Heather the Necromancer

Book 6: Chapter 17: The Three witches

Heather rolled over and pulled the covers tighter as she listened to the faint snoring of a spider. She opened one eye to look across the bed and discovered her husband was already up and about. Webster was curled into a ball on a pillow placed on a nearby chair. He wasn't allowed into the bed now that Frank shared it because he insisted on sleeping between them. With a stretch, she rolled to her feet and sat on the edge of the bed, wondering what the day had in store.

There was one task she wanted to complete, and that was delivering the magic doors to Jaina and Roric. Now that her city was more or less established, she could spend points to buy the doors. She had them a few days ago but had been reluctant to enter their forest. She wasn't sure what she might see in those secluded trees and wasn't too eager to find out.

Maybe Breanne could go with me? she said to herself before going to the wardrobe. Inside hung various dresses, including her usual yellow gown. She went to reach for it but stopped short as she considered something else.

I got married, didn't I? she ask while considering her options. And I plan to add the others to the relationship, so why am I so reserved in my dress? Nobody answered, of course, but she hadn't expected them to. She had a few fancy dresses stolen from Moon, but these were still quite reserved. She remembered the outfits for sale through the panel and wondered how daring she felt.

Why not? she asked herself. What do I have to be afraid of? She stepped back and went to rub her tattoo but decided to use the ring instead. She brought up Hathlisoras panel and quickly tapped to the wardrobe section.

Oh, my god! Heather cried to discover the woman had hundreds of outfits already purchased. Heather began swiping through the collection, gasping at some choices.

That one would make Blackbast blush! she cried and quickly hurried on. She finally settled on one that was daring but not so wild. It was a simple leather corset dyed black and laced with silver plates. It had no shoulders and left her stomach bare, exposing her belly button for all to see. It came with a pair of fine, black lace gloves that went all the way to her elbows and a pair of high heel boots that laced around her thighs. The bottom was an uncomfortably short skirt, but she was willing to dare it for now. The one item that she had to reconsider was the simple black band with a metal ring that went around her neck.

It comes with a collar, Heather said as she paused over the select button. She didn't see any reason why the collar would be the thing that stumbled here. Certainly, that skirt should be the cause for concern, but somehow the collar felt worse. She traced a hand along her neck, feeling for the one that had once been there, and realized she missed it.

Now you're being silly, she said and hit submit, the outfit appearing over her form in a flash. She walked to the mirror beside the dressing table and turned about a few times. She was still nervous about the skirt, but her eyes kept returning to the collar, and inside she felt a strange twisting. Then a thought came to mind and she stopped to seriously consider the idea before a wicked smile crept over her face.

A quick spell allowed her to reach into the buffer and draw out both her crown and the collar. She quickly donned the crown, her human form replaced by the lilithu devil with pale purple skin and blue lips. She then took the dress collar off and placed the slave collar around her neck, clicking it into place.

She transformed yet again, this time into a copper-skinned devil with long flowing red hair. Her chest swelled a few sizes, stretching the new outfit as her lips turned a luscious red. Her red eyes were slits like a cat, giving her an almost wicked look. Her ears were now pointed, and pair of short black horns added to the final appearance as she considered the new look.

I do look like a succubus, she said and tapped at her lip. But something is missing.

She realized the skirt didnt fit the theme and looked for something more appropriate. She settled on a soft leather bottom that hugged her form like a pair of short pants.

Now, do I dare go out in this? she asked as a yawn alerted her to Webster stirring. The spider crawled across the bed and chirped a good morning before pausing to take her in. He then chirped again, and she heard his thoughts in her head as he asked what she was dressing up for.

You think this is dressing up? Heather laughed. I am practically advertising to Quinny that I want her to attack me.

He chirped his disagreement and said she looked nice, then hopped down and headed for the balcony. She took one final look in the mirror, decided to risk it, and headed out. Her confidence waivered at the gates of her tower, where she felt a need to put on a proper dress. It was only when she thought about sunbathing and how she wore far less for that.

I am fully dressed, she told herself. Nothing is showing except a little of my figure. She boldly walked into the outer road, but her pace slowed as she looked around. Nobody was there to see her, but she still felt odd being out like this. Again she reminded herself that she had just traveled across half the world wearing slave silks. Hundreds of people had seen her far more exposed than this, so now wasn't a time to be bashful.

She decided that her first stop would be the graveyard, as she could feel a slight pull in that direction. Her wedding band allowed her to sense Frank's general whereabouts, and he was obviously in his lair. She strolled into the mist, heading down the path between rows of cold stone. The graveyard always seemed quiet, with nothing but the wind in dead trees or the call of a crow to break the silence. She passed by several undead, paying them no attention as she headed deeper into the yard. She finally saw a dark, hulking shape sitting on a coffin and talking with a woman.

Viylah was chattering away about something from her past when Heather caught their attention. She smiled and waved, urging her to come forward.

I like this look on you, Viylah said with a smile. You remind me so much of my lover.

Your lover looked like this? Heather asked as she suddenly felt uncomfortable.

She had a devil form, among other things, Viylah replied. I believe it was a lilithu.

Heather glanced at Frank, who gave her a slight shake of his head. Viylah went on to explain that her lover had violet skin and soft blue lips.

Heather realized that Frank's suspicions had been right, and Viylah was waiting for Hathlisora. But by some stroke of dumb luck, Heather had never appeared before the woman with just the crown on. Viylah knew her as the blond human woman or the copper-skinned devil. She had never seen the pale purple-skinned woman with blue lips that matched the description of her lover. Still, her curiosity was aroused, and she couldn't help but ask a few questions.

So your love had a devil form, Heather began. What else could she be?

A human like you, and a few other things, Viylah replied. She was very fond of red hair, though. It suited her as it suits you.

I see, Heather said as she moved to lean into Frank. So what were you two talking about?

She was telling me about one of her adventures, Frank replied. Where she fell down a mineshaft and had to slowly climb her way out by stretching her arms and legs.

I wasnt a full mimic back then, Viylah explained. All I could do was stretch my limbs for increased reach.

How did you survive the fall? Heather asked.

Oh, even as a morphic, we are still rather fluid. We have a special ability to become fluid for a few seconds and splash on impact. It takes a minute to reform, but we suffer a lot less damage in a fall.

So you can fall for miles and survive? Heather asked as she grew curious about the ability.

Oh goodness no, Viylah laughed. There is a limit, but it's pretty far. I could fall from the top of the mountain here and survive, but the time it takes to reform is based on the damage you take in the fall.

They spoke for a few minutes more when Heather asked if any of them had seen Breanne. Frank said she had gone to visit Quinny and hadn't yet returned. Heather excused herself, and Frank came with the two heading for the bridge and picking up Webster along the way.

I saw that look, Heather said as she took hold of one of his long fingers. You were worried I was going to say something about Hathlisora.

I don't think we should mention her until Viylah does, Frank explained. I already spoke to the others about it, and Umtha was particularly concerned about what Viylay might say. She thinks you shouldn't let her see your normal devil appearance.

Why, husband, are you telling me you want me to keep the collar on? Heather asked and batted her eyes at him.

No, Frank said dryly. And why are you wearing that anyway?

Heather ran a finger over the collar and shrugged, then explained she felt like being daring. Now that she was going to stay and be happily married, she wanted to push her boundaries a bit. Besides, she knew he liked the red hair and the eyes.

I do like them, he admitted nervously. But I hate the collar.

Why? Heather asked and latched on to his arm. Its not like Blackbast is demanding I put it to use.

She said she will take it back the moment she finds a girl to wear it, Frank pointed out.

I know, Heather sighed. But can't we enjoy it for the time we have it? You have no idea how much fun it is to wear when we're in bed. She wanted to laugh to see his gray cheeks blush and wondered how his dark blood managed the color.

Alright, he sighed and scratched his head before coming to a stop at the bridge.

Oh, what now? Heather groaned as they stared at the span of stone. Jackolanterns were scattered about the bridge, glowing with flickering light. Cobwebs hung from the trees beyond and strange shadows moved in the darkness. There was what looked like a black cat lurking at the edge of a tree as a wolf howled somewhere in the distance.

I swear she enjoys this way too much, Heather said as they started across.

Webster chirped that he wanted to eat the cat, but Heather insisted he leave it alone. They crossed to the other side and entered the darkness beneath the trees as animals hooted, howled, and or otherwise made noises all around them.

It's Halloween, isn't it? Heather asked as she rolled her eyes.

I dont know, Frank said and peered off the path at a shadow that flitted away. But she does seem to have gone for spooky.

This is carnival fun house spooky, Heather replied dismissively.

Its still neat, Frank insisted. I should decorate my graveyard.

Heather tried to imagine the yard full of pumpkins and bats and realized it already looked like that. As if her thought came to life, they rounded a bend to find a small farmhouse in the middle of a pumpkin patch. A single ratty scarecrow stood crucified to a post, his straw hat failing to hide the light glowing in its eyes.

Was that house always here? Heather asked as Frank stared at the structure.

I know her haunted house is back that way, Frank replied and pointed. But all her farms were closer to Finneous.

Well, let's go knock on the door, Heather suggested and turned them toward the strange building. She admired the detail put into the stone path and how yellow eyes peered at her from the nearby trees. A cat hissed as they reached the old wooden door, where Heather quickly knocked and waited.

What do you plan to do if it opens? Frank asked.

I don't know. Ask for candy? Heather said when, to their amazement, the door opened. Inside was a zombie wearing a mask. He moaned and handed them a fist full of hard candies, then slowly shut the door.

He did have candy, Frank said and plopped a red disk into his mouth. Its a cinnamon fireball.

That girl has lost her mind, Heather said as she looked at a yellow ball. Is this supposed to be butterscotch?

Excuse us, came the sound of a woman in chain armor. She and three others pushed between her and Frank and quickly knocked on the door.

Heather watched dumbfounded as the door opened and the zombie handed out more treats to the pack of adventurers, who eagerly tossed them into a pack.

I think this is the last house, one of them said.

There has to be more, a tiny woman with soft blue skin said.

What is going on here? Heather asked as she addressed the group.

Don't you know? one of them asked. The quest is to get a bag of candy that weighs enough to tip the scales. So far, nobody has collected enough.

Tip the scales? Heather asked and looked at Frank, who shrugged, clueless as to what they were talking about.

You know the big scales in the fort at the edge of the forest, the blue woman said. Sheesh, didn't you people talk to the pumpkin-headed man that gives the quest?

Pumpkin-headed man? Heather repeated in confusion.

I love that ghoul costume, an elf woman said as she pinched Frank's arm. But it must be hot in there.

It is, Frank said nervously and glanced at Heather. Uhmm, there is a haunted house a little further down the road. Look for a narrow muddy trail and follow it. It's hard to find, but it might have more candy.

Thanks, the woman said with a smile as she and her companions hurried off.

She made a quest to collect candy? Heather asked and shook her head. Am I still not getting the hang of this?

I wish she had asked me, Frank said. I would have put some candy givers in the mausoleums.

Heather felt genuinely sorry for him and wished Quinny had asked him. She hooked his arm and suggested they walk the trail, looking for more houses to knock on. They found two more and collected some treats, this time one of them being more of a proper candy bar. Heather quickly began to nibble her bar as a group of players went by and stopped to stare at them.

Is that a real spider? a man asked as he leaned over.

Hes my familiar, Heather said. His name is Webster.

Ha, Webster, a cat woman laughed. Perfect name for a spider.

Webster chirped and decided to play along, turning invisible as the group marveled at his powers. Heather rolled her eyes as they ran on, looking for the next house to knock on.

Are you really looking forward to your graveyard being used like this? Heather asked.

I want it to be more serious, but yeah. I cant wait for players to come, Frank replied.

Heather shrugged and hooked his arm, walking along to find an odd sight in the road. It looked like a scarecrow but had two pumpkin heads and long green vines for arms. It walked on stubby legs as it turned to face them, then emitted a cackling howl.

Two and three is all I need. The price is also the reward. Pay my toll or go unknown. The final tally will be told.

Is that a riddle? Heather asked as the pumpkin thing leered at them.

Will you pay? it asked in a raspy voice.

Hmm, Heather said as she and Frank paused to consider the riddle. I want to say this is complex, but it's Quinny we're talking about. She considered what the creature had said and then looked at Frank. Give me three pieces of your candy.

Why? Frank said and protected his pouch.

Oh, because I ate most of mine, and I only have two sugar drops left. The riddle is basic math. He wants two plus three pieces of candy. I need five to pay him.

Frank reluctantly handed over the treats, and Heather handed them to the scarecrow. The creature howled and cackled before pulling one of its heads free and holding it out.

The price is paid the total correct, now take back what you gave and more, it laughed.

Heather and Frank realized the top of the head was cut open, and inside it was filled with candy. They eagerly scooped up handfuls until the creature said that was enough and danced away on its stubby legs.

Well, that was easy, Heather said as she cradled an armful of candy.

You know it upsets her that you solve all her puzzles so quickly, Frank said as she chewed on a sucker.

Heather shrugged as they rounded a bend and found yet another sight. This appeared to be a maze of iron fences covered in dense vine growth. She could hear players screaming from inside as something roared and smoke drifted over the walls.

Its like a theme park, Heather exclaimed.

Let her have her fun, Frank said, looking more closely at the archway that started the maze.

You can get lost in that later, Heather said. I want to find Quinny and Breanne.

What did you want Breanne for? Frank asked as they moved on.

Heather explained her desire to give Jaina the magic doors, but she was nervous about going into the forest. It wasn't that she felt she was in danger, just that she knew what was likely going on inside those pleasant-looking trees.

I don't think they do that all the time, Frank said. Besides, you want to see Chandice's magic shop, don't you?

I do, but it's all the way on the other side of the forest, Heather said. I just don't want to round a corner and find Jaina or one of the others doing what they do.

I could go with you, I guess, Frank said innocently, but Heather could tell by his tone he didn't like the idea either. Here was a man who was nervous about hugging his girlfriends. How would he react if he caught Jaina or Gisley carrying out some fantasy?

I will ask Breanne, Heather assured him. She can turn me into a ghost and escape if we need to.

They turned a bend, and the forest thinned out, but it wasn't any less dark. Here the underbrush was gone, only to be replaced by acres of pumpkin patch on both sides. Mists swirled about the pumpkins as players ran about attacking some that came to life as jack-o-lanterns and flailed at them with twisting vines.

What is this supposed to be? Heather asked in confusion.

Frank directed her to a sign near the side of the road. It described how the patch was haunted, and players who killed the jack-o-lanterns could collect candles. Ten of these would earn a random reward back at the fort, one of the prizes being a handful of candy.

People are seriously adventuring for a handful of candy? Heather said in disbelief.

They just want to have fun, Frank replied when somebody cried out, and they turned to see a player fall.

A woman knelt over a man as three players in black laughed and snatched their bags of candy. Heather could see the man was badly wounded by what looked like a stab in the back. The woman berated the three players, who laughed and threatened her with the slender sword.

Newbs like you should stay in the starting zone, a dwarf with gray skin said.

This zone is perfect for our level, the woman snapped back. You thugs should have moved on long ago.

Why? an elf man with a half-shaved head asked. It's easy pickings here.

Why dont you beg for us? a woman with three eyes asked. Maybe we wont steal your stuff again later?

Maybe you won't steal it now, Heather snarled as she stomped over. She went right up to the group that initially laughed but choked when the towering form of Frank walked up behind her.

Is that a ghoul? the three-eyed woman asked.

It cant be, the dwarf said. Ghouls dont get that big.

Its practically a troll, the elf said as Frank dragged his long nails on the ground.

Give them their candy back and get out of my kingdom! Heather shouted as she folded her arms.

Your kingdom? the woman asked as she tried to be brave. I thought this land belonged to that woman Gwen.

My mother, Queen Gwen is the ruler of the whole region, Heather explained. And I have direct control of this area.

You're the princess? the woman asked and shook her head. I heard you were a flower singer. Where did you get the ghoul, then?

I don't have to explain myself to you, Heather balked. Give them the candy back, or else.

Or else what? the woman asked defiantly as a dark form sprung over Heather's shoulder and wrapped around the woman's face. A shriek like a little girl echoed through the forest as the woman ran wild, screaming about the spider on her face. Webster sprang off just before she collided with a tree and landed at Heather's feet to chirp at the others. The dwarf drew a short sword causing Heather to step aside.

Have it your way, she said with a roll of her eyes.

Frank waded in and shrugged off their blows while reaching with powerful hands. He wasn't trying to kill them, only grab hold so his draining touch could take effect. Less than a minute later, they were barely able to stand, and Frank dragged them back to the road as Heather knelt beside the wounded man.

Here, let me heal that, Heather said and applied her pulsing heal.

Thank you, the woman said. Are you really princess Hannah?

Heather smiled and explained her devilish appearance as a costume. She was indeed princess Hannah, and people like those other three were not welcome in her kingdom. She helped the couple stand and then handed them the dropped bags before turning to see Frank throwing the dazed woman onto the pile.

Is that prince Frank? the man asked.

That would be him, Heather replied with a pleased smile.

They said he was big, but I had no idea, the man said.

Heather felt genuine pride for her husband, who left the fools lying in the road. He walked back to where the group was standing and asked Heather what she wanted to do with them.

Hmm, Heather said and looked at a nearby pumpkin plant. She began a soft song, singing the plant to life as it shook and twisted. She turned it into a living minion that ordered it to drag the players back to Finneouses fort and leave them there. The plant tore from the ground and slithered to the group like an octopus. It wrapped them in vines and dragged them away as several stunned players watched.

So you really are a flower singer, the woman said.

I really am, Heather replied and leaned into her husband.

Well, thank you again, the woman said. I hope you don't mind our running off. We want to hurry and get more candles for the quest.

Have fun, Heather urged, watching them go while leaning into the man she loved. This is what it's all about, isn't it? Heather asked.

Having fun? Frank asked.

Yeah, Heather replied and looked up to meet his gaze. Why am I so slow to see these things?

You didn't want to see it, Frank said, carefully putting an arm around her. Then you got embroiled in all this Hathlisora stuff, and you just didn't have time to stop and see it.

Hmm, Heather said and looked over the pumpkin patch. You know what, you're right. Starting right now, I want to have more fun. Now common, we need to get candles, she insisted and summoned her scythe.

Frank smiled in his funny way, and together they slipped into the patch, hunting for the haunted pumpkins. An hour later, she was laughing as they chased one across the field, the poor creature desperate to escape.

Why are they running from us? Heather asked as they cornered it by a wall.

I think we're too high for this, Frank said as Heather killed the poor thing in one blow.

I guess we are, Heather agreed but fished out the candle anyway. She added it to their collection of thirty and looked around for their next victim. Maybe I shouldn't teleport so much. It kinda takes the thrill of the chase out.

Frank shrugged as Webster bounced on his shoulder. The spider chirped and pointed his high vantage point and multiple eyes, perfect for spotting more. Heather ran after it gleefully as Frank followed, adding yet another candle to their pile.

You two appear to be having fun, A ghostly voice said as Breanne drifted into view in her banshee form.

Breanne! Heather cried. Come hunt pumpkins with us.

I never thought I would see the day you were this happy, Breanne said. But then I saw the look in your eyes when you said I do to Frank, and I knew you had found your happiness.

Heather blushed and took one of his fingers as Frank looked about nervously. He was still recovering from the wedding, and the night after that, she was certain he would never forget.

Where is Quinny? Heather asked as she moved up to hug Breanne.

She is in her barrow mound messing with players, Breanne said as her form solidified for her hug. Its good to see you having fun.

It took me a while to embrace the idea, Heather replied.

And what moved you to embrace wearing this? Breanne asked. Quinny has been watching you since you entered the forest. She is irate that you hid this outfit from her.

Oh, Heather said as she looked at her outfit. It was in the interface from the ring. Hathlisora has hundreds of outfits like this.

Are we sure thats her ring? Breanne asked as Heather held her hand up.

As far as we know, it is, Heather replied. But why I can use it, I don't know. I want to say it must mean I am her, but there are so many reasons why that can't be.

Let's not go down that path right now, Breanne urged. You were having fun, and I don't want to spoil it.

Well, as long as you're here, let's get fifty candles and turn them in, Heather said.

Quinny thinks you wont like the rewards, Breanne suggested.

I just want to eat the candy, Heather laughed. I have no intention of turning it in. Where did she get it anyway?

It's Halloween, Breanne explained. You can spend points to buy candy, or if you are a player who can build an adventure, you can add candy dispensers.

So what else can I get as a reward for the candles? Heather asked.

Well, one of the rewards is a sexy witch costume, Breanne answered.

Heather smiled and looked at Frank, who was nervously playing with his claws.

Frank, sweety, Heather cooed. Would you like to see me in a sexy witch costume?

I. Uh. he stammered as Breanne shook her head.

Oh, dont ask him questions like that. Youre going to break him, Breanne said as Heather started to laugh.

Heather took her hand and smiled as Breanne blushed slightly.

Are you ready for this? Breanne asked.

Are you? Heather replied.

Young lady, I was doing this before you were born, Breanne replied.

Well then, lets see if we can really get him going, Heather teased.

And how do you plan to do that? Breanne asked.

Simple, Heather said as she pointed to their bag of candles. We kill enough to get two sexy witch costumes.

Breanne smiled before the two ran off, giggling as they started to slay haunted pumpkins. Frank was relegated to holding the bag as they flooded it with candles until it overflowed. Heather was about to begin the walk to the fort when Breanne told her Quinny had leveled up recently and now had forest walk. She took Heather and Frank by the wrist and stepped behind a tree, coming out behind another one at the opposite end of the forest. The two walked hand in hand, leaning into one another as Frank walked with the sack slung over his shoulder. They had gone only ten steps when Quinny cried out indignantly and ran up from behind.

No fair you two having all that fun without me, Quinny said and took Breannes other hand.

I figured you were having more fun watching, Heather said as they resumed their march to the keep.

It was fun, Quinny admitted. But I want to be there to see if you get a costume.

How random is it? Frank asked, causing the three women to smile.

Somebody is hoping you get a costume, Breanne laughed.

I was just asking, Frank insisted nervously.

Well? Heather asked and looked at Quinny.

Oh, the costume is the rare reward, she said. Candy is the most common, and you can get some hats, a broom that sorta flies, and a portion of frogs.

Alright, I demand to know what sorta flies means, Heather insisted.

It hovers about waist high off the ground, and you can sit on it to fly slowly, Quinny explained.

But it can't go any higher? Heather asked to see Quinny shake her head. As if to demonstrate the point, an elf woman in a white dress floated by on one of the brooms, causing Heather and Breanne to giggle when she fell off.

What does a potion of frogs do? Frank asked as they neared the outer walls of the keep.

It turns you into a frog, Quinny replied.

What? Why would anyone want that? Heather asked.

It only lasts one minute, Quinny explained. It was just meant to be a fun reward.

Let's see how fun people think it is when Webster tried to eat them, Heather said and looked to where the spider was still perched on Frank's shoulder. No eating frogs until I say. He chirped and bobbed in response, but Heather didn't trust him.

They reached the outer walls of the fort Finneous had taken over as his lair. Outside the walls was a small village of five houses, complete with NPC villagers and what looked like a town hall. They entered the gate and walked into the yard to find the place alive with players talking to a seven-foot-tall scarecrow with an oversized pumpkin for a head. The inner yard was just how Heather remembered it but with less damage and more color. Quinny explained they needed to talk to a man by a wagon in the corner who claimed he was a traveling merchant.

Ahh, do you have candled for Stavros? he said as the group approached.

Heather and Breanne handed him the bulging bag, and he quickly announced they had a hundred and seventeen.

Thats one reward for every ten, Quinny said.

And how rare is this outfit? Heather asked to learn the reward was about one in ten. Sure enough, they were given bags of candy, a potion of frogs, a broom, and a straw hat. On the final return, the man handed them a bundle, and Heather finally held up the witch's outfit.

This has a garter belt, Heather said as she waved the skimpy thing in Quinnys face. And the top is a lace corset.

I wasnt expecting you to go after it, Quinny said defensively. Besides, you obviously like corsets.

This one is see-through! Heather cried as she looked through the material.

Well, at least we got one, Breanne said.

Yeah, I cant wait to see Heather put it on, Quinny teased.

Oh, no, Heather said and held the garment in the zombie womans face. We are going back to that pumpkin patch for more candles and turning them in until we have two more outfits. If I have to put this on, so do you two!

Quinny and Breanne exchanged worried glances as Heather grabbed them by the arm and dragged them out. The forest was filled with laughter and giggles for hours as the girls ran after the pumpkins. They returned with three full sacks of candles and dumped them at the man's feet. Players gathered around in awe at the haul as the girls waited nervously for the rewards.

An hour later, they were in the forest, turning heads as three sexy witches walked beside a ghoul, all holding hands.