Evolution: A Warlock's Rise To Power

Lucan and Silent rode the ship back to his fortress. When they departed they went to visit Aniketos in the castle.

"Master, I am sorry. I failed to defend your walls. Please punish this worthless soul." Said the dragon as soon as Lucan walked in.

The dragon bowed its head on the ground and Lucan could easily see the stub where his wing had been cut off.

"You did everything in your power, that is enough." Lucan said. He emptied out the ore he had received from Tigereye and piled it up before the dragon. "Use this to restore yourself. As the formation grows stronger, so will you. Currently it is still recovering its energy. We need you in tip top shape so it can recover faster. Take care of yourself, the sooner you recover, the sooner the rest of the energy is diverted to the barrier."

The dragon nodded and then bit directly into the pile of ore like he was diving face first into a bowl of cereal.

Lucan was happy, the missing wing was starting to slowly grow before his very eyes. It would not be long till the dragon was back in fighting shape.

Lucan and Silent left the dragon's hall and headed for one of the balconies in the fortress. In the distance, they could see the previously broken wall had been repaired. The new stone was not aged by time, so the color wasn't an exact match, but it was good enough. Lucan thought it added character and the repaired section was a shinning battle scar.

He turned his gaze to the giant's massive greatsword that still stood in the field, outside his fortress. The 300-foot sword was half plunged into the ground.

"What are you going to do about the sword?" Silent asked.

Lucan had his people investigate it. It wasn't made of special metal or anything unique. The only impressive thing about it, was its size.

"I don't know. I was thinking about leaving it. It kind of looks cool where it is. How many people can say they have a giant's sword stuck in the ground outside of their fortresses?"

Silent rolled her eyes. "You're silly. What if somebody else brings a giant? They won't even need to transport a weapon."

"Hmm." Lucan thought while scratching his chin. "What if one day we have a player or NPC who could turn big and use it? Then you will regret getting rid of it."

"Pfft, okay. Do what you like." Silent said, not really caring either way.

Lucan shook his head. His wife couldn't understand the epic looking trophy from their win against the Plague Lord.

Lucan heard footsteps approaching. "Yummy, yummy, get in my tummy." Said the lunar goblin while turning the corner.

"More Food, where have you been? I haven't seen you in a while." Silent asked.

The goblin scratched his head. "I no know." He said before shrugging and turning around real fast.

Lucan frowned. It was time to end the games with the goblin. His eye's glowed green as he activated Omni-vision, tracing the strand of white magic that had always been circling the goblin's mind.

The warlock found its path in the land of the fey.

"Hey More Food. I picked up something good up for you." Lucan said while pulling out some random food from his bag.

The goblin stopped and turned around. His eyes locked onto the bread and jam in Lucan's hand. When the goblin reached out for it, he slumped to the ground and started to snore.

Lucan put his wand away after casting the sleep spell.

"Lucan, what are you doing?" Silent asked.

The warlock quickly pulled out a length of rope and tied the goblin's hands and feet together.

"There is magic that has always been cast on the goblins mind. I want to trace it to its source, and I do not trust More Food. This seems like the best way to do it."

"Hey, what you do?" The goblin asked while struggling and only pulling the knots tighter.

Silent didn't like the fact that Lucan tied up her friend without warning, but she would side with her husband over an NPC in a video game.

"Okay, let's see where the trail of magic goes." Silent said in a slightly annoyed tone.

Lucan hung the goblin from his broom stick as Silent dove into his shadow. He opened a portal and flew into the land of the Fey.

This realm appeared to be a paradise, but like all realms, it was fraught with danger. The fey rulers along with many devious species could be found here. Lucan flew for hours, passing forests, swamps, plains, canyons, and steering clear of any city or town.

When the sun set, and the moon came out, the goblin stopped struggling against its restraints.

The goblin recognized the direction they were heading.

"Warlock, I commend your abilities but traveling to the temple of the moon is not a wise decision."

"You sound so smart." Lucan responded.

"I advise you to let me go and return to your territory. You should not meddle in the will of the gods."

"OoOo, scary."

"Warlock, I know you don't believe me, but there are things that can be undone and things that cannot."

"He, he, he, I am aware. And it appears that you are too. I am sure you will survive a fall from this height, but I wonder how many times you can bounce back. Shall we find the number?"

The goblin didn't speak further. Up ahead was a calm lake, its reflection looked like glass. In the clear sky, the moon was almost full and appeared in duplicate on the lake. In the center of the water stood a temple. Lucan began his descent and landed on the dock outside of it.

He put away his broom and scooped up the goblin before carrying him.

There wasn't a soul present inside the temple. The subdued décor in spotless condition gave the building a feeling of serenity.

Lucan followed the strand of white lunar magic to the alter.

As he approached, he could see the mana start to gather on the alter, but nothing happened.

"Are you too afraid to appear before me?" Lucan asked. "Maybe some spilt blood will help you come into form." He suggested while transforming his wand into Night's Whisper.

"You will not hurt one of Marama's servants." Said a figure who materialized on the alter.

A woman dressed in pure white armor, fair skin and hair that flowed like moonlight appeared.

"Why have you been spying on me?" Lucan asked while not lowering the knife from the goblin's neck.

"Marama has done no such thing." Said the woman who floated just above the alter.

"I am not stupid, I can see the direction of magic, I know it flows both ways. Answer me or lose a servant."

Lucan said while the knife started to dig into the goblin's skin.

Lucan and the figure stared at each other.

"Her." The moonlit lady said, while pointing to his shadow.

"What about her?" Lucan asked.

"We were hired to keep tabs on her and keep you busy when necessary. It would be a bonus if you meet unfortunate circumstances, but she was always protected."

Lucan's mood fell. "Why."

"Because we were paid too. I have answered three of your questions, let the goblin go."

Lucan pulled back his knife.

"Who hired you?"

"I am not at liberty to say. Marama provides to those who perform the sacrificial offering ceremony."

Lucan thought to himself about who would want to mess with him but keep Silent safe. Only one name came to mind.

"Bone Crusher."

Lucan didn't miss the moment of surprise on the lunar lady's face before she quickly hid it.

The woman's body shook, her eyes went blank, and her mouth hung open as an eerily tranquil and smooth voice spoke. More Food scrambled in his restrained position and rolled over onto his stomach with his head pressed against the ground in reverence.

"Lucan Quilldrake. Bone Crusher's second offering has not been completed yet. If an opposing force makes a better offer, his wish shall remain unfilled. What can you use to tempt me, the goddess of the moon? What can you offer?"

The warlock smirked. "What can I offer you? Hmm, that is easy. I can offer you… mercy."