience and success on several escort missions across the Schwarzberg kingdom had earned her the position of leader. A brand new tier-four, Frozen-Phoenix badge served as her cloak’s brooch. Morph was supposed to serve as her number two and, as far as he knew, the woman hadn’t connected him and El-Prime in any way. He had the role of rearguard.

The guild had also sent a tier-two warrior for the vanguard. He was heavily armored and carried a giant bludgeoning weapon that appeared more ice than metal. Apparently, the man had joined a couple of months before Morph and completed just as many jobs, picking longer missions that took him away from the Gray for weeks at a time.

Much to Morph’s surprise, the Aquila guild had sent a pair of familiar faces. It was Xander, the shieldbearer, and Mira again. They filled the roles of primary vanguard and support mage, respectively. The latter of the pair, wrapped from head to toe, danced over to El-Prime as soon as she saw him. His face lit up as they spoke. Morph couldn’t tell whether it was genuine or if he was digging for information regarding the Revolution and the black dragon’s flame as planned.

The guild had sent them out with a wagon pulled by a pair of mountain goats. The auditor and his assistant sat in the driver’s seat. One was a mage, but a non-combatant, and her companion looked like her assistant. Morph had instructions to stay away from the pair. Only Liesel had the authority to interact with them. He wasn’t to speak to the pair unless they approached him first. No one had explained the reason, and he didn’t care enough to find out.

Morph liked his role. He had successfully infiltrated the guild, moved up his roles, and now he was one of their favored prospects. His place with the Frozen Phoenixes wasn’t permanent. If he grew bored of them or El-Prime deemed his time with them complete, Morph had no qualms about killing the personality and starting anew elsewhere. He suspected that his next target would be the Aquila guild. Despite what Penelope said, El-Prime would want to investigate them closely.

Maybe I should do my best to impress Xander so the bastard poaches me. El-Prime will have no trouble getting close to Mira and Revolution. But we also need to investigate the Aquila bastards.

The party had started at first light, leaving the riverside district and going upriver. A road wove in and out of the valley, going around the hills and through tunnels. It was a longer route than just sticking to the waterside, but the ground was uneven, and the road helped them avoid the local fauna. Far worse than Sylicites visited the river and branching streams. It was apparently one of the few sources of liquid water in the area.

Morph had used the road a couple of times before, buthad taken the branching paths up into the mountains or into the tunnel network. He, much like El-Prime and the following Shadow-clad clones, kept his eyes open for tracks. They still needed to find out how the Elder Wyrmkin entered the mountains.

Other parties and city-employed patrols passed the party, heading back toward the Gray. Some walked the main path. Others appeared from mountain paths or the tunnels. Most faces were familiar to Morph or someone else in the party, but none lingered to exchange more than pleasantries.

“We don’t discuss our missions or objectives,” Elena Fischer of the Frozen Phoenix guild had told him. “There is no telling when they might conflict. Technically, we’re all on the same side, but guilds compete for resources and sabotage each other at the same time. As long as it doesn’t conflict with the Kingdom’s peace or Union business, it's nobody’s business.”

The rearguard position usually went to individuals far more experienced and with considerably more accolades than Morph. He likely wouldn’t have received the privilege if not for the shortage of manpower. It demanded keen senses and potent combat abilities. He had displayed both while working with the guild.

Thus fa,r he had kept his gifts with lightning hidden, using primarily Biomancy, sound magic, and enhanced Haste. He used shadows sparingly or when no one was watching, hoping to keep his connection to Lukas far from obvious. Now, there was the risk of someone linking Morph and El-Prime. The pair hoped that the differing use of Shade’s Mantle would set the pair apart.

No Shadowsteel. Need to remember not to use Shadowsteel. The fear aura should be fine, though. But what about Shadowfire? Stormfire is a no-go. El-Prime will want to show that off. Who knew working together would be such a pain in the butt?

In preparation for whatever was to come, Morph prepared a pair of extra arms. Keeping it hidden under his cloak was no trouble at all. A chill also nipped at the back of his neck and lower back. So, the clone grew a layer of fur to warm himself. He also transformed his eyes and ears to get a better look at their surroundings. A pair of stalkers also moved ahead and behind, keeping an eye out for threats.

The sharpened senses paid off almost instantaneously. His eyes caught hints of crumpled parchment in the sloshy trodden path. Morph scooped it up after ensuring all eyes were pointed at the path ahead.

“Don’t use Erasure unless you’re in mortal danger or Xander allows it. We can’t trust the Shadow Seeker. Remember what is at stake and the penalties you’ll face for disobeying the charter.”

Morph raised an eyebrow, reading the legible parts again. Moisture had seeped into the parchment, turning the rest of the message into a smudge. He didn’t pocket it. The clone ripped it to pieces, dropped it into the puddle of snowy slush underfoot, and ground his heel into what remained.