They traveled further through the twisting rocky trails. Mount Dragon loomed ominously above them, reminding Jeze of how small she was in the world. They passed several warning signs and abandoned outposts.

  "What are those?" Jeze asked.

  "The Ironfist Kingdom and the Guild station guards there to ensure that no one comes through," Grifus replied. "Their jobs are twofold, to keep the monsters contained, and to ensure no one disturbs the great dragon Eclipse."

  Kalina explained, "During the Wandering Spire Event all resources are pulled. This is why the outposts are empty."

  Jeze nodded, but she did have one question. "Monsters?"

  "This area has been abandoned by people for centuries after it was ravaged by Eclipse," Girufs answered, pausing to take a short break. The steady climb up had taken a toll on his older body. "In my younger days, I took assignments in this valley. Within there are old ruins, evidence of a people that lived here long ago." He visibly shuddered at the memory.

  "What did you discover?" Jeze asked.

  Grifus took a deep breath. "I was a part of an expedition to eliminate a pack of Rock Trolls that were raiding the neighboring villages. They made their homes among long abandoned ruins deeper within, near the base of Mount Dragon. The closer you get to Mount Dragon, the greater the feeling of dread you feel. The area is ripe with Affliction energy."

  Jeze knew that was how Viel was cursed. The Ones from Before used this valley's natural Affliction energy. "I was told that the Affliction aspect was native to other planes, such as the Abyssal plane."

  "That is partly correct. All aspects can be found in this realm. Some more than others. The Affliction aspect is rare, but it can be discovered in its native form," Grifus answered.

  They continued further along the twisting trail and neared a tall rock face. Kalina moved a short distance ahead of Grifus to scout the trail. "The Ironfist Kingdom had planned to repopulate this valley, but never had the resources due to the war with the Golden Empire."

  "The Guild only cared to keep the monsters from escaping and to ensure that the dragon was not disturbed," Grifus added.

  "But you hid your niece, a rogue Rune caster, here?" Jeze teased.

  Grifus chuckled weakly as he scratched the back of his neck. "Yea, well I suppose I did. The area feels more dangerous than it really is."

  "A perfect hiding place," Jeze observed, knowing the truth of the dragon.

  "Aye, same for your friend, yeah?" Grifus responded.

  Jeze nodded, and Kalina cleared her throat. "Are we ready to move?" The pale-lady asked.

  "It is not much further ahead," Grifus replied, adding, "But be on your guard. Rock trolls and other nasties live here."

  Jeze grinned. She itched for a fight and another chance to test her abilities. But despite the general ominous feeling in the area of Mount Dragon, the trio did not encounter any threats. Grifus paused and tapped his chin. "It's around here somewhere."

  "What is?" Kalina asked.

  "A marker," he answered, searching the rocks.

  Jeze's sharp eyes spotted some unusual markings on a boulder. "Like this?"

  Grifus smiled. "You have sharp eyes! I bet you make a good scout."

  At the base of the boulder he summoned a large mound of dirt to materialize and rise up from the earth. Grifus tapped his channeling tool and shaped the mound to move up the steep rock face where it hardened into stone steps.

  Jeze narrowed her eyes. "What's up there?"

  "A cave entrance," Grifus answered, climbing the steps. "A tunnel entrance, to be more precise."

  They tied their horses behind some undergrowth with plenty of food for them to graze. Grifus led them up the steps to a hidden opening within the rock face that led to a short twisting passage with a low ceiling. Even Jeze had to crouch to avoid hitting her head. It exited to a small clearing surrounded the tall rock walls. A grove of pine trees nestled within, and the entire area was hidden behind the jagged rocks. This was the perfect hiding place! Jeze marveled. A trickling stream of fresh mountain water meandered through the small hidden valley that provided water, and there was soil beneath the pine trees for farming. In addition, enough game to feed a small group of people who could make a peaceful home within. Jeze tensed when she spotted movement among the pine trees.

  "We are not alone," she whispered.

  Kalina's hand went to her sword as they observed a pale figure walk within the grove carrying a wicker basket. It had completely unblemished skin the color of pearl and as smooth as marble. Its bald head nearly gleaned from the faint rays of sunlight that penetrated the forest canopy. The thing that stood out most to Jeze was that it had the same eyes as Kalina.

  "Is that a," she said and paused for a moment. "A healthy zombie?"

  Grifus chuckled. "That is an astute way to describe Neebs."

  Kalina raised an eyebrow. "Neebs?"

  "Come, its best that you meet my niece and allow her to explain."

  Grifus led them through the grove. On the other side was a wooden hut next to a well tended garden that grew a variety of leafy greens, root vegetables and herbs. The person that Grifus called "Neebs" carried the basket inside. Another thin, pale figure dressed in black robes worked in the garden. This one had long black hair that obscured their face. Jeze saw the glint of silver runes threaded into the dark fabric.

  "Hello uncle. I see you brought guests," the figure spoke without looking up. They had a soft voice with a lisp that was most pronounced on the "s" sounds.

  Grifus nodded with a twinkle in his eye. "Greetings Zel. I want to introduce you to Jeze and Lady Kalina."

  Zel responded with an awkward curtsy, but still avoided eye contact. "And to what do I owe this pleasure?"

  Jeze detected some sarcasm and wondered if they were being mocked. "We seek your expertise."

  Zel tilted her head in Jeze's direction. "Do you, now?" She dropped her gardening instruments and clapped her hands with excitement when she spotted Kalina. "What is this wonderful specimen you brought me?"

  "What did you call me?" Kalina growled.

  "Remarkable! It can speak!" Zel exclaimed as she hiked up her robes to hurry across the garden. She stumbled and tripped a few times on her way.

  "Touch me and you will lose your hand," Kalina threatened.

  Zel paused, and her lips curled back into what Jeze could only imagine was an attempt at a smile. What is wrong with her?

  "Not a zombie, nor a vampire. Hmm, don't tell me. I can figure this out," Zel said while tapping her chin.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Kalina's hands tighten into fists and Grifus interposed himself in between the two. "Zel, these are my friends."

  His niece chuckled and hurried toward her hut. "How delightful! I have not had a challenge like this in a while."

  Grifus nervously smiled. "I'm sorry, she is a bit eccentric."

  The three followed Zel inside. Her "home" consisted mostly of books and a laboratory. There was a wide table covered in melted candle wax and engraving tools. The only furniture that hinted that a person lived there was a small cot tucked away in the corner and an iron kettle that hung above the fire beneath a brick chimney. Neebs was emptying the contents of its basket into the boiling water. Jeze noticed that the stew was purely for survival and lacked any aroma or spices for flavor.

  "No, not a wight. Too passive and not aggressive enough," Zel mumbled, flipping through the pages of a worn leather journal.

  "I might kill your niece," Kalina said.

  Grifus sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Zel, please put the journal down and give us a moment."

  "A revenant!" Zel exclaimed, pointing at a scribbled page within her journal. "How amazing! You must have been an extraordinary person when you were alive."

  "When I was alive? I'm still me!" Kalina snapped.

  "Right, of course you are," Zel said, winking at Grifus.

  Kalina screamed in frustration and stormed out of the hut.

  "Did I say something wrong?" Zel wondered.

  "You are rude!" Jeze snapped. She knew how sensitive Kalina was about her constant struggle to keep her identity and was about to go after her.

  Grifus stopped Jeze with a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Let her be. Show Zel the gem."

  "Gem?" Zel asked, rubbing her hands together. "You brought me more mysteries!"

  "Are you sure that is a good idea? I'm starting to regret coming here," Jeze said.

  Grifus nodded, repeating. "Yes, show Zel the gem."

  Reluctantly, Jeze retrieved the phylactery wrapped in the rune covered cloth. Zel's hands trembled with anticipation as Jeze unwrapped it.

  "That is a beauty," she whispered, her lisp was more pronounced with her eagerness. "Please, place it on the table."

  Zel cleared away candle stubs and engraving tools by shoving them to the floor to make space. Jeze gingerly placed the cloth flat on its surface, where Zel pulled out a magnifying glass to study the runes.

  "You contained the gem using, let me guess, the Portal aspect?" She wondered out loud.

  “Yes,” Jeze answered.

  Zel shrugged. "I am no expert with the Portal aspect, but the Rune work is a little sloppy."

  "What?" Jeze exclaimed.

  "But, clearly, it is adequate as you are keeping the phylactery contained. Otherwise, whoever owns this thing will be running rampant around here, am I right?" Zel asked with an odd snicker. It reminded Jeze for a moment of Ziplocke.

  "What can you tell us about it?" Grifus asked.

  "Well, for one thing, this is excellent rune work. The gem, not the cloth. As I mentioned, your rune work was sloppy," Zel said.

  Jeze made a fist. "I'm going to punch your niece," she promised.

  "Why? I'm just being honest," Zel replied without looking up from the gem. She stepped away to rummage through the pile of channeling tools that littered the floor.

  Despiste the clutter, Jeze had to admit that the variety of tools that ranged from bracelets to rods were expertly engraved. Zel selected one where Jeze recognized the Spirit aspect. Zel tapped it and performed precise movements in the air. How could someone so clumsy be so graceful? Jeze saw that it was the summoning spell that her Spirit Walker friend, Rainia, had shown her. However, Zel layered more complex Rune patterns that Jeze didn't recognize and felt the presence of spirits within the hut.

  "Hmm, that was what I thought," Zel mumbled to herself. "What? Oh, now that is interesting. You think? Okay, let me try that."

  "Is she mad?" Jeze whispered to Grifus.

  "I am not, now shush as I consult with my colleagues," Zel shot back.

  Grifus's niece continued to have what appeared to be a one sided conversation. Zel paced the room, muttering to herself. After a moment she looked up and exclaimed, "I got it!"

  "Got what?" Jeze asked.

  "I don't have time to explain," Zel snapped.

  "Let her work," Grifus said, smiling.

  Was he proud? Jeze shook her head, crossing her arms. Zel rapidly tapped the channeling tools and formed glyphs in the air. A pile of dirt rose from the ground and turned into a stone circle wide enough for one person to stand in. Candle stubs floated in the air and positioned themselves at the edges of the newly created stone surface, and flickered with flames.

  "She has talent," Jeze grudgingly admitted.

  Zel pulled out a piece of chalk from the folds of her robe and scribbled a circle of runes in between the candles. When she was finished, Zel looked up.

  "Neebs, please step inside the circle."

  The zombie stood straight with an emotionless face and walked over to the summoned stone surface.

  "What are you doing?" Jeze asked.

  "Testing out a theory," Zel answered.

  Before anyone could object, she removed the gem and handed it to Neebs.

  "No!" Jeze cried, but it was too late. The zombie held the phylactery.

  Kalina burst inside the hut with her sword drawn. Zel held up a pale hand. "Do not disturb the circle, or you will create way more trouble than we need."

  "What did you do?" Grifus demanded.

  "Watch," Zel answered.

  Neebs face rapidly shook back and forth and transformed into the familiar gray skinned visage of the Lich. His lips pulled back into a sneer.

  "You are making my job easier," Lev hissed. The grin faded from his face. "I can't move."

  Zel clapped her hands together. "I was right!"

  "You dare ensnare me? I will boil the flesh from your bones!" Lev snapped.

  "I have questions, how did you layer the Mind aspect with the Spirit aspect?" Zel asked, unperturbed.

  Lev's face grimaced as he strained, but Neeb's body remained unmoving and unchanging. After a moment, the lich chuckled ominously. "You are a skilled necromancer. Free me, and I will answer all of your questions."

  Jeze's hands went to her weapons and Kalina inched closer.

  Zel chuckled, "I'm no fool." She tapped her chin, pacing around the trapped lich. "Besides, I figured it out already. You weaved the Affliction aspect to connect the Spirit and Mind aspects. I also detect some Force runes as well. Hmm, tell me how long did it take you to craft a single gem?"

  "Decades," Lev hissed. "I have all the time in the world to find you. Unless, you free me now."

  Zel laughed in the lich's face. "You chose lichdom for immortality? How crude, but you do intrigue me. I do hope we do meet. There is so much I can discover from you."

  Lev's lips pulled back in a fierce snarl and after a moment he relaxed. His eyes studied his surroundings. "Oh, I will oblige your request. That is a promise." With that the Lich's face melted away and Neebs' blank expression returned. The gem crumbled to dust in the zombie's hands.

  "How exciting!" Zel exclaimed.

  "We need to go," Kalina said.

  Jeze agreed. "This was a mistake."

  "Not necessarily. I believe Zel knows how to stop the lich," Grifus responded.

  "Oh, that is simple enough. He is a loose soul that needs a vessel, otherwise he will cease to exist," Zel explained.

  Kalina shook her head. "You do not realize the danger you are in."

  Zel pointed to the runes she scribbled onto the summoned stone surface. "I figured out how to contain him. Granted, I will need to make some more adjustments as he was able to destroy his phylactery and escape. But, given time, I can figure out how to trap him more securely."

  "How much time before he comes here?" Jeze asked.

  Grifus nodded. "It’s hard to tell. He was not able to see much, but we should not take any chances. Zel, back your things. We need to leave."

  Jeze and Kalina's eyes went wide. "She is not coming with us," the two said in unison.

  Zel scratched her onyx black hair. "I would hate to leave my research, but this is much more fascinating. Okay, I will go with you."

  Before Jeze and Kalina could further object, Grifus spoke. "I will not leave my niece here in danger. Besides, she is our best chance in defeating Lev."

  Zel ordered Neebs to start gathering tomes and channeling tools into a thick cloth sack. "Do you have horses?" She asked.

  Grifus nodded.

  "Good, I will bring my entire library then," Zel stated.

  Jeze rubbed her face. "Can she even keep up with us?"

  "Sure, I have kept a consistent daily physical regime," Zel said.

  She is as skinny as her zombie!

  Kalina shook her head. "It is best that she takes one of our horses and heads to Giblet. The Templars should be able to protect her."

  "They will convict her for practicing Necromancy," Grifus replied. "She comes with us."

  "She made the lich angry. He will be coming for us with a vengeance," Jeze observed.

  "We will need more help. We should go and find your friend, this Dark Swordsman," Grifus said.

  Kalina agreed. "We are near Mount Dragon. Is he close?"

  Jeze nodded, glancing at Zel. "I hope you are fit enough for a climb.”