Heather the Necromancer

Book 5: Chapter 34: Illusion or?

The bats produced a shrill wail as they flew in every direction. Heather watched as they dispersed about the ship and wondered what use a cloud of bats was. Surely they were nothing more than an annoyance that was easily ignored.

That's all it does? Frank asked as he scratched at his head. Heather noted the nervous tick and wanted to laugh to see him scratching at the armored helm. Frank always seemed to be Frank, no matter the place or circumstances. She was grateful for that consistency in a world where it seemed almost anything could happen. He was a rock of predictability, and she began to realize he kept her sane. Just thinking about being sane brought her back to the crown on her head. The woman inside said she had gone insane before and, in her madness, failed at the task she was set to. The voice refused to say what that task was, indicating that knowing would put Heather on the path to failure.

Heather? Frank repeated, drawing her from her thoughts.

I guess it works like my pollen cloud, she replied to his earlier question. But how effective can that be?

Quinny sat by the rail where Webster was busily devouring a bat he snatched from the cloud. She looked at the dispersing animals and offered an observation. The cloud was more of a distraction than a means of blinding an enemy. Lots of people would be struck confused or even frightened if a swarm of bats was suddenly flying around their heads. She even suggested that the bats would intercept spells and other attacks acting as a kind of shield.

Hmm, Heather replied as she pondered, mixing a cloud of bats with bees. I am sure it has its uses. She looked up to see Frank studying her with yellow eyes. He didn't like her wearing the crown and was even more against the collar. Still upset? she asked as he dragged a metal claw along the deck of the ship.

I dont see why you need to wear either, he replied with a sigh.

The crown has made me a super chosen, she replied and paused at her choice of words. Super chosen didn't have the right ring to it. She would have to think of a better phrase.

But we don't know for sure if it's safe, Frank insisted and stepped through the bats to stand directly before her. She looked up into the hulking form of Frank. When she first met him, he was shorter than her, well, not really, but he hunched over so much that he appeared that way. However, a bunch of levels and toughness upgrades later, and Frank was Head and shoulders above her with a wide frame. With his grotesque form hidden inside the armor, it was hard to remember him as he was.

We cant keep running from my supposed past. Better to put things to the test and figure out how to use them properly, Heather insisted but doubted her own words. Even she was worried that the woman in the crown might dominate her mind and try to run off. Still, Blackbasts collar would prevent the mystery woman from running far.

But thats the point, Frank argued. All of this is based on the words of one person we dont trust.

Quinny laughed and pointed out that plenty of things had happened to prove Heather was more than a random player. Something big was going on around her, and pretending it wasn't only made it worse.

I know, Frank grumbled and turned away. But we can see the town from here. We will be there in minutes, and they will see what Heather looks like.

Which is very different than Hathlisora, Heather pressed. Thanks to the collar, I am just another Lilithu devil.

Yeah, but what if thats seen as a monster player? Frank pressed. People might be aggressive toward you even if they dont recognize you as Hathlisora.

Heather hadn't considered that, but before she got too far into the thought, Quinny chimed in that it would be fine.

Why do you say that? Heather pressed.

Because your a girl, Quinny replied with a pointed finger. Everybody gives a girl that looks like you a pass. Youre more likely to draw admirers than you are enemies.

Admirers? Frank and Heather said together as they looked at one another.

Quinny started to laugh and pointed out that Heather was now tall, well proportioned, and exotic. Just the thing to catch the eyes of the other players.

Great! Heather moaned and folded her arms. Just what I need, a dozen Endrils annoying me.

Enjoy it, Quinny teased. It's part of the world, after all.

Maybe the town will be empty, and we can move on before anybody notices, Heather sighed and looked ahead to the rapidly approaching lights. They would be there in less than an hour and spend the night on the ship before setting out in the morning. She made up her mind to keep the disguise and deal with any complications as they arose. At least nobody would see her as the great enemy of the paladins, and that was a welcome relief.

She went back to practicing her spells and produced a rain of razor-sharp bones over the glass. She really wanted to experiment with some of the summoning spells, but the ship was the wrong place to practice. One spell summoned a ring of skeletons around her, who ran off in all directions as they suddenly burst into flame. They didn't last long, but she could think of some creative uses for a ring of burning minions.

She practiced the cloud of bats again as the floating stones of the docks became visible. In the darkness, Heather could detect a faint glow on the long narrow structures. Magic held them over the glass, protecting them from the searing heat. She wondered why the other town didnt use stone for their docks but discarded the idea as Blackbast slowly steered the damaged ship into an empty place.

The town looked to be two dozen small buildings with a scattering of larger structures inside a low wall. It was primarily made of the reddish stone of the surrounding land, but here and there, an obvious player home stood out by defying the local colors. Heather waited until the ship was stopped before leaning over the rail to look down the long pier. Nobody was about unless they were hiding among the ropes and barrels that dotted the structure. Blackbast walked down the side of the ship before picking up a rope. With feline agility, she casually jumped to the rail and then to the stone pier, where she tied the rope to a post.

We need to appear to be just another ship, Blackbast said as she finished her work.

How are we going to explain the burn down the center of the deck? Quinny asked.

Nobody need come up and see it, Blackbast purred. However, if one should make it aboard, we will tell them we had an accident with a magical item.

And if they want to see this magical item? Heather asked with a raised brow.

Blackbast narrowed her eyes as her tail swished irritably. Tell them to mind their own business. We are not obligated to put people at ease. Now, take that collar off, or you won't be able to leave my side. I will stand watch through the night while the rest of you go back to your lairs. Be here early in the morning, and we will set off to rid you of this egg.

Heather removed the collar, suddenly changing in a soft glow back to her usual self. She pocketed the collar, and they headed for where the palanquin sat on the deck, none of them speaking until they were inside the magic room.

Legeis and Breanne went back hours ago, Quinny said as they stepped through the second magic door into the mountain lair.

Heather shrugged and stepped into the secret room hidden in the mountain when a spectral form came bursting through the wall.

There you are! Breanne cried with a haunting voice.

Is something wrong? Frank questioned as the three noted the strain in Breannes voice.

Something is amiss, Breanne said. And it isnt the first time this particular thing has raised suspicion.

Heather wasn't sure what Breanne was referring to until the woman explained. She had spent hours looking over her swamp area and dared to venture onto the trails on the other side. All of this was perfectly normal until she got to the cabin in the swamp. Somehow it had moved across the trail and was now facing it from the other side.

It moved? Quinny said in a confused voice.

Maybe the player who owns it came back and made changes, Frank offered when nobody else had anything more to say.

Are we sure it's a player home? Heather asked as she recalled the earlier incident where a monster from the swamp chased them into the house but mysteriously died when it entered. Something was very strange about that building, but did she have time for yet another mystery?

It has to be, Frank replied. Maybe the player left it while the golems were patrolling the swamp.

Why not move it to a new home far from here? Breanne asked as she floated closer. Why come back and move it across the road?

It was obvious Frank had no answers, so Heather broke the silence and suggested they go and see the cabin. She picked up Webster, and together they made their way outside into the graveyard that circled the tower. It was a dark and moody night lit by a pale moon swimming in a cloud-streaked sky. The night air was cool and carried with it the kiss of water, carried on a fine mist from the distant falls. They crossed the mist-covered walkway that linked Breanne's largest island with the land and arrived at the water's edge.

Marsh insects filled the air with a chorus of chips and tweets. A mist highlighted by the moonlight crawled over the water that appeared black as tar, rippling only slightly where some unseen creature disturbed it from below.

Breanne suggested they take one of the long narrow boats, so the three loaded into the craft with Frank at the pole while Breanne floated over the dark mirror of water. Slowly they melted into the mists of the swamp, heading straight as they could for the trails near the middle.

Whats where the house used to be? Heather asked as the boat glided along.

Nothing, Breanne replied. A bare patch of mud with not so much as a weed growing in it.

So the house was there, Quinny interjected. Maybe it moved in an earthquake?

Breanne let out a pft and informed them that there was no earthquake. Even if there had been an earthquake, the house would not have neatly moved and turned to sit on the other side of the road.

More likely, it would have collapsed or slipped into the swamp, Frank said in agreement.

Well, it didn't get up and walk to the other side, Quinny argued back.

It must be the player who owns it, Frank reiterated. They must have come back and decided to move it.

Again, we don't even know if that is a player house, Heather reminded. Frank shook his head and pointed out how neat the place was despite being abandoned in the swamp. From his point of view, only a player home would keep like that. Heather suggested it could be haunted by a player, but Breanne had to agree with Frank then. If a player were haunting the building, it would look haunted. Since it was so orderly, it had to be something else.

They argued the point until the dark horizon of the far shore came into view. It was immediately clear the house was moved even before they made landfall. It now rested across the road with a muddy path leading to the porch.

This is pretty, Heather said as they waded into the clouds of flashing bugs darting about the tall marsh weeds.

Keep your wits about you, Breanne cautioned as they gathered on the shore. We are outside our lairs and can be attacked by the swamp creatures here.

Heather enjoyed the darkness but used her undead sight to gain better vision. All she saw was the house and endless seas of dense reeds. Breanne was right, anything could be hidden just beyond those delicate stems, but there was no use worrying about it now. As she stepped ahead, it suddenly dawned on her that she had left her bone champion in the magic room. Scolding herself silently, she lamented that he had to be hidden, and by doing so, she rarely thought of using him. She heard a squeak in her mind and looked at the spider by her foot. He was reminding her that he was at her side and would follow her anywhere.

Did you look inside? Frank asked as they reached a rectangular patch of bare ground where the cabin once stood.

I didnt get any closer than this, Breanne replied as Frank clawed at the earth.

Its completely barren of plants, he said after a careful inspection. The cabin must have been here just days ago.

And now it's over there, Heather replied as she stepped onto the road. Frank inspected the land between them and pointed out strange ruts in the road as if something were dragged across it.

Who could drag a whole house without breaking it? Quinny asked as they gathered before it.

None of them could answer the question as they stood silently, peering at the strange building. A light inside made them think somebody must be home, but as they watched, nothing moved in any of the windows.

Why dont we knock? Heather suggested when the silence had gone on too long.

Frank scratched at his head before carefully stepping closer. He had to duck to get onto the porch before rapping on the door with an armored fist. They stood motionless, waiting for a reply that never came and caused Frank to move to the window. He peered inside for a minute before announcing that nobody was inside.

But a candle is lit, he said from the porch.

So somebody has to be nearby, Heather replied.

They could be in our lairs, Quinny suggested, but Heather wasn't so sure. Something about this felt off and not just because the building was moved. It felt like they were being watched, but a quick look around revealed nothing of interest.

This is silly, Heather quipped and stomped to the porch with Webster in tow.

What are you doing? Frank asked as she reached for the door.

Going inside, she replied and pulled the simple wooden handle. The door creaked open with ease revealing the large single room inside decorated just as they remembered it. Heather stepped into the inviting space and surveyed the room, only to feel a twinge of something out of place.

What if somebody is here, but they are invisible? Frank asked as he ducked at the doorway.

Then they can appear and meet us, She replied as her gaze searched the room for what was bothering her. The table was there, as was the fireplace. The simple beds, a box of wood, and rough rug were all exactly as she remembered them. Still, she knew deep down that something in this room was changed and wandered in further to investigate. Do you see anything out of place? she asked the spider as he turned circles by her foot.

What are you looking for? Frank asked as he crawled inside.

I don't know, Heather said in a near whisper. I can't help but feel something is changed. She scanned every corner looking for evidence of another player, but the cabin was empty. No muddy tracks, no foodstuffs, no clothes or anything, she pointed out as she spun in the room. It's a generic cabin for nobody, and yet somebody lit a candle.

That could be part of the player home, Frank said as he regarded the single candle on the table. It might always be lit and never run out.

It wasn't lit when we were here before, Heather corrected and leaned over the table. Now that she thought about it, there was no scent of smoke in the air. She held her hand over the flame and realized it put off no heat. In fact, now that she was closer, the flame didn't dance at all, and she blew on it to see it ignore the effort. So it's a magical fake? she asked. When Frank didn't reply, she turned to look at him curiously.

Thats odd, he said after a long moment and a scratch at his helm.

You're going to wear a hole in that thing, and what's so odd about it? she pressed.

Even magical candles flicker, especially if you blow on them, he said.

Heather tilted her head in surprise and looked back at the candle. Slowly she leaned down to blow on it again when Quinny's voice made her jump with a shout.

What are you two doing in there? Quinny asked from the door.

Quinny, you scared the life out of me! Heather scolded as her hands curled into fists.

Sorry, Quinny replied with a smile. We just wanted to see if you two had been murdered yet, she added as Breanne joined her just outside.

Why would you think we were murdered? Heather demanded with a snarl that suggested the answer had better be good.

Quinny smiled back and threw up her hands with a shrug. Because it's the perfect movie setup. The lone couple finds an empty cabin in the woods, they go inside, and the hidden killer starts stalking them.

This isn't a movie, Heather corrected, then took a moment to think about it. It was worse than a movie. It was a video game or a simulation or something. The point was it was full of players who thought exactly as Quinny did, and why wouldn't they recreate some horror scenario they had seen before? And now I'm worried, Heather sighed. I should have just gone to bed.

I dont think anybody is here, Frank suggested.

Thats what the victims always say right before the killer strikes, Quinny said.

Usually, the killer picks off the noisy friend first, Breanne commented with a smirk.

Heather smiled at the remark before making her way to the door in the rear and reached for the handle. Before she could grab it, the door opened out slowly, causing her to jump back and stare into the swamp behind the house.

It opened on its own, she stammered and crept toward it again.

Maybe it is haunted, Frank suggested as he came to her side and looked out the open door.

I thought we agreed it looked too clean to be haunted? she whispered and twitched her hand, resisting the urge to summon her scythe. Slowly she crept to the door and leaned her head out to look into the darkness beyond. She saw nothing but a curtain of marsh plants a dozen paces behind the building. However, something moved to her right, and she glanced to see a shape vanish around the corner, causing her to jump.

What? Frank asked as she lurched awkwardly out of the doorway.

I saw somebody! she cried and pointed to the wall. Just for a second, they went around the building that way.

Frank turned about and pointed to Breanne and Quinny, who were still watching from outside. He motioned for them to go the other way, and they nodded and quickly headed off to intercept the mystery person. He then squeezed out the backdoor and headed around the building with Heather following close behind. They rounded the corner only to find Quinny and Breanne standing at the other corner looking confused.

Nobody was here, Quinny said as she looked around. I dont see any tracks in the mud either.

I am sure I saw somebody, Heather insisted and looked around the ground at her corner. She was annoyed to see the soft weedy soil was undisturbed, proving nobody had come that way.

If somebody had come this way, they would have left a trail, Quinny insisted.

Heather spun about with a frown as if being accused of seeing things. Lots of classes can move about without leaving a trail.

In the mud? Quinny asked.

Heather pointed out that Breanne floated, and so did the golden sprite. That gave her a sudden idea, and to hammer the point home, she cast a new spell called Natures step. Her feet floated an imperceptible inch above the low weeds allowing her to step on plants without harming them. She stomped into the area between the group just to prove she would leave no discernible trail.

When did you get that? Breanne asked.

In those two levels we got for killing the demon, Heather replied. Now, focus on our mystery person. I know I saw somebody run around the corner to here.

Whoever it was, never came around this corner, Breanne remarked and looked up. Maybe they could fly, or they have invisibility.

It could be a rogue class, Quinny added. Some of them can pass over mud and not leave a mark, and they can turn invisible right before your face.

Heather remembered the rogue in the city who managed to vanish around a corner in an almost empty alley. She also remembered the rogue they killed in the mountain. He seemed very arrogant and highly skilled. What if he had come back to reclaim his home or the treasure they left behind? She went to voice that concern when they all heard a slam from the front of the house. Breanne floated back to see the front door was now closed and informed them that the light was out.

Frank led the way around to the front, and as a group, they stood right outside the porch staring at the dark house.

Somebody is here, Frank said to break the silence. And they are playing games with us.

Quinny nodded and drew her sword as Breanne prepared a spell. Heather smiled with closed eyes and nodded as she finished communicating with Webster.

Webster is still inside and says the building is empty. The door closed on its own; nobody came in.

What about the light?Breanne asked with a hint of worry.

Heather paused a moment to ask the question over telepathy, and his reply was simple, the candle was gone.

Gone where? Quinny asked.

He doesnt know, Heather replied. It isnt on the table anymore.

Somebody shut the door and took the candle, but he didn't see anyone? Quinny asked in a hushed voice.

He assures me nobody came into the house, Heather replied and stepped onto the porch.

Wait? What are you doing? Breanne asked in alarm.

My spider is in there, and I am going to get him out, Heather insisted and took a careful step for the door. She grabbed the handle and pulled the door open slowly to reveal the dark interior. Her undead sight illuminated the space allowing her to see that everything was the same except the missing candle. No sooner was the door open than Webster vaulted out, latching on to her stomach as she screamed in panic.

Webster! she yelled and staggered back. Why is everybody trying to frighten me to death today?

She went to pry him off her stomach when a deep rumbling laugh echoed in the air causing goosebumps to prickle her skin. She tore Webster free and ran with him back to the others as they too took a few steps away from the empty house.

Who was that? Heather whispered in shock as she hid behind Frank.

There is somebody here, Breanne said in alarm and drifted higher as if to get a better look. Stop this foolish game and show yourself! she yelled defiantly.

They waited in silence, listening to the sounds of the swamp as the house defied them a reply. Frank sniffed at the air and stepped closer, squinting into the night, attempting to use his ability to see life's aura to detect the hidden player. He approached all the way to the house and noticed nothing until a movement inside the window caught his eye. He saw a dark humanoid form dart for the backdoor, so he ran to the side, determined to catch the mysterious prankster.

Frank! Heather cried and ran after him with Webster still clutched under one arm. She lost sight of him as he rounded the house and though she was only a moment behind, saw nothing of him when she too rounded the corner. Running as fast as she could, she turned the final corner to see Frank standing at the far one scratching his head. He paced the area in a confused manner before Heather finally reached him and grabbed at his arm.

Heather? he said in alarm. Did you see where he went?

I didn't see anybody, she insisted and looked about. Did you see someone?

They were in the house and ran out the back door, Frank explained as he continued to look around. Maybe were being tricked by illusions because nobody came out that door.

Illusions? Heather repeated. So we might be seeing things?

It would still mean a player is nearby, but what we are seeing might be a trick to fool us, he replied and looked back to the rear of the house. But where would he be hiding?

Heather looked about as if trying to spot the person Frank was talking about. Who are you looking for?

An illusionist can hide really well and make you see things that aren't there, but they have to be close enough to see what is going on and manipulate the illusions. That means whoever is doing this is close enough to see us.

And hear him laugh, Heather added.

Even that could have been an illusion, Frank said. They can make you hear, see, and even smell things that arent there.

Could that candle have been an illusion? Heather asked as she peered in through a back window. It didn't put off any heat or flicker when blown on.

Probably, he said and lurched about quickly as a form appeared in the doorway behind them.

Quinny? he called as she leaned out the door and waived.

Did you find anything? she asked but never left the doorway.

Nothing, he replied and looked at Heather. Wasnt she afraid to go inside?

Heather shrugged and started toward Quinny as the zombie woman ducked back into the house and out of sight. By the time they reached the door, the building was empty once again. Heather looked confused to see through the house and out the front door to where Quinny stood beside Breanne on the trail.

Sheesh, did you run through the house? Heather called.

Did I do what? Quinny called back.

Heather raised a brow and looked at Frank before challenging Quinny again. She explained they had just spoken to her at the backdoor, but Quinny and Breanne insisted no such thing had happened. In fact, they said the front door closed, and the windows seemed to darken for a moment before going back to normal.

So they can make illusions of us? Heather asked in alarm before reaching out to tap at Frank to make sure he was real. This is crazy. How are we going to catch somebody who can make us see whatever he wants us to see?

Hmm, Frank grumbled as he looked at the house. So far, whoever is doing this hasn't strayed from the house. What if we burn it down?

Burn the cabin down? she said in alarm and looked to the building. Isnt that kind of drastic?

Think about it, Frank urged and stepped into the doorway. Every time we see something, it is inside the cabin or right at a door or corner. It always vanishes from sight a moment after we see it and is gone when we investigate. It's either an illusion or somebody like Breanne who can pass through the walls.

So, no walls, nowhere to hide, Heather said as she caught on. She smiled and spoke more loudly as they stepped away from the structure and began to walk around. Youre right, lets burn it down and see if whoever is playing these games can hide in the ashes.

She waited to see if their mystery foe would reply, but no answer came as they walked around the house and arrived at the others. Loudly Heather explained the plan and how she would be the one to set the place on fire. Quinny asked why and they shared their idea that they were seeing were illusions, and a player was hiding someplace in the house. The player was toying with them, so they would deprive the player of his hiding place and flush them out.

Or you can show yourself, and we won't have to do this,Heather cried and waited for a reply. Alright, fire it is, she sighed and opened her panel. The Lilithu devil had the ability to create fire and then hurl it, but thus far, she hadn't practiced using it. A quick read of the ability set a smile on her face, and with an outstretched arm, she curled her palm and concentrated. A dance of flames appeared over her fingers, and then a ball of orange light rose in the palm. She held the fire out as if to show the unseen player she meant business, then sighed again. She didn't want to burn the cabin down, only meet whoever owned the building. However, that person was intent on annoying them, so what choice did she have? At least they would be able to rebuild it quickly, but it still seemed like a waste.

Last chance, Heather cried and curled her arm back to throw the ball of flames.

They all jumped when the building shuddered and seemed to sink in on itself. They stood frozen and gawking as the entire structure suddenly moved away, collapsing in on itself in a near-silent retreat. They heard the splash of water as it continued to shrink as if melting and slip away, fading into the darkness as it moved into the swamps behind it.

What just happened? Heather cried with her handheld back, clutching the flame.

I have no idea, Frank stammered and scratched at his helm.

The house ran away, Quinny added as she looked to her friends. Could the whole thing have been an illusion?

Heather shook her head and pointed out that they had touched it, but Breanne assured her that solid illusions were possible for the very skilled and high level. Frank continued to scratch at his helm until finally taking a step forward to point into the swamp.

Do you think that could have been a mimic? he said with wide eyes.

The group was silent as Heather waited to find out what a mimic was.

No way! Quinny cried and shook her head. Thats too big to be a mimic.

Uh, hello? Whats a mimic? Heather asked as the two started to argue.

A creature that can change its shape, color, and texture to look like almost anything, Frank answered.

So it can look like anything? she asked.

He nodded and explained that they frequently disguised themselves as chests, doors, or other objects players would interact with to lure them in.

Could it have faked those people we kept seeing? Heather asked.

It can look like almost anything, Frank assured.

Its not a mimic, Quinny insisted and put her sword away.

Breanne narrowed her eyes as she studied the building. It would certainly explain the candle.

Magic can explain the candle, Quinny replied and shook her head. Look, I read all about mimics before coming in. You can't play them, and they never get any bigger than a bookcase. This is a whole house. It would take dozens of mimics to do that.

Do they do things like that? Heather asked and looked to the others. Can they work together?

I have never heard of it, Frank replied. They are very rare, and players kill them on sight.

Mimics are super dangerous, Quinny added. You never see them until one of them is chewing on you.

So this might be a mimic? Heather questioned.

Its not. Its too big, Quinny argued.

Frank scratched at his head a moment before turning to Breanne with a question.

When we were here, you used the door because you said passing through the walls felt strange?

Very strange, Breanne agreed.

Maybe thats because you were passing through a living thing, Frank suggested.

Breanne looked disturbed at the thought and suggested they leave at once before the thing returned. Quinny continued to argue that something that large couldnt be a mimic, and even if it was, why hadnt it tried to eat them?

We were inside the house, Frank agreed with some confusion. It had all the opportunity it needed to eat us.

Which only proves it isnt a mimic, Quinny said as they reached the boat.

Heather looked back into the darkness where the cabin once stood as her friends argued behind her. She wasnt sure what they had just seen, but whatever it was, she wasn't chasing it into hostile water. With Webster under one arm, she boarded their narrowboat, and they set off in the opposite direction. In moments they were safely inside the radius of Breanne's control, free from a monster attack. They continued to debate what happened, but the consensus was clear, only a mimic could have done what they had just witnessed, but mimics didn't get that large.

With no agreement, they arrived home, and Heather left the three to continue their debate as she went to bed. That night she dreamed of the strange cabin and how it fled into the night, filling her mind with wonder and confusion. The world was strange enough; now, there were beings in it as fluid as water and solid as stone. They were like little bits of the mechanics of the world come to life and given sentience, and Heather wanted to know more.