The Forsaken Hero

”Blacksand is well known for its many hot springs,” Elaine said as she led us through a crowded street. ”The sealed dragons emitted a lot of heat that warmed the earth. The constant pressure forced groundwater to the surface, creating springs and geysers everywhere. Almost every inn is built atop one, but the most popular sights are the bathhouse.”

The sun had sunk midway to the horizon, and the mid-spring air was warm. It felt strangely soft against my face, soothing my nerves as we moved through groups of merchants and laborers. I hugged close to Fable as we passed through a busy marketplace, using his intimidating nature to keep the starlight from latching on to anyone. We drew many curious looks, but Elaine’s presence saw us through in peace.

”So what will happen now that the dragons are gone?” Elise asked.

Elaine shrugged. ”Nothing drastic. The ground has been saturated with fire mana for hundreds of years. It’ll take another hundred for it to fade, and likely thrice that for the bedrock’s heat to cool.”

”Not to mention the ninth-level techniques they were spewing,” Fyren said.

”True. Just one of their fire breaths could turn a forest into a desert for a year or more. So much mana was released during the fight that the whole caldera will likely undergo some drastic changes soon.”

”Ninth-level spells are that strong?” I asked. ”I can see so much more mana in the air, but will it really turn this place into a desert?”

”Powerful spells and techniques leave a lasting impression on the realm. The stronger ones might be considered permanent to those with a mortal lifespan,” Fyren explained.

”There are definitely benefits, too,” Elaine added. ”The dragons made this region very rich in fire mana, making it a holy land for fire mages and warriors to train. That effect will only increase as the mana settles in. Give it twenty, maybe thirty years, and with the same work, our fire mages will be an entire level above mages who specialize in other types.”

It seemed similar to the power I felt when training in Haven. The whole realm felt attuned to my soul, leaping into action when I willed it. It was like Fate itself wanted to obey.

”Is that true for all attributes?” I asked, wanting to be sure.

”It is, though the phenomenon isn’t well studied. In the last few hundred years, there have been so few battles or events requiring ninth-level beings to take action,” Elaine said helplessly.

”And, um, what about a fate spell?”

She shrugged. ”I would imagine so, but no one’s ever mastered that kind of magic. Not since the one who originally possessed that spellbook, at least.”

I nodded and looked back at the ground, deep in thought. The Ally of Fate had used Starfall to obliterate High Valley. Everything I knew was from vague rumors that made their way to the northern continent, but it had left a crater over a mile wide. What kind of things might happen there? Maybe it would be similar to the starlight that surrounded me.

My thoughts drifted to the priests who had aided me after I escaped Lord Byron. It was because of his kindness that I received Thron’s letter and my current spatial ring. Was he alright? The church must have investigated what had happened and why his church alone was spared. I prayed they’d had mercy on him but had little hope.

”I’ll make it up to you. I promise,” I whispered.

It wasn’t long before we came to our destination. The place reminded me of the many fortresses we’d encountered in our travels, with ten-foot wooden walls and a few buildings forming a small complex. The gates were open, letting us into a small inner courtyard surrounded by walls. Steam wafted over the top, joined by bubbling laughter and muffled voices.

”What is this place?” I asked, tail flicking nervously. This certainly wasn’t like any bath I’d ever heard of.

”It’s heaven, that’s what!” R’lissea said. ”Elise and I come here like every day. We tried to bring you along, but you wouldn’t leave your bed, and Fable growled when we tried too hard.”

Fable strutted out in front of me, looking for praise. I smiled faintly and patted his head.

”Good job,” I whispered in his ear. ”This place looks scary.”

”Scary?” Elaine’s laughter echoed off the walls. ”Hardly. Nobles pay hundreds of gold to enjoy the luxury of a few hours’ visit.”

I looked over the place again, finding the quality of the wall, courtyard, and buildings to match the palace’s architecture. Flowers grew in key areas, and small fountains squirted steaming water into crystal bowls.

I dipped my hand in one, jerking it out with a yelp as I found it hot. My skin was red and tingly, the warm crawling up my arm. My muscles tightened, then relaxed. My entire arm felt limp.

A building made up the far wall, opposite the gates. Attendants stood behind counters enclosed within the structure, speaking with customers as they approached. There were several doors in the walls, which opened to allow people through. A sign above the central counter read, ’Blacksand Springs.’

People instinctively moved out of our way as Elaine approached a young woman on the far left. She was beautiful, with short auburn hair and dressed in the fashion of the empire, wearing a long-skirted dress with slits in the arms, skirts, and a plunging, V-shaped neckline. The fabric glistened blue, hugging her curves before flowing around her ankles and wrists like ocean foam.

Elaine smiled, leaning on the counter. ”Hello, Bella.”

”L-Lady Elaine!” the girl squeaked, eyes lighting up. ”We weren’t expecting you today!”

Immediately, the other attendants flashed her jealous looks. She ignored them, taking in our party with a sweeping look. Her eyes lingered on Fyren, fully kitted in his armor, and froze altogether on Fable.

She swallowed audibly and looked up at Elaine, pleadingly.

”I, um...the rules?” she stammered, helplessly gesturing at a wooden sign next to the counter.

I glanced at it and frowned. The first rule was no fur, including animals, bonded monsters, or beastkin. Right after that was ’No Weapons.’ The rest I barely looked at. I didn’t even want to be here, much less intend to litter or, gods forbid, make love in the public springs.

Fyren chuckled at her obvious discomfort and patted Fable’s head. The wolf gave him an odd look but allowed it.

”Don’t worry, the wolf and I have no intention of soaking in hot water. We’ll be waiting outside.”

”Me too?” I volunteered quickly, sidling closer to the demon.

R’lissea caught me by the shoulder, firmly guiding me in front of her. ”Not a chance.”

The attendant relaxed slightly, though when I spoke, she finally looked past the giant wolf and saw my horns. Her eyes flitted to the sign, and I looked at the ground, praying she’d find a way to object to me. Demonkin were essentially beastkin, weren’t they?

”Um, would you like a private bath?” she finally asked, shifting her gaze back to Elaine.

Elaine smiled, setting a gold coin on the counter. ”Yes, dear. The Garden would be nice.”

”One of the other attendants, a girl no older than I, looked over sharply. ”Um, Bella, that one’s currently occupied. I think it’s Duke Estlon’s daughter.”

Bella’s smile faltered. ”Please, give me a moment.”

She curtseyed to us and disappeared through a door behind the counter. A minute later, she returned all smiles.

”It’s ready for you. Sorry for the wait.”

The other girl’s mouth dropped open, but when Elaine thanked Bella, she peeked out the window at Elaine and went white. She ducked behind the counter, disappearing from view.

The door opened, and Bella led us through. I expected the building to house the baths, but it was little more than a waypoint. The hallway lasted barely ten feet before we were out another door into the central courtyard. Large pond-like pools of water dotted the place, all filled with people.

I squeaked as it hit me that everyone was dressed in nothing but towels and robes. Many wore nothing at all, in the water with relaxed expressions. I only slightly relaxed when I realized everyone I could see was female.

A large wall, this one closer to fifteen feet, overshadowed the largest pool, dividing the courtyard in half. I could hear men’s voices coming from the other side.

”The changing rooms are just up there,” Bella said, waving to a long building on the far side of the springs. ”Feel free to use any open room to store your things. I know you come here a lot, but I’m required to tell you we have powerful surveillance and protection magic. Whatever you leave will be there when you get back. Please avoid bringing outside objects, clothes, or other belongings into the hot springs. We work hard to maintain a pleasant, consistent atmosphere where you can escape the influences of the outside world.”

Her little speech done, Bella handed Elaine a wooden card with a third-level magic circle carved on it. I made out the rune for ’flower,’ or perhaps ’garden,’ before the raven-haired woman stored it in her sleeve.

”Thank you, dear. Would you please bring the things I requested in a bit?”

Bella dropped a low curtsy. ”Of course, Lady Elaine. Leave it to me. Please enjoy your time at Blacksand Springs.”