Chapter 200 Fallen House (1/2)

Nix led Alpha Team to the exit and paused. ”Ducky, follow them without being seen.”

Ducky nodded and then vanished through the doorway, a few moments later, Alpha Team followed.

[Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Need some research done. We have a new Guild Quest called 'The Fallen House.' Also, I want you to find what you can regarding the 'House Planar Trial.'

[Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] I'm on it.

/Alpha Team: Nix: Let's follow at a distance, Ducky is better equipped for surveillance than we are.

/Alpha Team: Pon: Who was the jackass that hit the Strom girl?

/Alpha Team: Semmi: Umi is the Clan leader's daughter, whoever Archon Zar is, he must be a big deal.

/Alpha Team: Wind: Stands to reason that there would be Archons among the dhassi.

[Whisper Nix to Shae] Do you know of any Archon among the dhassi?

[Whisper Shae to Nix] There are a few mixed in with the Great Houses, I feel that Bael Strom is probably one. Not all Archons serve the Sky Kingdom.

Alpha Team traveled for nearly an hour; Ducky was sitting on a rock at the crest of a hill when they caught up with her. The dense canopy of the heavily wooded area completely blocked out the afternoon sun.

”Is there anything else you can tell me, Rithi?” Ducky leaned closer to the Fir'Dhassi, placing a slender hand on his knee. ”What about this Zar person? He doesn't seem very nice.”

/Alpha Team: Pon: What skill is that?

/Alpha Team: Nix: Bewitched I think, it's new.

Rithi didn't take his eyes off her when they walked up. ”He's not nice; he's from the House of Oasis, the only Great House to ever fall.”

”I see.” Ducky pulled him toward her until his head rested on her lap. ”Why don't you sleep for a while.” The Water Witch stroked his forehead soothingly until his eyes closed a few seconds later.

Ducky led them away from the sleeping man to the entrance of a small valley. ”This is called the Vale. It's sacred to the Fir'Dhassi, stepping foot in this place is punishable by death.”

”What is the Foundation Stone?” Nix tried not to stare at his Spirit Companion; she was like a different person altogether.

”Rithi wasn't completely sure. He feels it's a vital part of what they are trying to do.”

Nix patted her spiked hair, it was still soft beneath his touch, even though it didn't look like it. ”Very well done.”

[Detect Disturbance]

A large holo of the surrounding area popped up in front of Nix. The entire valley was represented; at the Northern end, there was a group of dots showing the location of the Strom Clan. A blinking icon located at the base of the Eastern edge drew his attention.

/Alpha Team: Nix: They are searching in the wrong area. Follow me.

Nix ran eastward toward the mark he had seen on the holo; within a few minutes, Alpha Team was staring at the steep granite wall.

/Alpha Team: Semmi: This is where the disturbance was?

Semmi had her hands pressed up against the wall; it was smooth. Her pretty blond face was etched with focus, ”it should be here.”

Pon frowned at granite wall, he scuffed his feet on the sand, the noise of it drawing his attention.

/Alpha Team: Pon: Try going down Nix. See the sand beneath us? I've never seen sand so fine.

Nix moved away from the wall and caught Ducky's eye, ”can you keep people from finding us?”

Ducky nodded and moved away from them a few feet. ”I'll keep watch Nix.”

[Aura Ignition: Gemini Flame]

Nix pulsed his flames downward, the sand quickly melting into a liquid as if it were wax. A moment later, he disappeared from sight.

You have entered [The Vale] instance.