Chương 1094: 1124 - Redspark

"This is a beautiful town," Valeria said admiringly as Watcher Yurkij escorted them over the roofs and squares of Redspark.

"Your words are much appreciated, Queen Valeria," Yurkij pleasantly replied.

"However, I must correct you on one thing: we are a city, not a town, per a charter we were granted by Strategos Vellaris."

"My mistake," Valeria responded.

"Hardly one of consequence." Yurkij shrugged dismissively and gave Valeria an understanding smile.

"Charters are rarely granted to settlements as small as mine, I'll admit, but Redspark is special in that regard." Yurkij leadingly paused, and Leon jumped on the silent invitation.

"What makes your city special? Aside from being the largest settlement by the Redspark forest, I mean."

"Being that does help," Yurkij responded.

"The Redspark Forest is the source of our wealth. Most of our unrelated businesses are to support the city, not to generate wealth. But what can be extracted from the forest puts us on the map, so to speak."

"Do rare materials grow in the forest?" Leon inquired.

"Many, yes," Yurkij replied, and Leon couldn't help but regret that Elise was back in Artorion and not here with him. She loved finding new things to grow.

"Our most sought-after material is called bolthread, which you can see me wearing right now." He indicated the fine shirt he wore beneath his red brocade coat. From what Leon could see, the shirt was obviously of fine make, though he doubted it was nearly as comfortable as silkgrass. However, he could sense a certain power within bolthread that silkgrass lacked—bolthread might be valuable as an enchanting material…

"There's a plant that grows in the forest that drinks in the divi—the red lightning of the fog. In absorbing this power, the plant grows stronger and tougher. After long enough periods of time, it might even show a shadow of that lightning's power."

"That's… quite a rare trait," Leon observed, thinking particularly of thunder wood.

"Bolt flax of that age and power is rarer than rare," Yurkij stated.

"And, unfortunately, it's impossible to cultivate outside of the wild forest. But we're able to harvest it, and Storm Lords pay for it, bringing great wealth to this city."

"You said earlier that regular expeditions are sent into the forest," Gaius pointed out.

"Is this the reason?"

"One among several," Yurkij stated as he slowed over an eight-story building near the center of the city—the largest building aside from what Leon could only assume was the city's capitol only a street away.

"I've had the entire top floor of this building set aside for you for the duration of your stay. There should be plenty of space for all of you." His eyes drifted over to the two giants in Leon's entourage, but fortunately, they were 'only' about nine to ten feet tall, shorter than they would've been if made of stone.

"Will you join us for a short while?" Leon asked.

"I have more questions about this place that I was hoping you'd answer." Yurkij grimaced slightly, but after a quick glance at a seventh-tier mage who Leon could only assume was the leader of the Watcher's guard detail, he said, "I can spare a few minutes."

"Wonderful," Leon responded gratefully as Yurkij escorted them inside, sans all but two of his guards, who flew to the capitol a short distance away. They landed on a terrace that Leon could only assume was meant to be a private entrance for strong mages, especially since a pair of servants stood by the doors and opened them on their approach.

'Would've been easier to enchant the doors to do that automatically,' Leon noted with a curious glance at the two servants, both of whom wore modest outfits apparently made of black bolthread.

'Though I suppose this shows off more wealth than a mere enchantment could…' The interior was comfortable, if not outright opulent. Leon would've described it as rustic in a way that seemed designed to appeal specifically to him. There were private apartments on the left of the private entrance, three large rooms to the right for guards and servants to dwell in, and a large general living space between them. The far side of the floor had a dining room and an office.

Most of the furniture and décor was wood, and the upholstery was red bolthread, though there was a stone fireplace in the center of the common room. Leon was almost disappointed that he and his people weren't going to be staying that long. Alix quickly took charge of the Tempest Knights, ordering them to get settled in the servant's quarters while Leon and the rest of his party joined Yurkij in exploring the rooms in more detail.

While showing them around, Valeria observed, "You're being quite accommodating, Watcher Yurkij."

"Do you think I shouldn't be?" the Watcher responded.

"I'm merely curious. You seemed… more hostile when meeting us than you do now." Yurkij softly chuckled in response.

"Word of the coup in Shatufan has spread far, Queen Valeria. I have not the power to stop you from doing anything, save for the protection promised by Strategos Vellaris and Despot Archelaus. I offered you hospitality, and with it accepted, I am certain you shall not visit the same fate upon Redspark as you did upon Shatufan." Leon frowned slightly.

"There doesn't seem to be a need for such drastic action, now."

"That's encouraging. But I can't help but wonder what need there was for such rough treatment of Shatufan?"

"Time, and a need for something they wouldn't give soon enough. We all do what we must for our people, surely you understand this?"

"I do. Well enough, at least." Leon nodded.

"For what it's worth, I personally promise you that you have… no reason to…" He trailed off, remembering the same promise he'd made to Manuchehr.

"I appreciate the risk you're taking with simply having me in your city, then. I hope to repay your trust one day." Yurkij gave him a strange look and didn't respond, but instead, resumed showing them around their rooms until they finally reached the dining room, within which they took seats at Leon's request.

"Now," Leon said as the doors shut behind them, "I have several questions I was hoping you'd answer."

"I shall endeavor to do so to your satisfaction," Yurkij formally replied.

"What sort of dangers are there in the forest?"

"There are many," Yurkij said.

"Spiders the size of your fingernail with venom so potent an eighth-tier mage would find himself borne through an Aesii minutes after being bitten. Monstrous lizards within the ponds and streams that could eat five men whole. Leopards who channel lightning as easily as men breathe. And that's hardly touching on how deadly the red lightning of the fog can be."

As he spoke of the various monsters, Leon couldn't help but notice Anna's eyes start to shine brightly, and he wondered if Nidar and Astar might receive a 'sibling' as a result of this little adventure.

"Is there any particular property of this red lightning that we ought to be aware of?" Leon asked, thinking of the Jaguar's red lightning. As far as he knew, the Blood Thunder Jaguar from which the Jaguar Tribe was descended used red lightning that specifically targeted blood, thus earning its name. The blood lightning of the Jaguar was almost impossible to resist once it entered one's body as it was best conducted with blood, destroying all it touched.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. If this red lightning was all that similar, then Leon would have to take certain precautions.

"Those touched by the red lightning of the fog are left untouched by burns," Yurkij stated.

"Despite this, they die all the same. All the magic within their bodies is consumed by the red lightning of the fog, leaving them husks that simply collapse dead."" All the magic in their bodies?" Gaius murmured doubtfully.

"That sounds impossible!"

"That sounds incredible!" Anzu exclaimed.

"It's certainly out of the ordinary," Yurkij smilingly responded. Leon saw quite a bit of appreciation in the man's aged face from Anzu's enthusiasm than he would've expected. Continuing, Yurkij said, "The red lightning of the fog intensifies as one gets deeper into the forest. As a result, there are more materials to discover and more monsters to stumble across. Bolthread grows thicker in the forest's interior and is concentrated most around the Stormborn Oak.

As it is, bolthread from around the Stormborn Oak is particularly prized."

"Why?" Leon asked.

"Is it due to any special properties of this particular tree?"

"You… do not know much about the Oak, do you?" Yurkij asked. Leon shook his head.

"In that case, allow me to explain as best I can… The Stormborn Oak is… an object of great veneration amongst the Storm Lords. Perhaps not as much as Kavad's Lance, but pilgrimages to the Stormborn Oak are frequent. The tree itself is… magnificent. Divine, according to some stories, growing from a teardrop shed by a passing god, who wept for the destruction of his home long ago. I, myself, have laid eyes upon it only once in my life, and I shall remember it on my deathbed as one of my most precious memories."

"A passing god, huh?" Leon stated.

"You don't believe in such things, King Leon?" Leon grinned and didn't immediately respond. He'd personally seen a Primal God, but he guessed that such a creature wasn't who Yurkij was referring to.

"What makes this tree so special, then?" Leon asked, deliberately changing the subject. Yurkij opened and closed his mouth several times, searching for words. Finally, he said, "Standing before the Stormborn Oak is like standing before the universe itself. The power within its bark warps space itself, and the lightning that surrounds it can heal or kill depending on the tree's whims."

"You're claiming it's sentient, then?" Gaius interjected.

"Not as much, no. But it's hard to deny the tree anything, honestly. It is simply too powerful. In fact, many pilgrims who come to see the tree do so in the desire to cure themselves of some ailment. Poisons in their blood, horrific battle wounds that no healer can fix, curses laid upon them by stronger beings… Some believe that anything can be cured if you can only touch the bark of the tree.

Now that I'm thinking about it, there was a party of mages in our last expedition who intended to reach the tree, hoping to cure one of their member of lycanthropy."

"A werewolf?" Leon said in surprise, thinking of the last time he'd fought against such a beast. It had been a long time since he'd faced such a monster, and it had ended with him losing an arm.

"Yes," Yurkij confirmed.

"They have not yet come out of the forest, however, which… concerns me, I shall admit. Should you be willing, King Leon, I would certainly pay for… anything that must be done to ensure lycanthropy does not break out amongst the pilgrims." Leon grinned at the man's audacity.

"Are you trying to contract a King out as a mercenary?" Yurkij smoothly replied, "I am merely informing you of what I'm willing to do should… you be the one who does what must be done. Anyone may claim such a prize, should they fulfill the request."

"How long ago was this expedition sent out?" Gaius inquired.

"A little over a month ago," Yurkij stated.

"Normally, expeditions are sent at least once per week, though they're typically small and only meant to patrol the outer forest, keeping monsters at bay and collecting bolthread. I have been… cautious since that expedition failed to return, however. I have only permitted experienced scouts to enter the forest in search of this missing expedition. We found traces that they left the established paths to the Stormborn Oak, though much more than that, I cannot say.

Whether or not you wish to claim the bounty, be aware that there may be a werewolf at large within the forest."

"Your warning is well-received," Leon said.

"I'm intrigued by what you've told me of the forest. Pressed for time as I am, I wish to enter the forest tomorrow, after giving my people some time to rest."

"Should you do so, you will have to do so alone," Yurkij seriously said.

"The next expedition will not depart for another four days while I ensure they're adequately protected."

"I am willing to take that risk," Leon declared.

"Then so be it," Yurkij responded.

"Should you need any scouts or guides, I will allow any to join you who wish to do so." Leon nodded in appreciation. He continued to pick Yurkij's brain for details of the forest for as long as the Watcher had, though that wasn't that long—duty called, and Yurkij could play host for only so long. When he departed, the stories of the dangers and potential trials of the forest stuck with Leon, stoking the fires of his inner adventurer.

The stakes were high and his time limited, but despite himself, he found that he was greatly looking forward to entering this forest and seeing for himself just what it had in store for him. At the very least, he thought that he might bear witness to new forms of lightning that might be further studied. He even thought about taking some samples of bolthread and seeing what Tikos might be able to do with the material, once the tree sprite made its way to the Nexus.

'Assuming Artorion is still around by then…' The thought served to mildly depress Leon's mood but didn't crush it entirely. It was clear there was much to be gained from the Redspark Forest and the Stormborn Oak—enough, perhaps, to save Artorion…

"I whipped these up quickly, but they should work," Anna said as she passed to each of Leon's party a thin vial of clear liquid with a faint blue tinge.

"Should anyone find themselves being infected by our local werewolf, then swig one of these and start praying to your Ancestors."

"Please," Alix sarcastically responded, "don't sound so confident, you might make me think this is all safe and that we're not about to walk into another spooky forest filled with all kinds of monsters just waiting to sink their teeth into human flesh."

"I could give you some salves to make you less appetizing," Anna offered with a wry grin.

"That's impossible," Alix said with a proud if still sarcastic grin.

"I'm always appetizing." She gave Gaius a pointed look and asked, "Aren't I?" Wisely, and with a distinct hint of sarcasm of his own, Gaius responded, "Nothing in all the universe is as appetizing as you, darling. Only the blind, deaf, and dumb would not wish to eat you right up."

"Laying it on a bit thick, aren't you?" Anna asked.

"Not thick enough, I say," Alix replied as she planted a kiss on her husband's cheek. Felix, meanwhile, was looking anywhere he could but at his parents. Interrupting the flirting, Leon asked as he examined the vial, "How is this supposed to work, then, Anna?"

"Lycanthropy is a blood-borne curse," Anna explained, though this wasn't news to Leon.

"That should keep the curse from spreading through the blood by flooding the bloodstream with light magic. If it's taken soon enough after possible infection, the curse should be broken."

"You don't sound so sure," Valeria pointed out, echoing Alix's complaint.

"I'm not my sister," Anna stated.

"I know monsters and beasts, but I've never studied werewolves outside of the lab—and even then, I've only ever had samples. A proper cure for lycanthropy doesn't exist, but… I'm hoping this might turn into one."

"Well… as incredible as that may be, here's hoping we won't need it," Leon said.

"Now, let's get going. Artorion is counting on us, and reaching that Stormborn Oak may just be the key to saving her." Leon's party acknowledged his order, and with Maia, Valeria, and Anzu at his side, he took off from his apartment's private terrace. Anna, Gaius, Alix, Cosmo, and Felix flew behind them, and the Tempest Knights flew behind them. Among the Knights' number were a pair of Redspark guides, who could show Leon's party the way to the Stormborn Oak with as little fuss as possible.

Leon wasn't quite sure how to feel about that, though. Time was of the essence, but his adventuring spirit was slightly dampened at the thought that he wouldn't be finding his own way through the forest but instead depending on guides.

'Guess I'll just have to find something worthwhile to bring back to Artorion to cheer myself up,' he sarcastically thought. He and his party made their way northward until they reached a large forum on the edge of the forest. There, a large gate demarcated the forest's entrance, and the way in through the wards that extended around the whole region. The wards weren't powerful given how extensive they were, but Leon had been able to sense alarms and other such enchantments on a stone band that encircled the forest.

Should any monsters leave the forest, they'd be located and weakened by these wards. He imagined such a wide-scale enchantment must have been time-consuming and expensive to set up, but in the Nexus, he wasn't surprised such a thing existed. He was almost disappointed that the enchantment didn't also trap the monsters in the forest completely—though, he supposed other beings existed within, too, as he could hear birds and sense more peaceful beasts wandering about in the less fog-shrouded areas.

He and his party landed in front of the enormous arch. There were no proper doors or obstructions to stop him from entering the forest, and only half a dozen guards stood by the arch to monitor traffic in and out. Other than those guards, the forum was largely empty, giving Leon's party a surprising amount of privacy as they strode toward the arch.

With their purpose spurring them on, with their new home counting on them to return with the power they needed to survive, Leon and his party entered the Redspark Forest in search of the Stormborn Oak.