Heather the Necromancer

Book 7: Chapter 5

What are we doing? Umtha asked as she crouched in the bushes beside Quinny, who was peering into a nearby clearing.

There are players fighting bats over there, Quinny replied as her tail twitched. I want to make it more exciting.

But this isnt the love wood, Umtha pointed out as Quinny struggled not to laugh.

That's not the kind of excitement I was talking about, Quinny replied and motioned her to join her side. Umtha snuggled in, and together, they looked across the dark woods to see a man and woman easily putting down a giant bat. The woman was a variety of magic warrior, dancing with a two-handed sword as she glowed with various colors. The man was some kind of healer, using a mace and shield as he supported the woman.

So, what are you planning? Umtha asked as the two stalked their prey.

They look like they are having too easy a time, Quinny said. I think they need a little challenge. Quinny motioned Umtha back and laid out her plan, using her shape-change ability to appear as a zombie woman again. I could get used to this, Quinny laughed. If I had known I could be a zombie succubus, I would have picked this race when I started.

I like being a succubus, Umtha agreed as Quinny changed her clothing to a rotting dress with tears and stains. Umm, you still havent explained what you are doing.

I am going to rush out and summon some weak zombies to attack them, Quinn said. They should put them down fairly easily. Then I will run, and hopefully, they will chase me.

Why do you want them to chase you? Umtha asked, not following along.

So I can lure them to the open grave over the hill, Quinny replied. Now, you hide so they don't see you, and I will scare them.

Umtha nodded, and Quinny waited until she hid herself in the bushes. Then she crept closer to find the two adventurers fighting another bat. She jumped out with a wailing moan and raised her hands as the two turned in alarm.

Intruders in my forest! Quinny wailed. You will be punished by the zombie queen.

What the heck is that? the man asked as he pointed at Quinny.

An easy kill, the woman laughed and pointed her sword. Undead are no match for a crusader. She stepped forward as the ground around Quinny began to boil, and rotting arms burst out.

More zombies! the man warned as the woman rushed forward, her sword glowing brightly. Quinny giggled and sent a pack of five zombies shambling forward. The woman proved to be skilled with her blade, quickly felling a zombie with a series of rapid strikes. She took a clawing blow from another zombie as her partner jumped to her aid, smashing at the beasts with his mace. Quinny stood back, shouting threats and imploring her minions to kill the intruders, all the while trying not to laugh. When only one zombie was left, she stepped back, shouting that she would return with the forest's dark champion. Then she dashed into the brush and ran, hoping the two would chase her.

After her, the woman commanded as they put the last zombie down. The man nodded, and they dashed off, chasing Quinny into the woods.

What do you think the champion is? the man asked as they reached the trees. Quinny ran behind.

We dont need to find out, the woman replied. That zombie isnt going to reach whatever it is.

Umtha remained hidden as they rushed by, then carefully followed to see what happened. The two adventurers spotted Quinny at the top of a hill and quickly ran after her, shouting threats. Umtha kept as close as she dared, hiding in the trees as the two crested the hill. She used her succubus power to become invisible and ran over the hill to see what was happening.

Quinny was well ahead, standing in a cloud of grave mist that crawled across the forest floor. Beside her were five old grave stones and a fresh mound of earth with a shovel in it. One of the graves looked freshly dug with a rusty shovel stuck into the mound.

So where is your champion? the woman asked as she closed to a dozen steps.

Quinny laughed and threw up her hands as a half dozen zombies climbed out of the mist. Once again, the pair was swarmed, and a battle ensued as Quinny used the distraction to rush off. She thought this would be a better challenge as so long as they were near the open grave, Zombies would keep spawning from the mist. She backed up to a small stone statue of a woman holding a spear pointed to a nearby spot on the ground. Quinny had buried a small treasure of a hundred gold there for a clever adventurer to find.

What are you doing? Umtha asked as Quinny looked around.

Where are you? Quinny asked, then squinted to see Umtha's life aura. Oh, you're invisible.

Was this the entire plan? Umtha asked.

Yeah. I just wanted to lead them someplace with more challenge, Quinny said with a smile. Maybe I will lead them to several spots and see what they can handle.

Well, you better think of a new plan fast, Umtha said. Your zombies are all dead.

What? Quinny replied and turned to see the two adventurers running at her. Oh, that wasnt supposed to happen.

You have nowhere left to run! the woman yelled as her sword glowed red and she rushed at Quinny. She suddenly stumbled and fell, rolling to the forest floor, cursing that she tripped.

Tripped on what? the man asked as he ran to her side.

Use your consecrate! the woman bellowed, and he raised his weapon hand high, calling on divine protection. Umtha and Quinny went wide-eyed as the ground glowed with yellow light, and a dome of golden glitter filled the air.

Ow! That hurts, Umtha cried as her invisibility popped, and the two looked at her confused.

Is that a succubus? the man asked as the woman got to her feet.

This forest is crawling with unholy creatures, the woman snarled. She must have tripped me with that tail!

I used a stick, Umtha replied, then cupped a hand over her mouth.

I knew it! the woman shouted as she raised her weapon. Umtha screamed and ran with Quinny at her side, their tails flapping in the wind. The two adventurers chased after them, promising to rid the world of their taint.

Think of a new plan! Umtha shouted.

I didnt think they would kill my zombies so fast, Quinny said. I can summon more, but she said she was a crusader. They are almost as powerful as paladins when it comes to killing undead and devils.

Then we need to fight back, Umtha insisted.

No, dont, Quinny said. Just run and lead them on. Dont use any powers or special abilities.

We need Heather! Umtha cried as they dashed around a big tree and headed down a muddy path.

Nah, if we wanted to, I bet either of us could beat those two, Quinny laughed. Just stay on this trail; it goes to zombie wolf dens in the hills.

You just said she can kill undead easily, Umtha reminded as she ducked under a branch.

Yeah, but the wolves are stronger, Quinny said. Besides, if we need to, we can fly away. Umtha nodded, and they ran as fast as they could, tearing through the forest until they broke into a gully passing between steep hills. The forest floor became rougher here, but the girl's bare feet easily negotiated the rocks. They were halfway up a steep slope when the two adventurers caught up and shouted.

You cant escape us! the woman called. I am a wielder of the holy fire of Thangos!

Yeah, well, I can throw stones, Umtha shouted back, hurling a small rock from her elevated perch. It bounced harmlessly off the man's armor as the woman laughed.

They think they can easily beat us, Quinny whispered as they stood their ground.

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That spell hurt, Umtha replied. Can I at least zap them with lightning?

That would be cheating, Quinny said. We want them to chase us, not die.

A zombie and a devil working together, the woman said as she started up the slope. I will purge the land of you both.

We will just respawn, Umtha shouted back.

They are players? the man asked, looking at his partner. Maybe we should reconsider?

I am a holy warrior, the woman countered. I slay creatures of darkness.

She kind of reminds me of Evalynn, Quinny laughed, then lifted two fingers to her lips and blew. A shrill whistle echoed through the trees, followed by unearthly howls that chilled the soul.

Now what? the woman growled and turned around to see her companion running up after her.

Big wolves! he said and pointed down. And they dont look alive.

Quinny smiled as three large rotting wolves stalked out of the underbrush, their lifeless eyes glowing with a dull yellow light. The woman shot her a hateful glare, then turned to rush down the slope and meet the wolves head-on.

And now we run again, Quinny laughed, taking Umtha by the hand. They dashed down a back trail, following the hills and heading for the graveyard. Behind them was the chaos of battle as wolves and adventurers met in mortal combat.

See, this is fun, Quinny said as they fled.

You have a strange idea of what is fun, Umtha said as they hurried along. What if they had attacked us? We would have to kill them.

Nah, we will get away, and they will go back to the city telling stories of the zombie queen and her devil companion, Quinny insisted. They reached an old wooden rail fence that marked the border of a haunted farm. Quinny told Umtha that there were more zombies hiding underground in the field and a big zombie brute in the old barn. If those two followed them, they would probably have to fight the entire farm.

You like to annoy players, Umtha laughed.

Its not annoying, Quinny insisted. I am just having fun by leading them along.

If you say so, Umtha shrugged as they jumped over a brush wall and collided with a woman. She toppled to the ground with a groan, and the zombie she was fighting took its opportunity to take a bite out of her.

Owwww! she yelled and struggled to get up. I hate playing in this forest! Its just like the last time!

Quinny and Umtha quickly got to their feet to see a tall woman covered in fluffy hair with two short ears on the top of her head.

Grettah? Quinny called in alarm as the zombie fell on her. Wait, stop attacking her! The zombie obeyed the commands of the master of the forest, and poor Grettah was able to reach her spear. She stumbled to her feet as Umtha helped her up, and the three finally met.

Do I know you? Grettah asked as she held her weapon tight, afraid they were about to attack.

Oh, right, Quinny laughed, using her shape-change power to appear like her normal zombie form. It's me. Quinny.

Oh, Quinny! Grettah winced as she held her bleeding arm. I didnt recognize you. I heard you were a succubus now.

Yeah, its a long story, Quinny said and ordered the zombie back to the farm. Sorry to interrupt your fight. We always seem to get in your way.

It's alright, Grettah sighed as her hand glowed. I have gotten used to dying from stupid mistakes. Besides, I have a minor self-healing now.

Oh, this is Umtha, Quinny said as she introduced the green succubus. Shes a succubus now too.

She's the goblin woman who liked Heather, isn't she? Grettah asked as she checked her now-healed wound.

Thats her, Quinny said. Shes Heathers wife now.

Wife? So the stories are true? You all made a devil pact and became a coven of succubus wives, Grettah said. So Frank is really your undead thrall?

Ha, no, Quinny laughed. But I like your story better.

We got married in a church, Umtha interjected. It was a human marriage.

Is there any other way? Grettah asked as Umtha nodded.

You dont want to know the goblin way, Quinny cut in. Its for mature audiences only.

Oh, Grettah replied. Umm, so you are both succubi?

Yeah, but this isn't our true form, Quinny explained. I am still a zombie, and Umtha is a goblin. Heather made us into succubi with her power, Quinny said. Frank is her husband, and she will marry Breanne and me soon.

Your life is very complicated, Grettah said. But I heard she admitted she used to be a necromancer. I thought there was something funny about her. How tragic and romantic that Frank reset her so she could get rid of it.

Umm, yeah, Quinny said with a smile to Umtha. She knew full well that part of the story wasn't true, but it had to be what people believed to keep their homes safe.

Shouldnt we still be running? Umtha reminded.

Running from what? Grettah asked as her ears went up.

There they are! the woman called out, and all three turned to see her charging across the farm, the undead running in fear.

She's high enough level to cast panic over the dead? Quinny asked.

I knew she was a higher level than you thought, Umtha accused.

Then why was she taking so long to kill a bat? Quinny questioned.

You are going to get me killed again, arent you? Grettah said.

Not if you can run fast, Umtha cried and dashed into the trees. Quinny and Grettah ran after her, all three screaming with playful cries as the two adventurers promised them swift executions.

Is that your champion? the woman shouted. I will kill it in one blow!

Why is your forest so dangerous? Grettah barked as they tore through the trees.

Its only dangerous when you're in it, Quinny laughed. You have terrible timing.

You dont need to tell me, Grettah complained as they headed into a tangle of dense trees.

I have another idea, Quinny said, turning them to the right. She had Grettah hide behind a tree and had Umtha shape change into the zombie queen appearance. Qunny then made herself look like a ghoul, much smaller than Frank, with long, bloody claws on her hands. She summoned another pack of zombies and waited until the two strangers came around a tree.

There, I see the zombie, the woman called as she pointed her sword.

Umtha stood there looking confused until Quinny whispered her way.

Umtha, say the line, Quinny urged and nodded at the two adventurers.

Oh, umm, now you diet, I mean die, Umtha said, pointing at them. Kill them, my minimums.

It's minions, Quinny corrected. Oh, never mind. She ran in with her claws raised high as the zombies followed. They clashed with the woman who glowed with golden symbols of might. Quinny was immediately wounded as the warrior woman took on the entire pack while her companion healed.

Just keep healing me, the woman demanded as she swung her sword, creating an arc of yellow light that blasted two zombies down.

So, you two are trying to get killed? Grettah whispered to Umtha from behind her tree.

Quinny says this is fun? Umtha replied with a shrug as a ring of light formed in the air over the woman. A dozen glowing swords formed in the light and then shot down like rain, skewering zombies, and Quinny, whose shape changed, popped from the sudden burst of damage.

Another succubus? the man asked as the two adventurers paused to see Quinny looking confused.

Oh, hi, Quinny said, waving as the magical sword in her stomach vanished. That was a neat spell.

I will purge this evil from the land, the woman said as she raised her sword. I call on holy wrath! A beam of light fell from the sky like a laser, striking her sword as it blazed with golden brilliance.

Time to go, Umtha interjected and raised a hand as it glowed with blue light. A dark cloud formed over Quinny and flashed with lightning as Umtha ran in and darted back out with Quinny by the hand. The woman attempted to fight into the cloud but was immediately zapped by lightning and thrown back.

You cant hide forever! the woman shouted as Grettah joined the retreat, and they fled again.

I said no powers, Quinny complained as they rushed deeper into the forest.

Tell her that, Umtha said. That spell looked powerful.

I think that sword spell was called Rain of blades, Grettah added. I am pretty sure that's a level forty spell.

What? It cant be, Quinny insisted. Why would a level forty be fighting bats? She should be on level three of Franks dungeon.

You have a dungeon that can challenge level forty players? Grettah choked.

Oh yeah, Quinny laughed. Frank made the first level easy, but it gets dangerous the deeper you go.

Can we please focus on not dying to the woman you provoked? Umtha asked.

Right, Quinny said with a nod. Turn left when we hit the next trail and follow it until we reach a clearing.

Another of your brilliant plans? Umtha asked.

Just something Heather wanted me to put in the forest, Quinny said with a smile. She wanted to study it later, but shes so busy she never got around to it.

They found the trail a moment later and made the turn, heading for a low stone wall that marked the edge of an overgrown pumpkin patch. They darted into the patch and jumped over rows of brush as their persuers arrived at the wall a moment later.

What good are pumpkins going to do? Grettah asked as they hid behind a pile of hay.

Just watch, Quinny said as they peeked around the side to see the two entering.

We can see you, the woman bellowed and boldly strode across the patch. Suddenly, the vines began to move, and a pumpkin the size of a small car turned around to reveal a jack-o-lantern face with a jagged maw.

What in the world is that? the man asked as the creature let out a cackling laugh. It moved on a web of thick vines that ended in smaller pumpkins with horrid mouths. It clubbed and bit at the two as the woman did her best to defend the poor man who was trying to hide behind a small round shield.

I almost played in this field, Grettah said in alarm. I thought it would be safe.

Oh, you never want to play in a field set aside for Heather to experiment, Quinny replied.

Well, you need to put up a sign then, Grettah insisted. Something like keep out, an unholy experiment in progress.

Can we please keep running? Umtha asked. We might actually get away this time.

I want to see what happens, Quinny insisted, as the crusading woman glowed with various blessings as she cut her way through the tangle of vines and biting maws. She aimed for the large central pumpkin as her poor companion did his best to avoid being eaten.

I have had enough of your games! she shouted and went into a series of attacks so rapid she was a blur. The central pumpkin fell apart a moment later, collapsing into five large chunks as green smoke poured out.

Wow, she really must be level forty, Quinny said in surprise just before a ray of golden fire struck the hay pile they were hiding behind.

Now you three will pay! she shouted and charged the burning mound as the girls screamed and ran.

Can we fly away now? Umtha asked.

I cant fly! Grettah cried. Dont leave me here!

Just run straight for the river, Quinny said. We should be safe in the graveyard.

A golden ray shot over their heads, causing Umtha to let out a high wail as they fled in a panic. The two adventurers kept up the pace, promising them a swift end as they chased the fleeing women. Quinny was the first out of the trees and onto the shore of the icy river that flowed from the falls of Heather's mountain tower.

We have to swim it, Quinny said as she pointed to the side. We are too far from the bridge.

I have to get wet? Grettah said mournfully. Cant you magic us across?

I can cheat us across, Umtha said, reaching down to touch the water. Elemental power, shape water. The river suddenly surged and split, forming a dry patch at the edge. Umtha urged them into the patch and then rapidly moved it across the river, allowing them to walk over safely.

How are you doing this? Grettah asked.

Shes a goblin shaman, Quinny replied. She has all sorts of elemental powers.

This is just a shape water spell, Umtha said. Lots of classes can do it.

They reached the other shore just as the two pursuers came out of the trees to see the river.

I hope you like swimming, Quinny called and waved from the safety of the far shore.

You wont get away that easily, the woman smiled and pointed her sword to the skies. Pass obstacle!

Oh, we are going to die, Grettah grumbled as the woman stepped onto the water with a golden light around her feet. Her companion joined her, and together, they rushed across, their feet never touching the surface.

It's like Heather's flower-walking power, Umtha pointed out.

Yeah, great, Quinny said as they turned and ran. They rushed down the main road, heading for the doors of the tower when a coppery form dropped from the sky and landed before them.

Oh, thank the spirits, Umtha sighed as Heather stood tall before them.

So, here is where my little dark angels are hiding, Heather said with a smile. Oh, and hello, Grettah.

Umm, now may not be the best time to talk, Grettah said as she looked back to see their pursuers coming. Heather looked as well, and her expression changed to see the angry woman with her sword raised.

Are they chasing you? Heather asked.

We were just playing with them, Quinny said. But they are much better at keeping up than expected. We can't get rid of them.

Uh, huh, Heather said and walked through them, folding her wings tight as she put her hands on her hips.

Another succubus, the man cried. This is getting out of hand.

Dont worry about it. My spells do extra damage to the unholy, the woman replied as she raised her sword.

You two should stop chasing my wives and our friend, Heather stated with a firm glare. They were only playing with you.

Die monster! the woman cried and swung her sword, only hitting a green puff of smoke. A second later, she was wrapped by a black cord and yanked back, thrown into the road by Heather wielding a whip.

The woman got up in a roll, and a glowing ring circled her body as she focused on a blessing. Then her sword burst into holy flames as she faced off with Heather.

Oh, you want to play with fire? Heather asked as she leaped into the air and spread her wings wide. Instantly, her body was wreathed in flames as she lashed her whip to make a searing crack as it trailed smoke. Let's see how you like hell fire! She swung her whip and produced an arc of flames that blasted the woman from her feet a second time. The poor woman rolled to her companion, who was already casting a heal to mend her wounds.

Quinny and Umtha clung together for safety as Heather strode forward, wreathed in flames like a goddess of hell, and faced the two adventurers. She released her whip in a cloud of smoke and reformed it as her scythe, raising the weapon high as she prepared to attack.

Thats Heather? Grettah gasped. Shes like an enraged goddess.

Shes a devil, Umtha corrected. And she looks a lot more terrifying than that when shes mad.

She's going to rip those two apart, Grettah said as Heather raised her scythe while it glowed with blood-red fire.

Don't hurt them! Quinny cried, causing Heather to pause as the two adventurers cowered. Everybody turned to regard Quinny, who ran to stand between Heather and them. Please.

Why not? Heather asked. They were chasing my wives.

Umtha and I were playing with them, Quinny said. We just wanted to get them to chase us around a bit and lead them into monsters.

But she turned out to be much more powerful than we thought, Umtha added. She kept catching us, and we had to run for real. We ran into Grettah while running, and they thought she was with us.

They dont know we were playing, Quinny finished. They were just adventuring and thought we were monsters.

You told us you were the zombie queen, and you were going to get your dark champion, the woman protested.

Oh, I see, Heather said as she lowered her scythe and let it go in a flash.

I think this is her dark champion, the man said, pointing at Heather. That's Princess Hannah.

Your princess, Hannah? the woman said in alarm.

Thats me, Heather said and held out a hand to help them up. Sorry for the confusion.

Quinny turned and apologized for toying with them, stating it was never her intention to get them hurt. She just liked playing with adventures in her forest and thought they would have more fun against powerful monsters. She then asked why they were struggling with bats when they were obviously more powerful than that.

Oh, I wasn't using any of my powers, the woman stated, pointing to the man beside her. He's a healer, but he's low-level and terrible at it. I was trying to show him how combat worked and grind up a sword skill the manual way.

The manual way? Quinny repeated. You mean by actually using it? That takes forever.

It took me hours of throwing stones at apples to get throwing to three, Heather agreed.

I had time to kill, the woman said. I am Seraphina, and this is Chevin, by the way. It is an honor to meet you, Princess. She finished her comment with a little bow, then nudged Chevin to bow with her. He clumsily joined her in the bow as Heather told them to stop.

So you are helping a new player? Quinny asked.

I wish I was new, Chevin groaned. I have been here for months and still have no idea what I am doing. Im not a fantasy gamer. I only came here to escape a medical condition.

That's why we were here, Seraphina said. I wanted targets low enough that even he could beat them. He doesn't have any points to boost his skills, so I was pulling my punches to show him how to level them up manually.

Oh, and I spoiled it, Quinny sighed. I didnt mean to. We just try to have some fun with players to make it more interesting.

Honestly, that was the most exciting thing I have ever done, Chevin said with a laugh. I had no idea this could be so terrifying and thrilling.

It was a welcome change of pace, Seraphina agreed. But I am sorry if I went too far.

Well, it sounds to me like my girls gave you a reason to think they were worth killing, Heather said as she turned her gaze on Quinny, who squirmed. I am glad it all ended well, Heather said, putting her arm around Quinny.

Quinny smiled and apologized for bothering the players. They assured her it had been more fun than bother and turned to return to the forest. Grettah asked if she could go with and they accepted her to their group without hesitation.

That went well, Quinny said as the group crossed the bridge.

That was a disaster, Umtha groaned. They kept killing everything you threw at them in seconds. They nearly got us several times, and we only escaped because we could run faster.

How was I supposed to know she was high-level? Quinny asked. When we found them, she looked like she was struggling to kill bats.

Her gear was better than the average player, Umtha pointed out.

Yeah, maybe, Quinny countered. But that Chevin guy is in all newbie gear. I knew she had to be higher than him, but I never expected such a high level to help a newbie.

I am glad to see it, Heather said as she reached for Umthas hand. I like to know people come here to help each other and play the game as intended. Now, we have to go and get ready.

Ready for what? Quinny asked with a confused expression.

Did you forget what day it was? Heather laughed. In a few hours, Roric is marrying Chandice.

Quinny had indeed forgotten, and her surprise registered on her face as Heather shook her head.

Come, my dark angels, if you make us late, I will ensure you get no cake, Heather warned, spreading her wings.

Quinny and Umtha joined her in the air as they flew for the upper balcony and the magical doors. The fun hadn't gone quite as she expected, but it ended well, and they had fun running like fools. Tomorrow would be another day, and she would think of a better way to play with players, but first, she would get a big piece of cake and share it with Umtha.