The Forsaken Hero

The streets of Heartland City buzzed with commotion. It had been a day or two since the battle, but news and rumors of the battle accompanied every conversation. The damaged areas of the city, of which there were more than a few, had been cordoned off by the guards. Mounted patrols moved through the busy streets, struggling against the flow of people like fish swimming upstream.

I strode through the city, barely bothering to conceal myself with my cloak. I might have made a greater effort, but with Fable trotting at my side, any attempts at subterfuge would have been futile. For his part, he seemed to have gotten bigger than before, nearly eight feet in length, his head almost level with my shoulders. His soul constantly shuddered, straining against its boundaries, pushing toward fifth level.

Sensing the unpredictable power surging through his veins, the crowd gave us a wide berth. I saw many looking at his infernal appearance and the red hair spilling from my cowl, but even if they realized who we were, none dared approach us.

As for myself, I felt stronger than I had in months. Having slept for almost an entire day, and with Fable’s strengthening presence, I had fully recovered from the fight with the inquisitors. Even after destroying the core and healing myself, my soul brimmed with power. I wasn’t as close as Fable, but fifth level wasn’t far away now.

Before long, the City Lord’s mansion came into view. I had seen many different Lord’s residences in our travels, ranging from the Slave Warehouse of High Valley to the magic tower of Western University, but this one most resembled the fortress of Viriden. Walls wrapped the central keep in a curtain of unyielding stone, towers set at regular intervals across the parapets, topped by massive ballistae and waving pendants. Guards patrolled along the heights and at the gates, challenging any who sought entrance,

Hidden to most eyes, countless enchantments fortified the walls and provided buffs to defenders. The ballistae were also enchanted, their bolts bearing runes with interference mana akin to Dispel Magic, allowing them to tear through shields and barriers with ease. Even had I come with an army, attacking a fortress such as this would have been suicide.

Fortunately, the keep wasn’t our target, or I really might have given up. After spending a few minutes observing the castle, I tore my gaze away. According to Alverin, the Circle’s hideout was beneath it. Sneaking in and out of the castle every single time would have been too great a hassle, meaning there were likely hidden entrances within the city.

"Alright, let’s go," I said, patting Fable’s head.

Time was growing short and it wouldn’t be long before guards began sniffing around. Fable was too eye-catching, especially after the battle yesterday. Even if he wasn’t thirty feet long, his infernal appearance and the presence of a red-headed demonkin were certain to attract attention. The Circle would be on the lookout too, especially after I shattered their espionage magic.