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Chapter 8.3. Siege of Slother.

– Bad indeed, – nodded Zhen Wu: – I want you to stay in Slother and join its defenders. You managed to do something that not many could. Stop their general-god. I wish for you to do it once more.

– Time Stasis spell uses up three thousand of my mana, which I cannot use, until spell ends and god gets out. I only did it because I had no other choice. Why would I do it again?

– Because you want to return to Human Continent? I can tell you what you need to do, in order for you to be able to return, without worrying about a punishment for breaking the contract. Which was the reason – why you were exiled to demon lands.

– I can figure it out myself. Also how powerful are those gods? Previous was strong, but I expected more, from a real god.

– Gods cannot exercise their true power in lower realms. We are limited down there, and also vulnerable. That is why we rarely visit lower realms.

– Even so. He was strong, and resilient to magic.

– As we all. But, fine, I will give you vial of my blood, – sighed Zhen Wu: – Even if it borders on forbidden. Also I will let my worshippers in Mor-Mojek know that you are cherished ally. If you ever decide to go to Tuatha Dé Danann lands, which you plan to visit, – smiled Zhen Wu: – I have a temple near town of Taraka, where my worshippers hone their skills in unarmed combat and swordsmanship, along with use of other weapons. Someone like you could learn a lot there.

– Sounds partially interesting. But I will need you also to tell me, where I can find Claidheamh Soluis.

– Sword of Light? I see. You learned about if from young Cian. Revealing such things is… Problematic.

– Just like fomorian army.

– Yes, but it is most that I can give you. Nothing more.

– Fine. But I only promise to try. If I see that I cannot stop your fomorian god, I will run away.

– I trust that you will have a plane, – again smiled Zhen Wu.

Lilith grimaced, but took out an empty vial from her Female Purse. Zhen Wu cut his arm with a small dagger and allowed his blood to fill the vial.

– In order to safely return, you should cross Dark Continent. You already started, but continue to go east, until you reach snakemen island. Once you do, you can return to Human Continent.

Lilith nodded and pocketed the vial: – And the sword?

– It is located in Barbarian Continent. In the middle of Behemoth wasteland, inside a cave of Behemoth King.

– Who’s or what is Behemoth King?

– An ancient creature. A behemoth, who evolved into Behemoth King. Currently he is only one, who reached such evolution.

Lilith nodded, and Zhen Wu clapped his hands. Lilith looked around, she was inside a temple again. She grimaced and angrily glared at priest. He paled, and she went outside. This new job – she did not like it.

* * *

The Mercenary Guild was a hub of activity, when Lilith returned three days later. Demons and otherworldly beings alike were clustering around, as news spread like wildfire through Slother’s streets.

– Fomorians are on the march! – one mercenary cried, voice barely audible above din surrounding him: – Thousands strong – led by general-god himself! They mean to conquer town, before moving further into demon lands.

Lilith frowned, taking in anxious faces, pressed close around her. Clearly Zhen Wu’s warning had come true, far swifter than anticipated. She turned away from crowd towards counter, where succubus clerk sat watching proceedings, with amused detachment.

– Looks like you’ll be getting your payment sooner, rather than later, – she said wryly,
crimson eyes glinting in candlelight: – Hawk band survivors have vouched for you and your men. According to them, you were separated from main force, but proven yourself useful.

Lilith nodded, mind already racing through possibilities presented by sudden turn, which events had taken. With fomorians encroaching, and Slother preparing to defend itself against invasion from fomorian forces.

Clerk placed a stuck of few gold and dozen silver coins on the table.

– Your part of reward. Slightly higher, since most of mercenaries did not return to collect their part.

Lilith grimaced. Reward was meager comparing to the hardships, but that was mercenary life in Dark Continent. Mostly surviving, not getting rich. She pocketed the coins and looked around.

– What’s all the fuss?

The succubus clerk leaned forward on her counter, eyes narrowing as she took in Lilith’s grim expression.

– Fuss? You could say that, – she drawled, tail swishing lazily behind her: – Slother hasn’t seen an army this big size, since Belphegor himself last rode out to war.

Lilith raised an eyebrow at mention of fallen archangel, who ruled town. Clearly fomorian threat was grave indeed, if even his name could be spoken without fear of reprisal.

– So what happens now? – she asked, voice low enough for only succubus to hear: – Will Slother stand or fall before this onslaught? Any job opportunity?

The succubus clerk nodded, a sly grin spreading across her face.

– It seems you’ve come during right time. If you are brave enough, – she purred, reaching beneath counter to produce small wooden sign bearing Slother’s crest: – We’re currently hiring anyone willing and able to protect our fair town from fomorian threat.

Lilith took sign, examining it with critical eye, before looking back at demoness before her.

– What exactly are the terms? – she asked, voice careful, but interested: – I have my own men under command, who would likely jump at chance for gold coin.

The clerk chuckled lowly, eyes glinting with amusement.

– Pay is one gold up front, – she said smoothly – fingers tapping out rhythm on countertop: – Plus another three, once fomorians have been driven back. And don’t forget priority rations for duration as long as conflict lasts, too.

Lilith nodded slowly, mind already racing with possibilities presented by such generous offer.

– And what about lodgings? – she pressed further – knowing full well how crucial it was to keep troops well-rested in times like these: – Will they be provided at no cost as well?

The succubus grinned then, revealing row of pointed teeth, like knife blades in candlelight.

– Aye – all taverns have agreed to waive fees, for those who will be fighting to protect town, – she said, gesturing around crowded guild hall behind them with delicate hand: – So what do you say? You and your men, up for task at hand?

– I am, – nodded Lilith: – Me and my men as well.

– Good to hear, – smiled succubus: – Let me sign you up.