Chapter 176: Letting Her Down Easy

Getting out of the palace the next morning was a trial. Every thirty feet, every doorway, they had to pause and let a guard check them. Even with Kat standing right there, plain as day, they were still stopped.

Bren was passing the time badgering Kat about her note taking and Ann for allowing her to be so lenient with the details. Rosalyn happily answered any questions he came up with, but there were some she just couldn’t answer, because she honestly didn’t know.

Ann noted the guards casting wary glances at Rosalyn. She wasn’t hiding her eyes, not like she really had an option. Ann would fight anyone who gave her shit about them, too. She didn’t go through that speech and the subsequent shitshow to have people getting angry at them. Waheela was feeling similarly protective, though hadn’t said a word since last night. She just sent her discontent.

Kat’s eyes had worsened slightly overnight. A red rash around her good eye, and around the socket of her lost one. They’d all observed that the rash was avoiding the scarring on her face. Bren posited that whatever subdermal trauma had been caused prevented further growth in that area. If he could get some sort of cosmetic healing abilities, the scar could be healed. The man was excited to learn if restoring the scars would grow back her normal skin, or if it would result in scales.

Ann had asked why they didn’t ask another healer to get this done, but Kat decided she wanted Bren to do it. “No healer knows me face better,” she’d said. “He’ll know if he’s botched the job.”

“Ann, we’re clear,” Kat said, patting her on the shoulder.

“Oh, sorry, lost in thought,” Ann started. Sure enough, the last checkpoint at the gate was cleared. They did, however, seem to have an escort.

“Couldn’t get ‘em tae feck off,” Kat grumbled, glaring at the soldiers with her good eye. “I mean, it makes sense, but I still hate it.”

“Kat, you lost an eye,” Rosalyn chided. “A little extra safety isn’t too big an ask. Quit being a grumpy guts.”

“Aw, couldn’t be grumpy fer long wit’ ye,” Kat said, giving Rosalyn a heart-melting smile.

As they walked through the streets of Korvas, Ann picked up on what Theodore had warned them about earlier. It was quiet. Eerie. Many of the shops were closed. Streets that had been bustling for the past weeks were empty. What few people that were out travelled quickly. Everyone kept their heads down, as if looking up would harm them. A Bultrong man gave them a wide berth as they passed, not even trying to wave to the princess. Things had changed. The air was full of tension. People waiting for whatever came next.

“Princess, let us clear the building first,” the guard in charge declared. He moved ahead to knock firmly on the door. “Open up in the name of the Queen!”

“Like feck ye’re doin’ tha’,” Kat yelled. “Back off an’ keep watch. I’m not havin’ ye trample me enchanter’s work.”

“But Your Highness, these are orders from the Queen.”

“I will yell at me mother later. Outside, all o’ ye,” Kat growled. The guards wisely backed down.

Wendyl slowly cracked the door. “I haven’t done anything illegal you pigs! Get off my property before I… oh, it’s you guys!” She flung the door open wide to greet them. As usual, her green skin and pink hair clashed horribly. Otherwise, she was covered in grease and some kind of sparkling substance. “Voltid’s beard, you look rough, Kat. Heard you got hurt. Hope your dad’s doing alright.”

“As good as he can,” Kat said. Ann heard the strain in her voice. The woman still hadn’t fully processed the events. “Can we come in, or ye gonna make us talk out ‘ere?”

“Come in! Sorry about the… everything. Kinda busy these past few days, working on personal projects. Got all your gear sorted a little bit ago, but hadn’t had a chance to get it all delivered. Guess you can pick it up now! That works. So, how’s everyone else doing? Missing legs? Arms? Been trying to figure out prosthetics lately. Kinda a branch off that whole portal ring, and connecting nerves.”

“No, thankfully,” Ann said with a wry chuckle. “Still have all my parts. Not even purple anymore.”

“Wait, you can be purple? That’s so cool! Though wait, you didn’t have those eyes last time, Horns, er, Rosalyn.”

“That’s kinda what we’re here for,” Rosalyn nodded. “These happened last night. I may or may not need something to help with the top and bottom of my vision. It kinda took a hit considering, well, you can see why.”

“Sure can,” Wendyl said, walking up to take a closer look. “Got some old lenses I can use for that project. How high you want them? Any horizontal adjustments to the light refraction?”

“Um, no? I kinda like the new peripherals. I can see that Ann is scratching herself in a very indecent place right now, even looking at you.”

Ann, who’d been standing behind the woman and to the right, stopped scratching under her waistband, blushing.

“That’s wicked!” Wendyl said, eyes wide. “Yeah. I can do that. Just gotta make it so the light from above is funnelled into your pupils in a natural way. Might be a bit distorted, and take some getting used to, but I’ll give it… two days to get the cutting, grinding, polishing, carving, metalworking for the frames. Wait, do you want them metal? Could try some kind of hardwood?”

“Wood might be better,” Rosalyn nodded. “I kinda throw lightning.”

“Yup. Damn electricity never behaving how you want it. Static almost took off a chunk of my hair the other day. Don’t need accidents costing you all more eyes. What’s with that? More eye issues incoming?”

“Gods I hope not,” Bren groaned. “I have had more than my fill of them for the time being.”

“Yes. Like mine,” Lucia nodded.

“Well, at least you’re not running around trying to get them all messed up. Good for you! C’mere princess. Lemme get a look at you. Damn, they did a good job patching you up. Did it really go all the way through?”

“Dinnae. Kinda blacked out from the pain.”

“I can confirm. It was grisly,” Bren shuddered.

“Well, good job, humie. That rash looks nasty, though. Should get some ointment. I know an alchemist that could…”

Kat waved away her concern. “It’s more scales comin’ in. Things’re spreadin’ like crazy.”

“Gonna look gorgeous. Kinda like permanent eye shadow. I like it, hot stuff. Now give me a few and I’ll gather your gear.” Wendyl, without waiting for a word back, darted off into the back of her shop.

Kat tried to wipe away some of the grease the Inlon had gotten on her face, but just ended up smudging it. “She said prosthetics, right?”

“Good idea,” Lucia nodded. “Many use.”

“Wonder if some of her tech is similar to Bortislav,” Ann said, looking over one of Wendyl’s prototypes. It was an arm. It looked mostly mechanical, but had layers of enchantments running most surfaces. The connection was a ring at the end that looked similar to her cock portal. “Ah, shit, shouldn’t have brought that up.”

“Nae, it’s fine,” Kat sighed. “Not like we weren’t in constant hostilities wit’ ‘em, anyway. All this just made it more o’ a concern. If Wendyl can figure out how their shite works, I’m all fer it. Means she can figure out how tae make it break. Plus, ye know, good things like this along the way.”

“It is fascinating work,” Bren said, joining Ann over the arm. “See this line here? Enchantments to allow sensation to travel from a particular plate… here, which will let the wearer feel that area. Some very precise engraving she is doing for this. The one next to it is for retracting and expanding, then the other is to reinforce the first line, allowing it to adapt as the metal contorts.”

“Didn’t know you knew this much about enchanting,” Ann said, following along.

“Side effect of my parents’ work. I remember father having to do similar when testing heat expansion for metals. He would set out plates over the stove and just let them heat up there, watching for any unwanted effects. I would come in and watch with him. Sure, he could create the flame himself, but I believe he wanted me to know that things like this were possible to study without the necessary Path.”

“Science, bitch!” Ann muttered.

“Indeed,” Bren said with a smile. “The blending of science and magic is an ever-expanding field. We are so lucky to be in an era that fosters such pursuits.”

“Think about what she could do if ye lost a horn, Rosalyn. Might be able tae get a new one that shoots fire or somethin’.”

“Actually, I’d probably make it defensive,” Wendyl said, pulling a wagon full of their gear behind her. “Honestly, I could probably work with them as is, but it’s a little extreme and would require carving into your horns, which doesn’t seem like the best idea, Rosalyn. They’re very pretty.”

“Thanks,” Rosalyn said, blush-fidgeting. “I’ll just stick to accessories for them. Kinda want some of me to stay me. Especially after my eyes did this.”

“Shit, I can imagine so,” Wendyl huffed, pulling Kat’s armour out.

“Lemme help ye wit’ that.” Kat hopped in, helping unload the wagon. Soon enough, everyone had their assorted pieces of newly enchanted gear.

Ann loved the new glittery lines barely stained black that ran along her armour. She could practically feel the power humming within them and couldn’t wait to put it all on. Later.

“Alrighty, how’d you rate your first, actually, I guess this is the second order?”

Lucia examined Fillianore closely, turning the rifle over and over in her hands. She sighted the scope, then nodded. “Good.”

“If she is happy, I daresay we all are,” Bren chuckled. “Fine work.”

“First job as an exclusive. Fucking nailed it!” Wendyl cheered, pumping her fist in the air. “Ah, that feels great. Wanna have a celebratory fuck?”

The mood in the room shifted. Wendyl noticed immediately and perked up her floppy ears. Meanwhile, Bren wandered pointedly to the other side of the shop while Lucia did her best to become part of the wall.

“What? Did I say something? Oh, fuck me sideways. I think I get it.”

“Listen,” Ann started. “It’s not you.”

Wendyl rolled her eyes. “Yeah. Heard that one before.”

“No, really,” Kat insisted. “Ye’re great an’ all. I’ve just got some feckin’ persistent hangups. I didn’t know they were still botherin’ me until a couple days ago. We meant tae have this talk sooner, but everythin’ was way too busy.”

“So, what? Just a one time thing? Damnit, I had a lot of fun. Was looking forward to more of that.” She looked up at Kat and Ann, pouting.

“Maybe we can get back tae that in the future,” Kat said. “I just need more time tae… adjust? Get used tae the idea? It’s me own stupid brain. Heart? Kinda both.”

“Well, shit. Shit fucking put me in a stockade and call me the town whore. This sucks,” Wendyl slouched, and her ears drooped, nearly touching the ground.

“Yeah,” Rosalyn muttered. “Hug?”

“Sure,” Wendyl shrugged. She was shortly smothered by the girls embracing her. “Didn’t mean all of you, you gits!”

“Too bad. You get hugs,” Rosalyn giggled. “Cause hugs almost always help. Unless you’re bleeding, though I guess that’d mean you’re putting pressure on something, so I guess that could work, but only if you were hugging the right spot, and then you’re getting all bloody. I’ll shut up now.”

They all shared a half-hearted chuckle before separating. “So, still your enchanter?” Wendyl asked.

“Made it pretty damn clear ye were on board even without us. Oh, an’ there’s been an update tae Ann’s skill. Everyone gets double as long as they’re aligned wit’ her an’ her goals. Flat. No lover bonuses.”

“… how?”

“Goddess,” Ann shrugged. “She likes me.”

“Nah, I like you. She loves you. That’s fucking crazy. Means you can get a whole setup of people that’ll start getting bonus experience just for, what? Do I have to do something?”

Ann gave Kat a nervous glance before addressing Wendyl. “Yeah. Beyond the contract, you have to swear an oath of fealty to me. Or at least swear to follow me and help me whenever I need it? Orenous wasn’t really specific about the wording.”

“For that level of power? You’re going places, Fluffy. You, Ears, Rosalyn, Tusks, and Humie are all gonna be monsters, and I get to help with that? Get to be the enchanter for this? Hell yeah! Sign me the fuck up!”

Ann’s eyes glazed over, and her vision went purple for a second. A strange feeling blossomed in her chest. A connection had been made. Her heart now bound to another through some intangible thread. Could be that Red Thread of Fate thing, but that seemed a bit extreme. Nah, this was just a pact. A pact with power behind it. The purple faded as quickly as it came, and she saw Wendyl looking up at her with wide eyes.

“Well, guess that did it! Thank you, Orenous, for not making me have people do whole scripts.”

“I am gonna be so busy! Voltid better watch the fuck out! I’m coming for his damn workshop!” Wendyl crowed, throwing her head back to yell at the mountain. “Hear that? I’m aiming for you, God of the Forge! Let’s see how far I can get!”

“Blasphemy,” Bren grumbled, having rejoined the group once the awkwardness was over. Even Lucia was peeling herself from the wall and walking over, pretending to be interested in bits and bobs on tables along the way.

“Blasphemy schmasphemy,” Wendyl laughed. “If any God would like competition, it’d be Him, or Nylir, I guess. Well, Bryltia too, since that’s kinda her whole thing.”

“Is. Great challenges are key,” Lucia confirmed.

“Well, still, I’m gonna be the best damn enchanter this world’s ever seen. Just gotta keep working at it. You all sticking around for a while?”

“Not sure we can leave with what just happened,” Ann shrugged. “Gods, I was looking forward to moving on and getting back to hunting Seeds. Now everything’s on lockdown.”

“Aye. It’s gonna be a task tae get Ma tae let us go,” Kat sighed. “Fer now, just finish the glasses. Work on armour ‘n’ weapon enchantments. We can figure out what else we’ll need later.”

“Oh! Wait! You said your scales were Draconic, right?” Wendyl interrupted. “If it’s not too personal, could I get a couple? Those things should be full of magic, and an insane reagent for durability and shielding enchantments. Might be able to get Bren’s stuff enchanted to boost his shield spells. Also, how tough are they?”

“Dinnae? Haven’t had a chance tae test ‘em. Wanna be the first?”

Wendyl looked like she’d just been given the biggest Christmas present she’d ever seen. She practically vibrated as she nodded furiously.

Kat tried to pull a scale out, gripping one and pulling, but couldn’t manage it. “Feck, just feels like me strength gives out when I try. Could one o’ ye do it fer me?”

“Yeah,” Ann agreed. “Bren, ready to heal just in case?”

“I am Prepared,” Bren said as he rolled up his sleeves.

Ann extended her claws and got a good grip on one of the scales. It shimmered in the light as she prised it upwards, then pulled hard. It resisted far more than she thought it would. Putting her back into it, she finally managed to pull the thing free as Kat cried out in pain. Immediately, Bren was healing her. The scale in Ann’s hand wasn’t any larger than her fingertip, but had come off with some skin. Apparently, these things were deeply rooted.

Ann checked back with Kat and watched as the small trickle of blood stopped. The scale, however, did not regrow. Bren cocked his head, still pumping healing into the princess. A couple minutes later, and the hole slowly re-filled until the scale was back to its normal size.

“Interesting. I wager that since these should be ridiculously magical, it takes a long time to heal,” Bren muttered. “Rosalyn, how quickly do scales regrow for other reptiles?”

“A couple months, depending on the species and their regenerative capabilities. Sometimes the wound just becomes a scar, and none grow back, so that might be a possibility. Dragons are dragons, though. They kinda ignore the natural processes most of the time. Since they’re all magicy, I’d say it’d be longer, but Kat’s not really a dragon, so she might get them back quicker if they’re weaker? Lotta guesswork on this one, sorry.”

“No, no, it makes sense,” Bren nodded. “That should be good enough for now. You feeling alright, Kat?”

“Stings when ye pull it, but that’s about it,” Kat shrugged. “Like gettin’ a bit o’ skin pulled off. Would not like havin’ more o’ those harvested at once.”

“Well, when you molt, just gather them up and send them here, please,” Wendyl requested, grabbing the scale from Ann and inspecting it closely. She pulled out a knife and scraped off the bit of skin still clinging to the scale, then moved over to a workbench. “Knife didn’t nick it, so that’s nice. Let’s see a hammer.” The Inlon lifted a metal hammer, square and heavy, then brought it down on the scale with all the strength she had. When it lifted, the scale was unmarred. Glittering like a little sapphire. “Damn, that’s good. Here, Kat. Give her a whirl,” she said, handing the hammer to Kat. “Just do it on the anvil, please.”

Kat walked over and placed the scale on the metal block. She reared back and struck it with all her might. The scale screeched against the metal, but it held. Wendyl peered at it closely, then got a magnifying lens to get a closer look.

“Ooh, yup, that did some damage. It’s still good, but it’ll only take a few more hits like that. Wonder if they’ll get tougher, or bigger elsewhere on you. Let me know, cause I can make a ton of things with these.”

“I think we’ll leave you to it,” Ann smiled at the woman whose eyes were practically sparkling as she stared at the scale. “About time we get back to the Palace. Got people to talk to.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” Wendyl said absently. “Just let me know if you change your mind about the fucking. I’ll be here working on the next awesome thing for you all! Or everyone. Probably both. So many ideas!”

As they left, Kat and Ann heard Wendyl cackling madly through the door.