Mark of the Fool

Chapter 429: The Exploring of Change and a New Battle Brewing

Chapter 429: The Exploring of Change and a New Battle Brewing

Claygon had always been beautiful to Alex. A terror to be sure, but a beautiful terror, much like Theresa was. Every inch of the golems finely sculpted clay had always reminded Alex of the hours of love and care he and Selina had poured into crafting his body.

Claygons new frame had the same shape and height, the same bulk, the same ferocity to his face, but the details were finer. After untold hours sculpting, Alex remembered him and Selina admiring all the intricate images of battles, and monsters, of warriors and more, that theyd sculpted into his clay surface with a sense of awe. It was like watching a piece of art ready to come to life. Now, when the light struck him since his transformation from clay to polished marble, the carvings seemed like they were in motion.

The marble gleamed in the light of fire magics, andlike Theresas swordsappeared to emit its own inner glow. The chamber was reflected in Claygons polished surface, shadows and light dancing across the marble.

Beyond the surface; a staggering level of power unfolded like an ocean wave, far beyond anything Alex had ever felt from him. The connections between his golem gore and fire-gems had strengthened, widening so a far greater flow of power reached them.

No wonder they fired so fast, Alex thought, looking at the gem. Those expanded pathways must flood them with powerand

He reached up and touched the fire-gem in Claygons right palm, flinching slightly in surprise.

Warm.

It was warm to the touch even at rest. He ran his finger along the gems surface, feeling its smooth, shining facets. A strange sensation of warmth travelled through the tips of his fingers different from the warmth of magic spells or heat radiating from flame. There was another sort of warmth there, seeping into the link between Alex and his golem.

It gave the young wizard the feeling of being wrapped in a thick blanket on a cold winters day, and

He paused.

Its not just the fire-gems, he thought, touching the gauntlet he and Selina had sculpted on Claygons hand. His whole bodys warm nowwarm marble. Like hes alive.

Alex closed his eyes, reaching out to Claygon with his mana sensesand he felt a pulse. The mana coursing through his golem had always flowed like a river: powerful, but without life. Now, the flood of mana rushed through him like an ocean's shifting tides, or the rise and fall of the wind with the pulse of a beating heart.

And

Theres something about his mana thats changed, he thought, examining each thick finger. Theres more of it, and its denser but

Is he alright? Theresa asked, concern marking her face. Hes been through a lot.

Yeah, hes better than ever. Alex patted Claygons hand. At least, I think so. Its just that hes changed just as much on the inside as on the outside.

Really? Prince Khalik looked fondly at the golem. Truly, hes become quite the handsome devil.

They grow up so fast. Thundar mimed wiping a tear from his eye. Next thing you know hell be asking to borrow your fine cloak and be bringing lady golems home to meat papa.

Lady Golems? That is utter nonsense. Isolde looked at Thundar.

The minotaur shrugged. Ive seen golems sculpted to look like men, women, cats, dogs, or whatever in the city.

And golems do not require biological reproduction, Isolde fired back.

Thundars hooves literally dug into the stone. But some golems have minds, dont they? He nodded to Claygon. Alex, does Claygon have a mind yet?

The young wizard looked at his golem closely, closing his eyes again. He gently prodded at the bond between him and Claygon, feeling its magical contours and the pulse of power emanating from the other end.

He searched for consciousness on the other side of their bond, and what he foundwas strange. Much like his body and the power coursing through him, something had also changed in their bond. It felt stronger and Claygons presence wasdifferent.

I dont know Alex said. He feels different through our bond, but it doesnt quite feel like those times his mind sparked.

Is he talking to you? The minotaur looked Claygon up and down like he was expecting him to start doing something.

No. Alex tapped his arm. But somethings definitely changed.

You hear that, Isolde? Thundar grinned at the noblewoman. Somethings changed! And that might mean hes got more feelings. He wants companionship.

Isolde stared at him.

What, you saying our brave and mighty friend doesnt deserve companionship? Thundar gawked at her as though shed declared that all children should be thrown into cauldrons.

For shame, Isolde, Prince Khalik jumped in, his grin weak but wide. To deny Claygon the very essence of what makes a living thing living: the warmth of others.

That is not what the definition of a living thing is, Khalik and you know it, Isolde snapped.

Aaaaah, do you lack all poetry in your soul, Lady von Anmut? the prince cocked his head at her. This is not about biological needs or the tyranny of nature and destiny dictating our path. Surely, a golem with a mind, such as you and I possess, can form bonds and make friends. Or do you simply treat Claygon as no more than a tool, like the sickle or pickaxe?

Khalik! Isolde snapped. You have been having entirely too much fun at my expense lately. You know what I am speaking of! I am not denying the emotional needs and desires of sapient beingsbe they biological or notI am simply saying that assuming that such affections will manifest in biological reproductive pair bonds is absurd! Far more likely that such a bond would manifest as familial for that is how weespecially Alex and Selinatreat him! As both family and friend!

Youre ruining the joke, Isolde, Thundar whispered.

I am too tired to appreciate being the butt of such jokes at this particular moment. Her tone was acid.

It is true, it is true, Khalik said. Though keep in mind that I am your match when it comes to exhaustion, soin a sensethere is no advantage on my part. We are simply two weary people having a good time, are we not?

Isolde pointedly ignored him, looking up at the golem. Listen, Claygon, my dear. Do not engage in such worthlessness as taking on these three as examples. In some sense, you will no doubt take after your father somewhat She glanced toward Alex. but at least we might be able to narrow the field of bad influences on you

Hey wait, wait, wait! Alex straightened up in offence. I literally said nothing wrong! Youre victimising me!

Oh, please, Roth. Her blue eyes were like ice. You have been there, grinning like the cat who got the cream and stifling a hyenas laughter the entire time. I could feel the malice emanating from you as surely as Claygon feels your thoughts through your link!

Thaaat would not be admissible during a tribunal! Alex cried. You cant just say: listen, I think that man over theres thinking bad things! Trust me, Id knowI got a feeling about it!

We are not in a tribunal. This state around us She began.

Theresa stiffened, looking over her shoulder. Murmurs went through the room.

Uh, Isolde, the huntress said.

is a post-war state which often involves a degree of anarchy the noblewoman continued.

Isolde, Theresa said more urgently.

Alex followed her gaze, sitting up straighter as he did.

Murmurs swept through the entrance hall.

Isolde, Theresa hissed.

in a moment, Theresa, for I

Aaaaah, welcome back young Heroes of Thameland, Baelins warm voice boomed through the entrance hall. I trust that your hunt went well?

Aye, it did, Cedric replied. There was more Ravener-spawn in them tunnels, but we wiped em all out t the last.

Isolde let out a tiny yelp, unconsciously fixing her raven black hair.

Prince Khaliks eyes twinkled.

He looked at Thundar.

His words came out in a whisper: Biological reproductive pair bonds.

Isolde turned bright red as Thundar, Theresa and Alex bit down rolling laughter.

Shut. Up! She hissed.

If anyone noted the groups exchange, none said a word. Their eyes were locked on the two figures following the Heroes. Gwyllain padded into the room like a nervous cat stepping out of a barn and into the farmers waiting dog pack. His large eyes darted every which way, growing wider at each wizard, familiar and monster, they landed on.

He didnt say a single word when he spotted Alex, though he did flinch in recognition, then did a double take when he saw Claygons new form, quickly turning away. His attention went to the other faeor so Alex assumedwalking beside him.

It was this figure who drew the most attention.

And it was obvious why.

At first glance, the blue-skinned fellow looked like nothing more than a jolly, dwarven-like fae with a stark white beard and blue skin. Buthis body language raised a primal fear in Alexs core; the sort of fear that took hold of a mouse the moment it caught a snakes eye.

That instinctual terror on seeing its natural predator.

His true nature was hidden well: the fae had mastered his body language so well, that his guise was nearly perfect. Alex watched him intently, using the Mark, looking for subtleties and masked cues. The slight cracks in his persona were there in the jolly, harmless mask he hid his true nature behind: the perfect balance of weight on the balls of the feet, his eyes slowly scanning the room and how they lingered on the woundedbriefly, hungrilybefore moving on. There was something chilling about this fae, and

Oh, by the Traveller, hes looking this way! Alex thought.

The faes eyes turned to himas though sensing his gazeand they focused with the stillness of an owl regarding a rodent. Alex quickly adjusted his body language: relaxed shoulders, levelled gaze, straight back. He showed no fear, only casual interest: nothing challenging, but nothing to encourage a predator to do what predators do.

A smile crossed the faes blue lipsone that didnt reach his eyesand in a flash, his attention was elsewhere. That smile quickly faded when he looked up at Baelin. The ancient wizards goat-like eyes met those of the stocky fae.

They held for a moment.

The fae was first to break contact.

Pleasure to meet you all, he said, his tone whimsical and light. Im called The Guide: guide to the Heroes of Thameland, and one of the road wardens sworn to Lord Aenflynn.

Professor Jules watched the blue-skinned fae closely, her body language showing gratitude, but screaming and distrust. Her feet drifted closer together and her arms crossed before her.

Baelin stood tall, every muscle relaxed as he bent to shake the stocky faes hand. The pleasure is mine. I am Chancellor Baelin and your assistance was most appreciated.

His words were carefully chosen, showing appreciation, but nothing that could be twisted into a declaration, oath or debt.

If the Guide noticed, he gave no hint of it, instead, he gestured toward the asrai at his side. Twas Gwyllain here that warned me and got us to come to your aid, he said, and so appreciation should be given to he as well as me.

And it is appreciated. The chancellor said to the nervous little asrai. This is a time of planning and grieving, but I would be remiss if I did not show you hospitality. Walk with me, I will see you fed and we will speak. He looked at the Heroes. All of us.

Aye, we should talk, Cedric said. Folkre sayin there was new monsters among them that attacked here?

Could they be something the demon worshippers conjured up? Hart tapped an axe resting on his belt, one hed taken from Zonon-Ins war camp. Your people were describing them, and giving us a pretty good idea of what they looked like, but weve never seen their like before.

Unfortunately, theres not much data to go on, Professor Jules said. Were examining the scant remains we do have, but it's far too early to make any conclusions. Still, it would be good to compare notes. And She paused, seeming to notice something, but moved on quickly. and figure all of this out.

Her brow furrowed, and her body shook. Signs of discomfort washed over her in waves. People died today. Too many. Far too many. We need a response. One thats measured.

Yet crushing, Baelin said. Our enemies are multiplying. Moving. Growing bold. It is time that some of them be culled.

A cheer swept through the room at his words, a cry of grief, and a hunger for vengeance. It spread, sweeping Alex and his friends up.

Fists, weapons, and staffs rose high.

As the young wizard raised his arm in solidarity, he looked to his golem, appreciating his new-found power and wondering what secrets might be hidden in his transformed body.

His eyes fell on the war-spear.

Your war-spear suits you better than it did that demon, Claygon, and if she wants to come claim it, well take care of her, Ezaliel and all their demon allies, he thought. Theyre going to pay for all the people they killed or hurt, and were going to take more of their stuff to help us. Then when we find out what the Travellers secrets are, were going to break the Ravener forever. Sound good?

There was a pulse across the bond.

Alex held his breath.

He waited for another spark of thought, but nothing came.

Hmmm, maybe youll start with your feelings first, and thoughts lateroh, right! Speaking of feelings, the aeld tree helped us. I should thank it.

As he excused himself from his friends to step into the cold night air, Alex focused on Claygon and the aeld, his thoughts and attention turned from the Heroes as Baelin led them deeper into the castle.

And, so he missed Drestras lingering gaze.

He missed the Sages reptilian eyes, watching his every move.

Her look was questioning.

Measuring.

And girding for a confrontation.