Necromancer For Hire- Arc 8

Arc 8, Chapter 15

The Mentor

Victor’s feet hit solid ground as he fell out of the portal. He braced his knees, biting through the waves of dizziness and nausea. He couldn't pass out in front of his new mentor. He didn’t want to find out so soon he was so weak. He wanted to at least keep up the illusion longer.

“Where are we?” Victor said, mopping sweat off his forehead.

“West end of Alcorith. Pretty rough end of the city, so you probably shouldn't go out at night. But I think I have a little diamond in the rough,” Morena responded, crossing her arms and smiling.

Nestled between two condemned buildings was a small, one floor home with low ceilings and a chipped, faded exterior. The sidewalk that ran in front of it was cracked, sparse shoots of dead grass poking through. Blackout curtains hung over the windows and a heavy deadbolt protected the door.

Victor stood idle, watching Morena with cautious eyes as he rocked on his heels. He bit at the skin on his lips, unsure what to say or do.

“Come on, we'll probably get mugged just standing out here. I'll give you a tour of the house!”

Victor squeaked, holding his bag closer to his chest.

Morena frowned. “I'm just kidding around about the mugging thing. You don't have to worry about anything, Victor.”

Hastily nodding his head, Victor followed her to the door, nearly stepping on her heels as he tried to stay as close to her as possible.

With a click, the door opened, and Morena ushered him inside. Cheap, worn carpet met his feet as he stepped into the house, a small kitchen unfolding into a connected living room. The appliances and furniture were dated, but it created a sort of homely, lived-in atmosphere. The low ceilings and dark colors moved from oppressive to cozy, but Victor still felt slightly claustrophobic.

As they passed through the kitchen, Victor stared out the glass sliding door on the other side of the room, where a glimpse of a small, fenced-in backyard was offered. Oddly, a small wooden cross was stuck in the snow-spotted grass. Victor’s gaze lingered on it as Morena led him into the hallway.

“That'll be where you sleep, kiddo,” Morena said, pointing at the doorway of a dark bedroom, “I'm just across the hallway, so if you need anything, just yell.” She paused, averting her gaze, “Uh, I mean, like, do whatever you can do. I'm not sure how the whole mute thing works.”

Victor peeked into her bedroom. A queen-sized bed sat against the wall, two nightstands flocking either side.

Victor’s heart pounded miserably in his chest. I guess I'll be sleeping alone, he thought, squeezing his bag tighter. I'm glad I brought a stuffed animal.

“The bathroom’s down the hall, and you already saw the kitchen. You're free to help yourself to anything you want.”

Victor couldn't even think eating. His head was spinning.

He followed close to Morena as she led him to the other end of the hall, stopping at a room with dull hardwood floors. “This will be our study,” she said simply, trudging into the kitchen.

Victor hovered at the threshold, eyes stuck to the cluttered but fascinating room. Leather-bound books sat on shelves, their pages dog eared and slips of paper sticking out of the tops. Runes were carved into the floor, and the charred scars of magical fire were startlingly visible.

Morena stepped back into the room, heaving two chairs and a table with ease. Victor hadn't realized how strong she was.

She skimmed through the book shelf, picking out a thick tome and slapping it on the table.

“Alright, sit down. It's time for a history lesson.”

Author's Note- ive been kinda eh for a little while but i think i hit my writing groove again!

r u ready for lore time???

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