Deacon decided to head back to his carriage. Daskus and Typhus got into a brawl after he mentioned the bread. Daskus even began throwing rations at Typhus. Since Deacon couldn’t get a word in edgewise, he decided to leave. On his way back he decided to review the abilities on his slate. He’s been collecting a lot of them and could use a good refresher.

  It seemed to Deacon that some abilities didn’t have levels and they were labeled with a capital R. “Did this mean it was a racial ability?” He wondered. Dragon Claw Barrage looked like it could level. He contemplated if that was the difference. Regardless he hasn’t touched Banshee’s Wail or Strike of the Phantasm Knight. Deacon also noted he had zero repercussions from use the strike last time. Maybe his new body protects him from the backlash now. He’d have to try it out some more. The Banshee’s Wail has a requirement of a specific hell just like Toxic Waste. He hasn’t tried the Tempest Plane since accessing it back at the Wode. He needed training time. A way to test out all of these abilities without causing an incident with the people around him.

  The sun was starting to peak over the horizon, and he could now see the light refracting through the large crystals of the capital. The prismatic light spectrum bathed the countryside in rainbow light. He could now see dotted farmland and the approach of suburban sprawls that are often found outside of major cities. What was this going to be like? Deacon started putting together a plan. He just knew things were going to go tits up once he got into the city. They always do. The things on his check list include catching up to Mentalba, delivering his unique class and subclass to the slate at the guild hall, and most importantly meeting with Griffin King. He was not looking forward to that. That would be the worst possible time for his brand of mayhem to kick off. What looked like an honor guard was coming down the road on the opposite side. The horses in the front had standard bearers followed by a carriage and another team of horses behind them. The carriage stopped perpendicular to the ministers carriage. Some words were exchanged between the drivers with a piece of paper passing between the carriages. Then both sides separated and continued down the road.

  Deacon was about to reach his carriage as the door opened. It was Tantus looking alarmed. Deacon hurriedly tried to close the distance. Tantus’s head was on a swivel. He spotted Deacon and waived him forward.

  “What is wrong?” Deacon asked.

  “Did you see anything magical happening out here?” Tantus asked in response.

  “No. Just you popping your head out of the door like a prairie dog.” Deacon answered.

  “I could have sworn I sensed some large magic spell going off. Incredibly powerful for me sense from here.” Tantus said sitting back down. Apparently, he had alarmed everyone in the carriage since they were all up and ready.

  “I told you nothing was wrong.” Ralph said.

  “You don’t know that. If I have learned anything since coming here, it’s that I know nothing for sure.” Deacon responded taking his seat.

  “That doesn’t exactly paint you in the best light.” Ralph said.

  “Never mind. I have news. Looks like some of the Dwellers are going to go on ahead without us. They got spooked by what Henry’s ghost said. Apparently, the Deep Well is close to the Dweller strong hold.” Deacon explained.

  “That makes sense. Do you think Ruby will be there?” Amanda asked.

  “I have a feeling she might be. All the more important that we get done with this business in the Cascade as soon as possible. I think we should drop our class details at the main guild hall, I’ll go meet with the King, and we’ll get a move on. Couple of problems though.” Deacon said.

  “Like what?” Ralph asked not looking the least bit shocked.

  “I can’t bring my bag with me to meet the king. Some kind of security issue. I propose we set us Alfred in the guild hall so I can leave it with him. Worst case scenario, if things go wrong, you can retrieve them and meet up with me.” Deacon said.

  “When.” Said Tantus, Amanda, and Ralph simultaneously.

  “Not funny guys. Let’s try to get out of the capital without incident.” Deacon said.

  “Don’t look at us. You’re the one who keeps discovering ancient civilizations and underground organizations. Do you ever just visit a place?” Ralph said.

  “If I recall correctly, I pulled your ass out of an underground organization.” Deacon shot back.

  “You still haven’t explained how you did that.” Ralph replied with a devilish grin.

  “Don’t want to talk about it.” Deacon said.

  “Stop it boys, I think your plan to get in and out of the city as soon as possible is great. I think we should focus on that goal.” Amanda said.

  “Also, Tantus. Can you replicate this?” Deacon asked handing over the bangle he got from Astrael. Tantus’s eyes bugged out of his head. He took the accessory gingerly in his hands and began to inspect it.

  “But you earned this as a reward from Astrael.” Tantus said looking back up at Deacon.

  “No, we earned it. I think she meant for you to figure it out and replicate it. She has never been straight forward with me, always with cryptic prophecies. I figure she wouldn’t give me a clear cut quest reward either. This will help us all if we run into more cursed cultists. Your subclass allows you to make holy arcanum items now, right? Now all you have to do is figure out the arcane requirements.” Deacon explained.

  “Great. Looks like we have a plan.” Ralph said.

  They finally made it to the Crystal Cascade proper after traveling through the outskirts. It had large gates with a standing guard force. Once the minister’s carriage made it to the gates, which appeared to be at least three stories tall and connected to the several yards thick outer wall, Wotan jumped out and spoke to the guards. All the carriages and wagons were pulled off to the side in a clear area were a wall of Knights were funneling the rest of the traffic by. Lord Pentecost hopped out and made his way to Deacon’s carriage. Deacon and his party had already exited to stretch their legs and get a look at the sprawling metropolis.

  “This is where we part ways. A messenger will be sent for you at his majesty’s behest. I suggest you attend to it promptly. In the meantime, we have entered the city through the southern gate. Your guild hall will be in the central district where all four districts meet. Lord Desentes has been here before and can guide you. Please remember there will be no dimensional bags allowed within the walls of the castle. Please dress accordingly. If you do not have proper attire, please take this time to outfit yourself. I have duties to attend to and will see you at the palace. Wotan, back in the carriage.” Said Lord Pentecost as he sauntered away.

  “Well he reverted back to his pompous self, didn’t he?” Ralph said leaning into Deacons ear.

  “We have an understanding now. Who wants a drink? I’m buying.” Deacon asked.

  “It’s first thing in the morning. Are you daft man?” Typhus responded sauntering up and swatting Deacon on his backside.

  “I don’t know, I hear they make a pretty good bottle of wine here.” Deacon said with a mischievous grin.