The First Lich Lord

Chapter 20

With my creature created I left the dungeon to retrieve my phylactery, and in the short time I was gone, the undead construct hadnt moved. With a mental command, it knelt before me, and I held my phylactery out to it. I imprinted a powerful task to protect this phylactery no matter what. As I looked into my creations eyes, forcing my will upon it, a glimmer of what I would call intelligence sparked within it.

It wasnt much, far from that of even an NPC before all the madness, but it was enough to be certain that there was more to this creature.

A momentary worry about leaving my phylactery with something that had intelligence swept over me. What if it betrayed me? Then I remembered it was my construct. Without me it would die. I no longer needed to directly fuel it with mana, it would do that on its own and hunt creatures as needed, but if I died, the part of it that was tied to me would come undone and it would likely come apart.

Leaving the cave, I felt supremely secure in the fact that this creature would protect my phylactery. I spent a certain amount of time around the entrance, killing as many creatures as I could and raising them as undead before sending them inside. They would either prove to be assets to my construct or serve it.

Satisfied Id done enough, I headed back down the steep slope that led up into this secluded valley.

I promised myself this would be the last bit of death magic I would work. Guilt filled me about using it, and I told myself if I was going to redeem my soul, I needed to do better. The rational part of my brain said this was to protect myself in case something happened. Although, I struggled with the concept of whether or not I was worth protecting. Resolving myself to truly stick to my principles, I began to build a new spell.

It was the illusion spell Id been using, except this time I used up every scrap of mana I had. Enough that Id be in a constant state of mana deprivation to both mask my presence and deprive me of mana. The spell was just powerful enough to completely drain all my mana at the same rate I gained it. So as long as the spell was active, my mana bar would never refill.

I winced as a headache filled my mind. The pulsating grind was excruciating, especially as it didnt fade. But I ground my teeth and pushed on back down the valley.

To my surprise, after several hours of hiking down to the lake, the headache was reduced to a dull throb. I was pretty sure that was never going to go away, but at least it wasnt the debilitating pain it had been.

I looked around the place where the stream fed into the lake and nodded. This would be my home. I marked the area with the markers Rhea had given me.

It took most of the day to clear the cave and make my way back, but I decided to head into town anyway. The fading light didnt bother my eyesight any, even when the sun set.

I approached the temple, where Rhea was just leaving, no longer dressed in her priestly garb.

Ezekiel, Rhea greeted. Youre getting back late. I didnt see you around today.

Ms. Caffrey, I said. I spent the day clearing the wolf problem you told me about and finding a place to settle down.

I am glad to hear that. You must have excellent night sight to make it back in the dark. She turned back to the temple. Let me go grab your reward.

I kept my face straight, not commenting on just how good my night vision was. When she returned, I smiled. Thank you, I didnt mean to interrupt your journey home.

It is no problem, Rhea assured me as she handed me a bag of coins. Did you find a place to settle down?

I did. I gestured at the lake. Im going to build a home on the other lake where a stream that feeds it flows in.

A ways away from him then, she said.

It is. But I value my privacy. I will be sure to build a dock though. Itll make the trip much shorter once I have a good boat.

Come back to the temple tomorrow, I may have an old canoe around here somewhere you can borrow for a bit.

That would be great. Ill see you tomorrow then.

As we parted ways, I headed toward the only inn Id seen. To help avoid suspicion, I ordered food to be brought to my room. Though I couldnt eat it, not ordering something would be strange. All it meant was that I would have to carefully dispose of the food someplace where no one would notice. That completed, I made myself comfortable for the night.

I once again found the meditative sleep of the undead relatively quick and my consciousness drifted off. Visiting the mindscape would be nice, but I decided that would be something better left for when my privacy could be assured.

The next day I headed back to the temple. Id gotten up early and expected to arrive at the temple before Rhea, but to my surprise shed beaten me there. She was already dressed in her priestly garb and greeted me near the steps.

You can come in, Rhea assured me, gesturing to the open doors.

I would rather not, I said with a smile. You mentioned last night there was a small canoe I could borrow?

Yes, its around back. I dont think anyone will need it for a while, so you can hang onto it until you no longer need it.

I appreciate it, I said. Im sure it will make the trip up and down the lake much easier.

If you would be willing, I have more jobs for you as well, Rhea said. I picked out ones in the mountains near where youve chosen to settle. Nothing is as dangerous as the monster cave, but they are tasks that would be helpful to the temple.

Sure, Ill take a look and see what I can do. A genuine smile touched my illusioned lips, even simple gathering quests could be nice.

Rhea handed me a paper, and written on it were several different quests with a few notes about each. The temple appreciates your service. She gave me a meaningful look, one that also held a sternness. That being said, I do understand you are uncomfortable entering our temple, but that does not excuse you from following the dictates of Olattee. Please keep that in mind.

I nodded in understanding. I hear you, Sister Caffrey. By using her title, at least what could be assumed was her title, I hoped to convey that I also respected her. I was just glad she seemed so easygoing. While this wasnt a theocracy, the churchs power was wide-reaching, and it was more or less expected that all would fall in line, regardless if they attended temple or not.

Rhea led me around behind the temple where the canoe she told me about waited. It was old, the weathered wood showing its age, but appeared sound enough. I hope it will help you. I will also send somebody up to check on you eventually.

Thank you for your help, I said. Im going to leave it here for now. Just need to get a few things in town before I head back.

I visited Charlies shop first, but after looking around for a bit, Charlie confirmed I wasnt going to find what I needed in his wares. Dont have much of that stuff, unfortunately. You should visit Dereks shop, hes a woodworker and most certainly has much of what you need.

Thanking him, I then followed his instructions over to a different shop. This one was more open aired. A fire burned in the middle, and there were wood shavings scattered around blades and other woodworking items. This was a rather advanced woodworking shop for such a backwater town.

How may I help you? a thin man asked as he approached.

Are you Derek? I asked. Charlie sent me over and said youre likely to have what I need. I will admit, this is much more of a setup than I expected anyone to have out here.

I am indeed Derek, he said with a laugh. Im not surprised you hadnt expected much. Truth be told, I used to live in a large city and had quite the successful business there. But I got crosswise of a local mobster and needed to flee. Came here and set up shop, and have slowly rebuilt all of my equipment.

That explained a few things. This town was far enough out of the way, itd be a good place to disappear.

What you need? Derek asked.

Im looking to build a home at the other end of the lake. Ideally, tools to help with that. A good ax, nails of some kind, and probably a saw.

Derek nodded. I think I can help you with that. Though if youre building a permanent home, youll need a few more items than just that.

Buying the tools used up most of my remaining money, but I was satisfied with the purchases, certain they would be all I needed. After loading them into a bag, I went back to the temple to retrieve the canoe and headed for the lake. The strength I had for my undead body was quite impressive. There was no way I could carry this much stuff in the real world.

As I situated myself in the canoe, along with my gear, I saw Rhea walking down the dock toward me. May I give you a blessing for your journey and work ahead?

I blanched. Im okay. I really must be going. Trying not to act hastily, I pushed away from the dock.

Well, regardless, I will keep you in my prayers.

I looked back and saw a frown on Rheas face.

Im not sure any good god will help me I muttered.

What was that about the good gods? Rhea called out.

Nothing, I assured her, and started to paddle away.