Ban

“How in Anvar does a creature so foul-looking taste like manna from the heavens?” Ban exclaimed, sinking his champion’s formidable teeth into his third swine of the evening. He ignored the queasy look Kai was so rudely sending his way.

Rhona slammed her cup on the table nearby and offered her own wisdom on the matter. “Might be, that swine are pure of heart. Foul of face, sure, but to taste this good, they must be shivving saints!”

Imogen sat curled up in a heap of frosted fur. She’d quite impressively reforged her champion, and now occupied the body of an ice wolf. It was as tall as Ban’s own stone houndzard, but what it lacked in bulk, it made up in grace and speed.

She’d already finished her own meal long ago, but was kind enough to keep the conversation lively. In my own experience, few things taste better than jadeite. It is a rare gem stone from Kaltan. Once, my dragon went abroad and returned with a trove of such delights. I tasted spices, metals, minerals and gem stones from every part of Anvar, some even from distant Pintea! Nothing surpasses the pure bliss of sampling jadeite.

Licking his champion’s jowls, Ban fought the wave of sleepiness that threatened to overtake him. It was a most peculiar sensation, one he’d never felt so keenly.

While in his gargat champion’s body, he could always retreat back to his dungeon where his mind thrummed with endless energy. But now, with his core removed and sitting idly in a sack in Kai’s baggage, he couldn’t enjoy the luxury of boundless energy. Perhaps it is a symptom of not being surrounded by my own dungeon, he assumed, forcing his thoughts to remain private.

Ever since having been linked to Kai, Rhona and Imogen, nearly all sense of the word privacy had been pushe d to its logical limits. He and Imogen had an easier time of it though, and with practice, so too would their fleshy companions.

Ban yawned and stretched his houndzard body out on the soft grass Imogen had grown from them. They’d taken a meal together, a penultimate meal Ban supposed, before they were forced to retreat.

Considering what Imogen had said kept him aloft for a time. A world full of exotic things to consume; such prospects were any Earth Core’s dream.

“Calling it a night then, Ban?” Kai asked with just a touch of amusement in his tone.

Ban grumbled, lolling to his side to better accommodate his excess. I am wide awake, Kai. Nothing to gain in making fun.

Rhona laughed, and Ban could hear her shift in her seat. “If that’s what wide awake looks like, I’m a bleeding fool. It is getting late though. Sleep sounds rather enticing.”

Imogen was kind enough to absorb the food and mess.

Having the remains of the swine’s carcass removed from sight and smell made Ban feel a good deal more comfortable. In fact, why not enjoy a bit of rest while I can? he thought. I deserve it more than those loafers. Riding on my back all the way, and only a brief thank you when we arrived back.

The depths of Imogen’s dungeon faded away, and Ban tumbled in the vortex of sleep. It felt a little like the madness he’d endured when he was shivvered and useless, but he was beginning to find it quite charming.

Ban dreamed of eating his way to the heart of a great mountain, finding treasure and wonders there beyond description.

He’d just consumed the bones of a terrific beast when someone screamed in his mind.

They’ve arrived! Wake up, everyone! Imogen warned, her usual soft voice booming. The soldiers have reached the edge of my influence at last!

Ban and his companions bolted upright from various positions of sleep. He noticed Rhona reaching for a sword at her hip that wasn’t there, and Kai rolled to the side and clutched his glaive. Good. My dragon is developing some sense after all.

“How long?” Kai asked, rising to his feet. “Are we in danger yet?”

No, but it’s time to retreat. I’ve already prepared a tunnel that leads up to the surface heading toward the Hintari border. I’m going to send out a welcoming party, Imogen said grimly. They won’t come near without having to pay.

Ban blinked his huge reptilian eyes, confused despite the straightforward actions he would have to take himself. Kai and Rhona were scuttling about like cave crabs, both packing up their bags and preparing to retreat. Honor chewed at a lump of grass. He was, insofar as any horse can be, ready to claim the day.

But something didn’t settle right with Ban.

Imogen, why bother with sending out minions to fight? Surely, setting a few traps for the soldiers is enough. You won’t be able to control any of your minions when you’re removed from the dungeon after all.

Imogen’s champion stared blankly, and Ban knew her mind was racing throughout her dungeon. Still, after a moment, she replied in a somber tone.

But Imogen! Ban protested, What of you? Will you not come as well?

No, Bancroft. I will live, and if necessary, die with my dungeon—for as long as I am able. Nothing short of resurrecting my dragon could persuade me. Besides, who else will slow the progress of the Brintoshi army?

Kai and Rhona froze and turned to the ice wolf sitting nearby.

The body of Ban’s champion twitched with a sudden onslaught of anxiety. He felt trapped in this body, and his emotions were being compounded by the physiology of this blasted beast!

He forced himself to remain calm, and attempted to reason with Imogen. But have you had ample time to restore yourself? Will your champion, as strong as he is and flanked by golems, be enough to defend yourself? Even as strong as you are, how many could you hope to deny?

The dungeon dismissed his worries. He could tell by her tone she’d already decided her course of action long before this moment. Worry about your own, Ban. I have chosen to stay, and already, my chambers are filling with minions. These invaders are potent, but they will not pass easily. Help your companions understand and guide them with all the wisdom your Yorick bestowed upon you.

Finally, the rage and fear in Ban’s adopted body became too much. He roared and tore his talons through the fresh turf. No! I’ll not leave you, Imogen. We’ve only just woken a single Earth Core, and… and I am proud to call her friend. You’re coming with us!

A few dozen ice wolves formed all around them, each three-hundred-pound brutes with daggers for teeth, capable of bringing down a horse.

As the beasts swarmed together and bound up the chambers toward her dungeon entrance, Imogen replied to Ban’s entreaty. I won’t. This is not your choice to make, Bancroft. But I have some balm to ease your heart. This is my last gift to your guild. Take it and plant it wisely.

When her words faded from his mind, a bright spark of light began to form in the center of the turf. Soon, it took shape. A perfect sphere crystal formed, the size of a human’s fist. Inside, green and blue ether whorled.

Kai walked forward and stooped to inspect the item. The young man asked, What is this, Imogen, and how can a bauble make leaving you behind any less painful? I’d never assume to deny your will, but I’m with Ban. We don’t want to leave you, Imogen.

It isn’t a bauble. It is a fragment of my self. I’ve made this Soul Sphere in the hopes that it will mollify my passing somewhat. With time and enough ether, Ban has the power to integrate the Soul Sphere into his own core.

None of Ban’s frustration diminished, but he found himself staring in wonder at the shining object before him. He examined it, but felt he couldn’t understand how it was made. It’s design was infinitely complex.

He shook his reptilian head to clear his emotions. Imogen! I would certainly still rather you come along. But… how is this possible? Yorick never mentioned that Earth Core s could reproduce!

Imogen responded with the softest tone she’d ever adopted. Ban noticed Kai and Rhona listening as well, their faces intent, their bodies still. Yet, he felt certain she was speaking to Ban directly.

I will not speak further on the subject of where I am and am not going. Should you be foolish enough to attempt to remove my core, I will protect myself. Please, let this be the last of it. She paused, perhaps waiting for another complaint to rise up from her friends.

She finished by answering Ban’s other question. The Soul Sphere is a well kept secret, and has a great many limitations. It isn’t a form of reproduction, not in the strict sense. This sphere will never become life on its own. Rather, it contains a small portion of my spirit, my soul if you will, as well as some of my memories. When you find yourself in possession of a dungeon again someday, Ban, you will need to integrate it.

And how might I do that, Ban asked in a subdued tone.

Just absorb it as you would any other material. The Soul Sphere will resist integration, and only with time and patience will you be able to access all that I have placed here.

The dungeon’s champion strode over to Ban and walked close enough that the two beasts’ noses were almost touching. And Ban, I expect you to name it, teach it, and protect it. Will you do this for me?

Ban’s heart twisted in his overgrown lizard chest. He felt like shouting or weeping, but instead, he did as he knew any friend must.

He assented.

I promise, Imogen. I will do as you ask. Is there nothing I can do to persuade you though? I feel we have only just begun our friendship.

Imogen’s champion moved forward, pressing against Ban’s scaly face with her own. We shall have all the time we wish, even if not in this lifetime.

The great ice wolf turned away, facing the rear of the core room. A split in the wall opened up, revealing a tunnel that led up and away from the invading force. It is time you all left, she announced, the heaviness of authority coating her words. I will be distracted in preparation, so let this be our farewell. Good luck on your journeys.

Rhona cleared her throat. Wait. I guess this is okay, us taking some piece of you instead of the whole thing. It isn’t my business. But what of the bunyips? Won’t they be in danger as well?

Imogen bowed her wolf’s head, acknowledging Rhona’s inquiry. Those poor creatures would provide little help. No doubt their lives would be best lived out in the mountains where they ought to have remained. I’ve already opened a second tunnel for them that leads north instead of east. They’ll be in the Zargan Mountains this very evening.

Ban watched Kai bow to the wolf, whispering out a thank you. The young man’s eyes were shining, and Ban felt proud his dragon could be moved by such noble emotions.

Rhona placed a hand on the wolf’s forehead and gave her own farewell. “Thank you for caring, Imogen. You’ve a good heart, and no worries. We’ll protect the sphere.”

Then Kai was throwing a saddle on Ban’s back, Rhona pulling herself up onto Honor. And all Ban could do was wait. Too soon to be called decent, the group was charging up the tunnel and racing toward safety.

He knew Imogen was busy, had so many things to do. There was some small sliver of hope. The forces coming against her were many, but she was a strong Earth Core. Maybe she would live, and he could travel to visit with her in the future with Kai.

The thought tasted like a lie.

Ban growled, bounding up a seemingly endless tunnel away from a good and honest friend.

Reluctantly, he opened his mind to her. I will miss you, Imogen. I only wish we could have had much more time together. We could have created such wonders.

I know, Bancroft. I know. But do not overly despair. Even now, my soul feels diminished. Look inside the Soul Sphere, not to understand it, but to see what is inside. I think you’ll feel a good deal better.

Ban ground his teeth and pushed himself even harder than before. I will. Goodbye, Imogen.

Goodbye, Bancroft.

And that was the last he heard of Imogen the dungeon.

Honor and Ban’s stone houndzard ran for an hour until the gentle slope emerged into the gloom of the Mirin Swamps. The moon was full, providing an even sheen of silver light.

More trees grew here, the blight somehow weaker, the soil a bit firmer.

Ban followed behind the brave horse galloping toward Hintar. The rhythmic splash of Honor’s hooves lulled Ban’s mind, and he receded into himself.

Kai’s emotions drifted to Ban’s consciousness. The dragon was pained by leaving Imogen as well, but most of his concern was directed at Ban. The boy needn’t worry, he thought to himself privately. I’ve already lost my first master. What is the loss of another friend?

The bitter sentiment rang hollow in his heart, but he didn’t rightly care for truth at this time.

Moved by desperation more than hope, Ban focused on the burning sphere of light that rested beside his core.

It was like staring into the night sky if it could fit in the palm of your hand. He marveled at its pristine construction, wondering how on earth Imogen had achieved such a feat. Then he recalled her request.

So, rather than consider the item’s craftsmanship, he looked inside of it.

Though he continued to charge through the muddy swamp, a portion of Ban’s mind split off. Suddenly, he was one with Imogen, could search around her dungeon and witness her completing her many tasks.

Ban watched another troop of fifty Ice Wolves bound away from the dungeon’s entrance. He saw the bunyips hobbling along a tiny corridor, excitedly skipping along.

The Soul Sphere allowed him to see every aspect of her dungeon, but it was more than that too. Not a mere looking glass, the sphere was itself a scale from the wyvern’s hide.

Acting instinctively , Ban probed deeper into the Soul Sphere, wondering what creature this might be. It wasn’t precisely Imogen, no. It was something else entirely. At the center of the swirling gyre of Earth and Water ether, he discovered something more resilient. He pushed his mind, summoning his substantial will to enhance his efforts.

He strained for several long moments. At last, he relinquished his efforts. Perhaps it must be planted under a proper mountain first, he considered. Then, on a whim, he pushed a tendril of ether from his core into the Soul Sphere.

The sphere absorbed the energy hungrily, so Ban increased the flow. His own reserves were small, but there was little harm in giving a little away.

Once more, Ban pushed his consciousness into the core of the Soul Sphere.

His champion stumbled, making Kai mutter a curse. The dragon asked for an explanation, but Ban was too enthralled to respond.

For despite the effort it took, Ban had succeeded in witnessing a single memory stored in the Soul Sphere.