To get Zethyla 6 – Epilogue

“This is the worst.” Uklag says as he limps forwards. His legs are numb, his balls empty, all that is keeping him from falling over his staff. The Zethyla in his backpack is a golden ivy like plant, and doesn’t mind being resettled at all. Zethyla is a very resistant plant once it has grown to a certain extent. It can survive several months just with sunlight, which is why Uklag keeps the backpack open.

“I thought what I did with the twins on some days was the limit.” He takes another unsure step, “But they at least knew when I wanted to stop. That Hayth never stopped.” He sees sunlight between the trees, the Estaran plain. His steps become faster. The forest plays a last prank on him and he stumbles over a root that was hidden by some leaves. Falling forwards he rolls out of the forest.

Once he comes to a halt, he laughs violently at the blue sky. “Fuck trees.” He exclaims, “Fuck forests, fuck all of this. Hayth I will keep my promise to you but I seriously hate everything you stand for.” He fights back on his feet and feels the barrier around his spirit fall.

‘Aelana.’ He sends a message and starts walking again. ‘Analea, I am coming home.’ ‘’We hear you, Master Uklag’’ the twins send back.

Uklag hastes back home, it takes him two and a half weeks using another stolen cart, a post chaise this time, meaningfully faster than the farmers cart he travelled with last time. Once he arrives he finds that some things have changed.

Apparently, Catherine has taken over because the twins were unable to lead the base in an orderly fashion. Alratha had some emotional fallout and killed somebody that was investigating their whereabouts, confusion is big regarding that but Alratha isn’t telling anything. Droy almost fucked everyone over by giving away their existence but that threat seems to be under control thanks to Catherine.

Thanks to that, he now has 19 more bodies at his disposal. Oh, and Celine has given birth. Minor detail in the grand scheme of things really.

“That is everything?” Uklag asks Catherine who has just told him all of that. He sits at his spot in the dining hall, An and Al at his side, the rest of his inner circle sitting at the second level, with the exception of Catherine who stands in front of the stairs to the second level.

“Well, I must say that i am thoroughly disappointed in most of you.” Uklag says while sighing. “Droy, we had a deal, I get you out of prison and I own you. Lucky for you Catherine took care of it. Regarding you, Catherine, I know I shouldn’t say that but don’t hole up in a single room for an extended period of time. An, Al, you two I am the most disappointed in, my mistake for thinking you two are able to keep anything in order. Alratha, although you won’t talk about it you could at least look a bit guilty. Also where the hell is Meltzer?”

Catherine shrugs, “Still in Brikstrat. He says he is working on the final steps of your plan.” “Is he now? Well whatever, here is what I am going to do with you: You are all forgiven.” The crew breaths in universal belief. “Why though?” Alratha asks the obvious question. “Because I was recently subject to intense **** and am just happy to be back here. You get one pardon, don’t waste it.” Uklag answers and stands up. “Also all of you will have to face a Demonlord soon, which is more punishment than I can quickly think off.”

Everyone nods, that is right with all the ingredients together there is no reason to postpone his goal for much longer. “The summoning will begin in three days as I have to prepare the circle and maybe some other things.” Uklag walks down the stairs, “I suggest you all make some preparations in case you meet your end. Also send a messenger to Meltzer, I want him and Tienal here. Also get those other 19 people here while you are at it, we could use the meatshields. Did you at least kept the rats alive?” Zal takes a small bow as his master passes him, “That was my highest priority after all, Master Uklag.” He says, “Always reliable, good job Zal.” Uklag praises the First-Servant and walks down the second level. “Catherine, you come with me, I want to rehearse the incantation, for the rest of you, you will find us in the enchantment quarter.”

Before he leaves he turns his head at the inner circle one final time. “Otherwise we meet in three days in front of my bedroom at the engraved circle.” He says and exits the room.