Chapter 13.2. Dark Dungeon.

Meanwhile, snakeman Sharr and fallen angel Azael engaged lively in debate over merits of various brews sampled thus far – their animated discussion providing welcome distraction from weightier concerns, pressing upon group’s collective mind.

Two days later, Cian approached Lilith’s chambers with urgent news – he had secured a meeting with the legendary Gobniu himself.

– The blacksmith has agreed to see us this afternoon, – Cian informed her quietly, voice strained under pressure of circumstances: – We must make ourselves presentable – no room for error before such esteemed artisan.

Lilith nodded grimly, but she had no intension to change her dark outfit. It was washed by maids in tavern, and she visited local bathhouse, which belonged to another Bannik, and considered it all the preparation she needed.

The mercenary carefully adjusted her mask one last time, ensuring features remained obscured, behind veil of secrecy even now.

With these preparations complete, the pair made their way through bustling streets of Taraka, toward Gobniu’s forge – the heart of a town, where greatest smiths plied trade since ancient times. As they drew nearer, Lilith could hear rhythmic clanging of hammer upon anvil, echoing off surrounding buildings, a steady cadence that seemed almost like pulse, beating life into very stone beneath feet.

Cian led his companion through heavy wooden doors, leading to interior of a workshop, where searing heat immediately assaulted senses. Glowing coals cast flickering light across sweat-soaked faces of apprentices toiling benches, while master smith himself stood in a center of room – a towering figure clad in simple leather apron, streaked with soot and ash.

Gobniu turned upon hearing footsteps approach, eyes narrowing in suspicion, as he took measure of pair standing before him.

–  Well met, – he boomed deeply, voice resonating with authority born from centuries of experience: – I am told you have something most important to discuss.

– Yes. Is there any quieter place, where we could talk? – asked Lilith.

Gobniu nodded, gesturing for Lilith and Cian to follow him through a side door, leading into more private quarters. The forge’s cacophony faded behind, as they stepped into a spacious study, its walls lined with shelves, holding an array of artifacts – some glimmering with latent magic, others bearing scars of battlefields long past.

A large oak desk dominated the center of a room, surrounded by comfortable chairs, upholstered with fine leather. Gobniu motioned to Lilith and Cian to take seats across from him, before settling behind mahogany barrier himself.

– This place more conducive conversation, – he rumbled, eyes flicking between companions with intensity, that made even hardened mercenary feel exposed.

Lilith cleared her throat, suddenly self-conscious, under scrutiny of such esteemed artisan.

– I apologize for interrupting your work day, but matter at hand is far too important to ignore.

Tuatha god leaned forward, hands steepling beneath chin, as he regarded Lilith closely.

– Your reputation precedes you – though few know true identity behind mask worn daily, – a knowing smile played lips, hinting at centuries of experience deciphering secrets others sought keep hidden.

Cian shifted uncomfortably beside his companion, sensing tension, thick enough to cut with knife. He knew Gobniu’s temper could be as unpredictable as his creations – and one wrong move risk sparking conflict, none present wished to endure.

– Let us speak plainly then, – Lilith continued, voice steady, despite racing heartbeat within chest: – I come bearing ancient relic believed lost ages past – an heirloom of your people, which you would doubtless wish to return.

She reached into her Female Purse and took out Spear of Lugh. Gobniu eyes narrowed, as he regarded the spear. His hand twitched, but Gobniu controlled himself and sat back into his chair.

– Where did you get it?

– From one of the fomorian god-generals. You know about those events?

– Yes. Dian Cecht informed me, without mentioning who imprisoned them with Time Stasis spell.

– I would appreciate you keeping it secret as well.

– As you wish. So? Why are you here? Since you are a mercenary, I expect a price, that you wish for this spear. And since you did not sold it to Dian Cecht, you probably want something that only I can grant?

– Cian told me about the bracelet, which you made for him. The one that granted him master level Sword Saint skill.

– Did he? – Gobniu glanced at Cian, and young tuatha shivered.

– I bought him as a slave. He had a slave collar on him, and I used Appraisal spell to find out that he had his Sword Saint skill.

– I see.  So you want me to make you such bracelet?

Lilith laughed:

– Of course not. I want you to make several. Also with much more than one skill. At least twenty.

– That’s impossible! – Gobniu took a deep breath and calmed down: – Most that one bracelet can give is thirteen skills. Someone cursed could get fourteen, but I do not recommend getting a curse, just to get one skill.

– Not a problem for me. I already have a curse. So, fourteen skills for me and another three. with thirteen skills. Every one with several advanced skills.

– That’s impossible.

– Why?

– First – because ordinary person cannot even use a bracelet with thirteen skills. That is a death sentence. You would need to possess Double Skill Slot skill, to be able to wear it. Most a person can use is ten skills, and only one advanced among them. But, – Gobniu raised his hand preventing Lilith from speaking: – I cannot make you such Skill bracelets, because I do not have materials necessary to make them.

– Can you add skills later?

– Only if I prepare such possibility beforehand. Also one person can use only one bracelet. Cian’s skills cannot be changed.

– Can you give him something, which will allow him to see in darkness?

– Hmm. Yes. But not grant him night vision, but I do have an artifact, which allows user to see mana. But Tuatha Dé Danann have excellent night vision, just like Dark elves.

– Not good enough to see in complete darkness, not good enough for a dungeon.

– No. But ability to see mana, will be enough for one such skilled as Cian.

– Good. By the way what Sword Saint skill actually does?

– It allows deeper understanding of sword styles. Their uses. To understand and analyze the abilities of opponents, who fight using a sword, and also let you learn sword arts much easier.

– Sounds good. I will take that. So, how many bracelets and with how many skills, you can make me right now?

– What makes you even think that I will agree to pay your extortionary price, and use up all materials that I gathered, to make you those bracelets? That would empty my supplies, for decades to come.

– Because this spear is powerful enough to kill a god. No matter the price, it is worth to you. Even if you would need to empty your whole treasury, it will still be worth it to you.

Gobniu stroked his chin, but did not object.

– Three bracelets, with ten skill each, – he finally sighed: – And only single advanced skill, for a bracelet.

– That is not enough. What material you need?

– Magic ore, adamantium and magic gems mostly. Other things I can get myself.

Lilith nodded and took out from her magic purse several blocks with magic ore, adamantium and even four magic gems, with one mid ranking floor guardian magic gem among them.

– My last supply, but I think it will be worth it. If you can deliver.

Gobniu examined ores and magic gems and nodded.

– That’s more than any mercenary should have, but it is exactly what I would need. Four advanced skills, I can make. And thirty eight ordinary skills.

– That is better.

Lilith borrowed from table a piece of parchment and ink with feather. She wrote some calculations, then corrected them. Then re-wrote them again.

– That will do, – she nodded satisfied and passed parchment to Gobniu: – For this bracelet, leave four skills that I will need you to add later.

– I will need high ranking floor guardian magic gem, for every skill, which you will want to add, – warned Gobniu.

He looked through Lilith writing and shook his head.

– For one bracelet you want fourteen skills.

– I have Double Skill Slots skill and a curse. That one is for me.

– What a strange choice. You want Charm, Masonry and Harp Playing skills among others?

– Yes. Bought myself a harp. But cannot play it, – shrugged Lilith: – Can you deliver or not?

– I can. But I will need more than two years, to make what you want.

– When will mine be ready, if you begin with it?

– Six month, at least. If I abandon all my other projects. But you should know, that bracelet will also increase your levels, according to amount of skills that you will gain. But it will not increase your stats.

– Fine. I am not concerned about the levels, I know the implications, but I am fine with it. One more thing, I heard that there is a temple of Zhen Wu near your lands?

– There is. But it rarely accepts any visitors. Even I do not have any influence there.

– That is not a problem. I already have a recommendation. I will stay there then and return in six month time.

– What about the Spear.

– You can keep it, – Lilith shrugged: – Do not need it anyway. Besides, I trust that you will keep your word. I will see you in six month time.

Gobniu sighed, but nodded. He did not expected these negotiations to end this way.