Sorcerer's Shadow

Chapter 29: Preparation to Depart

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It was the kind of day you reminisce later as a turning point in your life. Strangely, I was aware of it at the moment. It was a day when extraordinary things were happening. Each time I swung my left arm, I could feel a dagger's hilt press against my wrist. Each step made my rapier bump against my left thigh. The air was crisp and carried the scent of the ocean. My boots were new enough to look stylish, yet broken in enough to be comfortable. My half-cloak was old and tattered, but it was Vorgan-grey and I could feel it swirl behind me. The wind swept my hair out of my face. The streets were silent in the mid-afternoon. The buildings were mostly closed, and

There was a shadow, strikingly distinct against the tall apartment complex on my left. I stopped and saw the shadow gesturing me over. I approached it and greeted, "Hello, Liora."

Liora the Thief's elongated face was largely hidden by a hood as she loomed over me, her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "Hello, Viktor."

"My gratitude."

She confirmed, "So, you're aware."

"I deduce it must have been you who informed Voltaire about me. Thanks."

"I hope it's beneficial," she added.

"So do I. What makes you think it might not be?"

"Working for the Vorgan can be risky."

"I usually end up tangling with Imperions anyway. Why not earn something out of it?"

She scrutinized my face. "Do you despise us that much?"

"Them, not you."

"I am an Imperion."

"But you're not like them."

"Maybe not."

"Regardless, I need to earn money if I plan on avoiding the Terrans' slum."

"I understand." I caught a glimpse of her teeth as she smiled. "It wouldn't be right for you to reside there. After all, you're of noble blood." I smiled in return.

She proposed, "I can share knowledge that might prove useful."

"I'd appreciate that," I replied. "You're really kind."

"I like you." She had expressed that before. I often wondered why. I was also curious about her age. But I refrained from asking these questions.

I said, "Wish me luck then."

"Certainly. However, there are a few things you should know now."

I was eager to get moving, but I'm not a fool. Liora the Thief doesn't squander words. I agreed, "Go ahead."

"The key thing is, Viktor: Don't let anger control you. Dead men can't pay, and you won't earn if you don't fulfill the task. Moreover, if you can get what you want without harm, your employer will value it. It might not be apparent, but every time a Vorgan resorts to violence, he's taking risks. They dislike that. Understand?"

"Understood." As she spoke, it hit me that within the hour, I would likely be confronting and possibly attacking a stranger. It seemed rather callous. But then again, life is tough. I asked, "Anything else?"

"Are you familiar with the Left Hand of the Vorgan?"

"Umm

...the what?"

"You're not, then. Alright. The Organization, as you know it, profits from providing goods and services that are either illegal or heavily taxed, correct?"

"I suppose so. I never thought of it that way, but sure."

"Consider it that way. Now, the only exception is magic. There are magical practices that are illegal, as you know. Magic aiding in illegal acts, manipulating someone's will, and so forth." She spread her hands. "As the Demon states, 'Whenever they establish a new law, they spawn a new business.'"

"Who said that?"

"The Demon."

"Who's that?"

"Never mind. In any case, the Left Hand of the Vorgan consists mostly of womenI'm not certain why. They're involved in illicit magic."

"I see."

"Avoid them. You're not capable of combating them, nor do you know enough to shield yourself from their schemes."

I responded, "Got it. Thanks, Liora."

Her hood bobbed. She gazed at me from its shadows, then said, "Good fortune, Viktor." She faded into the building's shadow and disappeared.

* * * *

How should one prepare for a voyage to the realm of the departed?

I mean, I'm familiar with gearing up for a night out, and I know how to prep for a fight, and I even have a vague idea of how to gear up for a night in the wilderness. But when you're planning to visit the spirits of those long gone, the servants of the dead, and the deities, what should you carry with you? How should you attire yourself?

I donned my Vorgan attire, with a stylized Vorgan emblem on the back of the grey cloak I use when I want to have a few hidden items on me, along with black Terran riding boots that are comfortable, even though I wasn't going to be ridingwhich was just as well. I've been on horseback before, and if I never do it again, that'll suit me just fine. Just don't let my grandfather hear that. He believes Venoriums, originating from various regions, should be naturally gifted horse riders. Venoriums are humans hailing from Venturio, situated to the east of the Imperion Kingdom. Unlike Terrans, Venorium don't integrate into the Imperion society and prefer to stick to their unique traditions and cultural norms. Venturio also happens to be my ancestral homeland.

Drevolan's willingness to join me puzzled me. From what I understood, his survival chances were worse than mine, and mine didn't seem too promising. I mean, Alyssra never explicitly guaranteed my safety from the gods.

The gods. It seemed ridiculous. I had occasionally participated in our private family ceremonies, invoking the protection of Nyxara, the Demon Goddess, but I was never entirely convinced of her existence. Many Terrans I knew believed in one or more gods, and even those who didn't, would lower their voices when uttering their names. However, all Imperions seemed to believe in them, discussing them in such matter-of-fact ways that I pondered if, to an Imperion, the term "god" had almost lost its meaning. One day, I resolved, I'd delve deeper into this.

Or perhaps I was about to discover it during this journey. This thought reminded me that I should be getting ready. Drevolan had mentioned that our journey should only take a few days, as we would teleport to a point near NecroGate Falls. Water and food would be accessible as we journeyed. The weather was erratic, but my cloak was reasonably warm when wrapped around me, comfortably cool when thrown back, and waterproof.