Alchemical Parasols

--Gatix--

The elder excused himself after making his suggestion. Being a generous host, I was offered a place of comfort and a blanket, the latter going back into a cupboard when I explained it wasn't needed. The rest of the night was spent lying against the most comfortable corner, conversing with Nev and studying the map.

Morning came, and we set off to the alchemist as soon as the elder completed his morning rituals. Seeing daylight struggle to filter through the sandstorm made me glad I didn't forge ahead with my intention of leaving. Everything past fifty meters was obscured, with the entire world covered in a reddish grain. Sand particles let me play audience to a concert of white noise as it brushed against my armor, but that would not bother the villagers. The streets were even busier than the previous day, with parasols of all shapes, sizes, and colors wandering in the haze. More than one pair of goggles cast a look at me, but all were ignored. I still intended to leave as soon as possible, but I might be forced to enjoy the elder's hospitality for another night if the sands didn't subside.

“There.” The wind muffled the elder's voice, but Nev cleared the audio up quite well. Pointing at a small reddish building helped portray his intentions. “You'll see stairs descending into the depths past the entrance. That's where you'll meet with the alchemist. Come back to my house afterward. I wish to bid you farewell before you set off on your journey.”

Nodding my thanks, I braced against a gust of wind and walked forward. The building itself was unremarkable. I might have mistaken it for an outhouse if the elder didn't point it out, but looks can apparently be deceiving.

Opening the door showed a solitary staircase leading into the ground, with a torch lighting every tenth step. The urge to unclip Scythe was strong, but I comforted myself by knowing Fang was within easy reach. I counted about fifty steps before reaching a landing with a solitary wooden door in dire need of some maintenance. Giving it a couple of light knocks almost removed it from its hinges, but that did not seem to bother the voice yelling “Come in” from the other side.

“Hi...” I closed the door behind my back, taking a quick scan of the room. I would not be surprised if the alchemist took up his profession due to reading too many fantasy books. Large table with glass jars, mortar and pestles, retorts, and who knows what else? Check. Half a dozen bookcases lined with staves and books thick enough to classify as heavy weaponry? Check. Random crop plot featuring plants I can't name? Check. At least the alchemist didn't resemble a snake in any way. Not to mention he wore a white robe with silver embroidery. Would be surprised if the robe didn't have a hood as well.

“Welcome, stran...” His voice trailed off when he got his first look at his visitor.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, I know.”

“Do you really?”

“Dread Knights almost wiped out the populace a hundred years ago, and your first impression is one came to visit. Been there.”

“So you say.” The alchemist put the book he was holding on the table. “You'll not blame me if I don't trust your words at face value.”

To which I answered via shrug. “Don't care much either way.”

“I see.” He started to rub his chin. “I take it you are the cause of the uproar yesterday?”

“I tend to make an impression.”

“That's putting it lightly, though I'd be impressed if anyone were to realize what you resemble.”

“One of them did.”

“The old man, no doubt. Likely that is where you stayed overnight as well, considering no inn would host you with an appearance like that.”

“You're well informed.”

“Pure deduction.” He wrapped his arms inside his robes. “Nevertheless. I am Donkor the Gilded, alchemist of Aventil and Fifth Silver Sceptre of the Wolani Order. Who might you be?”

“Gatix, the curious, mercenary from far away and connoisseur of big guns.”

“What brings you here?”

“The old man said you might help me.”

“With?”

“I'm surprised you don't already know.”

“Please. I am skilled in deduction but gifted in neither clairvoyance nor telepathy.”

“Fair enough. I am looking for a mineral.”

“What is it called?”

“I don't know the local name, but it's called trisortium where I come from.”

“Unknown. Describe it.”

“White-yellow powder which appears inside rocks and stones.”

“Hmm...” Donkor bit the inside of his cheek. “Wait here.” He disappeared through a door I didn't notice earlier. Based on prior experience, the urge to rummage through his cupboards was strong, but I didn't have Ms. Queen to cover for me in case tits went upward. That might not be the best of ideas in this case.

Wonder where she is right now. Hope she made it out okay.

“Gatix.” The alchemist closed the door before putting a large jar on the table. Inside were various rocks, but the white-yellow powder was unmistakable. “Is this the mineral you're after?”

“Nev?”

“Who?”

“Confirmed. I am detecting about two hundred grams of trisortium inside that container.”

Turning to the alchemist revealed his eyes to be bigger than usual. Again, not unheard of. “I have a spirit guide helping me.”

“A rare gift.” He cleared his throat in an attempt to reclaim his posture. “We call it sulvarium. It's rare enough for its habitat and use to be unknown to us.”

“Then how did you get your hands on it, especially this much?”

“Judging by the amount, I'd wager the collection has grown over many years. I believe the count of Shiriki once made a deposit, but I speak under correction.”

“This is the second time his name has popped up in connection with this mineral. Seems I need to pay this count a visit.”

“Then you may wish to start packing. The county of Shiriki is half a year's travel from here.”

“Then I hope I come across a skilled teleporter in the future.” I nodded at the jar. “How much do you want?”

“Take it,” the alchemist waved his hand dismissively. “I have no use for that mineral.”

“Really?” A pity he couldn't see the raised eyebrow. “Not even a favor? Break the legs of a nemesis or something?”

“Your willingness to resort to violence may not be your best trait.” Donkor frowned. “No. The mineral has been gathering dust on my shelf for the past decade. Its loss would not leave me in any worse position.”

“Huh... took a bit of wind out of my sails here.”

“What did you expect? A battle to the death over a jar of dust?”

That's what happened the last time around. I took the jar off the table, palming it once to ensure it was real. “Not quite.”

“If it will make you feel better, keep an eye out for suspicious individuals around town.”

“Suspicious how?”

“Use your imagination.”

“That's not giving me a lot of information.”

“Suspicion is best aroused when you're not expecting anything.”

“Finding this very conversation more suspicious by the second.”

“Which proves my theory is working. Inform me if you find anything. Otherwise, I'll trust you can see yourself out.”

Which I took as my cue the alchemist was tired of me. “Sure, see you around, and thanks.” The alchemist grunted a response, his attention already focused on a stack of papers. Walking up the stairs passed quickly, but outside, I realized an oversight neither myself, Dax, nor the Boss thought about.

“Hey, Nev? What am I supposed to do with this thing?”

“Carry it?”

“No shit. The whole time? How will I fight the skeletons of hell or whatever starts munching on my plates again?”

“I could activate your locator beacon.”

“That could be an option. Think this much trisortium is worth the trip?”

“Considering the contents of that jar amount to a fifth of what we need, I'd postpone. A return trip at a third or half of what we need would be more economically viable.”

“Makes sense. Any suggestions, then?”

“I suggest you acquire the means of transporting equipment not attached to your person.”

“What, you mean like a bag?”

“That could be an option.”

“Why not just say so...”

I stopped when something crashed at my feet, which appeared to be exactly what I needed. Mentally, I scolded myself. I could have had some real problems if that was an attack, but it seems my would-be attacker had no ill intentions as far as I could see.

“Might this be of some assistance?” Looking up brought a parasol returning its hand underneath its coverings into view. The voice was feminine, but two black goggles prevented me from figuring out any other details.

“Who are you?”

“Somebody getting ready to ask for a favor.”

“Hence trying to bribe me with a bag?”

“See it as a sweetener.”

“How'd you know I need one?”

“Those going to the alchemist always hope to find something. Either you got it and need a bag, or you didn't and I have something to hold my groceries.”

“You know, the alchemist asked me to report suspicious activity.”

“Feel free to report me if you feel threatened.”

I cast a look at the bag. “And if I were to pick up said sweetener, what's the deal it would sweeten?”

“Nothing major. Only for you to walk around town for the day.”

“Didn't you hear? The common folks wants to stone me. Figured I'd get out of here before they find enough rocks.”

“You seen the local weather forecast?” She gestured at the orange-basked horizon. “Unless you can survive Yaot's fury, you're staying until tomorrow.”

“So the old man said.” I sighed. “Walk around town, you say? What's in it for you?”

“Interested, are we?”

“Intrigued more likely.”

“Glad to know I have your attention.” The parasol chuckled.

Hang on…

`You'll probably be enjoying the stalls for the most part, but your arrival has not gone unnoticed. Strange happenings are afoot.”

“Define strange.”

“It's difficult to explain to those that cannot wield magic.”

“You assume I can't do magic?”

“I... well, based on the size of your armor and the odd weapon on your back, I'd wager it's a good guess.”

“So you say.” The figure didn't reply. “Let me guess, the magic around here has turned all topsy turvy, which worsened since I popped up?”

“I'm surprised you know of the magic lines.”

“Somebody told me about it a while ago.”

“I see.”

“You're not telling me how I feature in all this.”

“Your armor. I take it you know what you resemble.” I nodded. “My enemies do as well. Despite the horrors they inflicted, the Dread Knights still hold a certain fascination in the more morbid circles of society.”

“So you want me to walk around and wait for these people to approach me?”

“Yes.”

“And then what?”

“I'll leave the follow-up action to your imagination. Knowing who these people are will satisfy my curiosity.”

I narrowed my gaze at the parasol. “And why do you need to lure these people out through me?”

“We've known each other for five minutes - can't expect me to reveal all my secrets.”

“I see.” I reached down and picked up the bag. “As long as I don't get killed, no skin off my back. Looks like we have a deal.”