Gaia's Champion Ch. 45 - Teaser (Patreon)

“Exactly. I have only heard of these things in legends, but never thought I’d see such a thing described in a book! Where did you find this?” Aaliyah asked, giddy with excitement.

“From our new friend at Treasures of the Lost. It’s a bookshop that is only open to those who the keeper of the shop allows to see it,” Jason informed her.

“How much did this book cost?!” Aaliyah asked, eager to see if any more books like this could be had.

“Nothing but a visit for some tea and nibbles. Sigi gets lonely there and has been alone for a very long time,” Jason told her. He then explained what Sigi was and just how old the shop was, along with everything he knew about it.

“By all that is holy!! I need to go to this place!! The things I could learn!” Aaliyah said as she daydreamed of all that could be discovered.

“That is going to have to be left up to Sigi and the shop. If they decide to let you in, then you will always be welcome. They’re very picky about who they let in and for what reason,” Jason told her.

“Whatever I need to do to prove myself, I’ll do it!” Aaliyah replied excitedly.

“One thing at a time, honey! Come on! Your family is waiting outside with some croissants and coffee for you,” Sheena said through the back door of the library.

Shrugging, Jason went with Aaliyah outside and found a large pile of croissants, donuts, and danishes sitting on a sizable table in the garden area. There was also an older percolator that was giving off the steaming aroma of hot coffee. Sugar and cream lay close by, as did plates, forks and spoons, and even some black tea and honey. Luke was busy at the Spellforge with Xaera, as were some of her golems that she created.

“When did those little grommets show up?” Jason asked as he walked over to where everyone else was sitting and eating.

“About ten minutes ago. Luke and Xaera were chatting, and she got all excited about something. He’s just finishing up something for her,” Darnell said, as he took a sip of coffee.

Jason watched with interest as he got himself something to eat as Luke worked. He watched as his friend used a small hammer to pound something into what looked like a small gemstone. In a few moments, he was done, and he spoke something in some arcane language long forgotten. He then had Xaera speak something and after she was done, they both picked up the gem and closed their eyes, focusing.

“It is done,” Luke said after a few minutes, opening his eyes.

“Are you certain? This will work?” Xaera asked excitedly as she watched Luke take the gem and place inside of a pendant. Then, using his magic, he bent the settings in the pendant, closing the gemstone in place. He then took it up and threaded a hefty gold chain through the loop in the pendant, and held it up to Xaera.

“It will. Go on. Put it on and activate it,” Luke told her.

Xaera breathed quickly, almost as though she was excited beyond all measure. It looked as though she was, as the troll-woman took the item and placed it around her neck. She took a deep breath and uttered a single word in Trollish, activating the magic within. In the span of a moment, her form blurred and morphed, quickly becoming human and looking as she had before.

“What the… holy… crap!” Phalmina said, wary of the little ears present. “It… it will make you look human? Just like that?”

“And protect me from the sun, as it is enchanted to hold the spell intact for as long as the gem is within it. With Luke’s help, I crafted the spells and etched them withing the amulet. It will hold the spell and constantly draw the magic needed to keep it functioning!” Xaera said in excitement.

“So, you won’t have to expend magic to be out and about in the world? You just have to put that on to walk around in the sun?” Sheena asked around a mouthful of croissant.

“Yes! But if I want to look like a human, then I have to speak the activating word to take human form,” Xaera replied.

“Well, I certainly hope that chain holds! While it is a strong chain, someone gets their hands on that and pulls hard enough, you will lose that amulet,” Jason told her as he made himself another cup of coffee.

“Not possible, since I crafted and enchanted the chain myself. You’d need to be as strong as a titan in order to break it and even if Xaera takes it off, only she can touch it. Given how things are in the world today, especially with how we’re facing off against evil SOB’s, I thought a little signature protection was needed,” Luke replied with a grin.

“Look at you, buddy! A regular magical version of Q Branch!” Jason chuckled.