Lord of the Foresaken
Chapter 52: THE THIRD ARTIFACT

Chapter 52: THE THIRD ARTIFACT

The confrontation at the breach had been brutal and mercifully brief. When the dust settled and the tear in reality sealed, Lord Nihilum remained standing opposite Reed in the scorched wasteland that had once been the northeastern defensive perimeter of Goblin’s Hollow. Between them lay the still-twitching remains of something ancient and terrible—a mass of writhing appendages and eyes that were already dissolving into fetid ichor.

"Impressive," Lord Nihilum said, his voice simultaneously present in Reed’s ears and inside his mind. "Few could have contained an Abyssal Harbinger so efficiently."

Reed’s obsidian skin rippled with barely contained power, silver veins pulsing like lightning beneath storm clouds. "You breached a Netherlock in my domain as a test." It wasn’t a question.

"The Council required proof of your capabilities." Lord Nihilum’s form seemed to absorb the ambient light around him. "They debate endlessly. I prefer direct evidence."

Reed gestured at the devastation. Dozens of evolved goblins lay dead or wounded. A section of his meticulously constructed walls had been reduced to rubble. "Your ’evidence’ cost lives."

"A small price for what comes next." Lord Nihilum moved closer, his movement more like a shadow’s shifting than physical locomotion. "The awakening accelerates. Your two fragments are strong, but insufficient."

"Three," Reed corrected coldly.

Lord Nihilum’s pinprick eyes flared briefly. "Two active fragments. The third remains dormant within you—unlocked but unutilized."

For the first time, uncertainty flickered across Reed’s features. Before he could respond, Shia approached, her copper skin bearing new scars from the battle, runes shifting restlessly across her transformed flesh.

"The wounded are being tended to," she reported, eyeing Lord Nihilum with naked hostility. "Thirty-seven dead. The breach is sealed, but the residual energy will corrupt this section for weeks."

Reed nodded grimly. "Quarantine the area. No one enters without direct authorization."

As Shia departed to oversee the containment, Lord Nihilum moved in a circle around Reed, studying him like a curator examining a rare specimen. "Your pet Hero has evolved beyond expected parameters."

"She is my commander and advisor," Reed replied sharply. "Not a pet."

A sound emanated from Lord Nihilum that might have been laughter in a more human entity. "Attachment. Interesting." The being stopped its circling. "We have little time for sentimentality. You require the third artifact."

"I possess the third fragment already."

"You possess a dormant seed. The true artifact remains separate—the key to awakening what sleeps within you." Lord Nihilum raised a hand formed of condensed darkness, and reality rippled. Within the distortion appeared an image of a magnificent fortress perched atop a mountain of sheer black stone. "The Citadel of Midnight. Home to Lord Varkath, keeper of the Void Crucible."

Reed studied the image, his enhanced senses detecting subtle details no human could perceive—patterns of energy flowing through the fortress, concentrations of power, defensive formations. "Varkath is high in the royal hierarchy. His domain is impregnable."

"Precisely why the artifact was entrusted to him." Lord Nihilum closed his hand, and the image vanished. "The Council believed it would be safest there."

"And now they want me to take it."

"Events have... evolved beyond their anticipations." Lord Nihilum’s form seemed to grow more substantial, more present, as if his amusement at the situation gave him density. "The Netherlocks weaken faster than projected. You need all three artifacts fully activated and integrated."

Reed’s eyes narrowed. "Why would I trust you? The Council sent you to test me, yet you seem eager to arm me further."

"My motivations are irrelevant to your survival." Lord Nihilum moved closer, darkness billowing around him like a cloak. "But know this: I alone among the Council understand what you truly are."

"And what is that?"

"Something they fear more than the ancients themselves." The pinpricks of light that served as Nihilum’s eyes seemed to pierce directly into Reed’s consciousness. "Now, shall we discuss how you will breach the most heavily fortified domain on the continent, or would you prefer philosophical debates while reality unravels?"

Three days later, Reed stood in the war chamber of the Convergence Citadel, surrounded by his inner circle. The room’s walls displayed a perfect three-dimensional representation of Lord Varkath’s domain, rotating slowly to reveal different angles of approach. Shia and Vex stood at Reed’s right, while the newly evolved goblin elite guards—Razorclaw commanders with crystalline growth emerging from their shoulders and spines—maintained positions around the perimeter.

"Conventional assault is suicide," Vex stated flatly, pointing to the aerial defenses. "Lord Varkath employs void eagles and phase towers. Any airborne approach would be detected and neutralized."

"Underground?" suggested Shia, studying the mountain’s base.

"Solid bedrock infused with sensing runes," Reed replied, his voice distant as the fragments within him resonated with the projected image. "And the approach valleys are riddled with detection wards that would trigger well before any tunneling could succeed."

The gathered commanders shifted uneasily. Since Lord Nihilum’s appearance, Reed had grown more remote, spending hours in silent communion with the fragments. Some whispered that their lord was changing again, becoming something even less human than before.

"There is another approach," came a silken voice from the shadows. The assembled goblins tensed as Lord Nihilum materialized beside the projection. Though he had remained in the Citadel since the breach incident, most avoided him instinctively.

"The annual Celestial Court," Nihilum continued. "Three days hence, Lord Varkath hosts the kingdom’s elite to celebrate the Void Alignment."

Vex frowned, his transformed goblin features contorting. "The most heavily guarded event of the year. Security will be tripled."

"Precisely," Nihilum agreed. "So many guests, so much activity. Chaos disguised as order."

Reed studied the projection as it shifted to show the fortress during previous Celestial Court celebrations. Hundreds of nobles, lords, and their retinues crowded the normally austere fortress. "Even if we could infiltrate the gathering, the Void Crucible would be under heaviest guard during such an event."

"Not quite," Nihilum countered. "The artifact must participate in the ritual. Tradition dictates it be moved from its vault to the Celestial Chamber for the duration of the alignment."

Reed’s eyes narrowed. "You know much about Varkath’s security protocols."

"The Council knows all," Nihilum replied with a dismissive gesture. "More relevant is that you will have assistance inside the fortress."

Silence fell over the war chamber as the implications settled in.

"You have an agent in Varkath’s court," Reed concluded.

Nihilum’s form rippled with what might have been satisfaction. "The Council has agents everywhere. This one has served for decades, positioned for precisely such a contingency."

Reed turned to his commanders. "Leave us." When only he and Nihilum remained, he asked, "Why didn’t the Council simply have their agent take the artifact directly?"

"The Void Crucible is bound to its keeper by blood oath. Only another fragment bearer can break that bond and claim it." Nihilum circled the projection slowly. "And even with inside help, the challenge remains formidable. Varkath is paranoid and powerful."

Reed absorbed this information, the silver veins beneath his skin pulsing faster as the fragments resonated with mention of their kin. "I’ll need to go personally."

"Yes. Alone."

Reed’s laugh was harsh. "Walk into my enemy’s stronghold unaccompanied? That sounds suspiciously like a trap, Lord Nihilum."

"Of course it’s a trap," Nihilum replied, the pinpricks of his eyes flaring. "Life is a series of traps. The question is whether you’re cunning enough to turn them to your advantage."

The Citadel of Midnight lived up to its name. Built from stone so dark it seemed to devour light, it thrust upward from Mount Obsidian like a blade aimed at the heart of the sky. As dusk fell and the first stars appeared, hundreds of ornate carriages wound their way up the treacherous mountain road, bearing the elite of the kingdom to Lord Varkath’s Celestial Court.

Among them rode a closed carriage bearing the insignia of a minor noble house from the eastern provinces. The guards at each checkpoint gave it only cursory examination—one more forgettable dignitary among dozens. When it finally reached the fortress gates, a tall figure emerged, swathed in midnight blue robes embroidered with silver constellations, face concealed behind an ornate mask crafted in the semblance of an owl—the traditional attire for the Celestial Court.

Reed had never felt more exposed. The fragments within him thrummed with energy, requiring constant effort to suppress their signature. Though his physical appearance was concealed by conventional means—expensive fabric and a ceremonial mask—he knew Varkath possessed means to detect energy patterns. His only advantage was that no one expected the Goblin Lord to appear in the heart of his enemy’s stronghold.

"Lord Asterian of House Noctis," Reed announced to the major-domo at the entrance, using the identity provided by Nihilum’s intelligence.

The major-domo consulted his list with practiced efficiency. "Ah, yes. Your first attendance at our Celestial Court, I believe? Lord Varkath will be pleased that even the distant eastern houses recognize the importance of tonight’s alignment."

Reed inclined his head in acknowledgment, relieved that the first hurdle had been cleared. As he was ushered into the grand reception hall, the opulence of Varkath’s domain became apparent. Where Reed’s Convergence Citadel was a fusion of practicality and otherworldly power, this fortress was a monument to excess and vanity. Chandeliers crafted from rare luminescent crystals cast prismatic light across marble floors inlaid with precious metals. The assembled nobility glittered with jewels and magic enhancements, their laughter tinkling like broken glass.

"Impressive, isn’t it?" came a honeyed voice at his elbow. Reed turned to find a woman in a peacock-themed mask, her gown shimmering with actual feathers that moved independently of the fabric. "First-timers are always so obvious in their awe."

Reed adopted the bored drawl of nobility. "I’ve seen more impressive displays at provincial harvest festivals."

The woman’s laughter seemed genuine. "Delightful! Most visitors fall over themselves to compliment Lord Varkath’s ostentation." She extended a gloved hand. "Lady Seriphina Dusk, Court Astronomer."

Reed kissed the offered hand with practiced grace, silently thanking Vex for the crash course in noble etiquette. "Lord Asterian Noctis. A pleasure."

"The pleasure may yet be mine," she replied with a hint of suggestion that made Reed uncomfortable. "Especially if you continue to provide such refreshing honesty in this pit of vipers."

As they conversed, Reed scanned the hall. According to Nihilum’s intelligence, the Void Crucible would be moved to the Celestial Chamber one hour before midnight. He needed to locate both the chamber and identify the Council’s agent before then.

"You seem distracted, Lord Noctis," Lady Seriphina observed. "Searching for someone more interesting already?"

"Forgive me," Reed replied smoothly. "I was just admiring the architectural features. I’m something of an enthusiast for defensive design."

Her eyes sharpened behind her mask. "How unusual. Most find military matters tedious at such gatherings." She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "Though if fortifications interest you, perhaps you’d enjoy seeing Lord Varkath’s pride and joy—the Celestial Chamber. Few outsiders are granted such privilege."

Reed’s pulse quickened. This was too convenient. "I wouldn’t wish to impose."

"Nonsense," she insisted, taking his arm. "The true spectacle doesn’t begin for hours yet. I’d be delighted to provide a private tour to someone who might actually appreciate the technical aspects."

As she led him away from the main hall down a less populated corridor, Reed remained hyperalert. Either he had been extraordinarily lucky in encountering an indiscreet court official, or—

"She’s the agent," he realized with sudden certainty. The Council’s embedded spy had found him far more quickly than anticipated.

Lady Seriphina guided him through increasingly restricted areas of the fortress, nodding to guards who stepped aside at her approach. Finally, they reached an ornate door inscribed with celestial symbols that pulsed with latent energy.

"The Celestial Chamber," she announced. "Where Lord Varkath will conduct tonight’s ritual." She placed her hand against a particular constellation pattern, and the door responded, symbols lighting with blue fire as it swung open.

The chamber beyond was breathtaking—a perfect hemisphere with a ceiling of transparent crystal offering an unobstructed view of the night sky. At the center stood a pedestal of black marble, currently empty but surrounded by complex ritualistic patterns inlaid in silver and gold.

"The Void Crucible will be placed there," Lady Seriphina said quietly, all pretense dropped from her voice. "When the celestial alignment peaks at midnight, its power will be momentarily amplified. That is your window of opportunity."

Reed studied her with new intensity. "You’re taking a considerable risk, Lady Seriphina—or whatever your real name is."

"Names are irrelevant to those who serve the Council," she replied. "I’ve maintained this identity for twenty-three years, awaiting this precise moment." She reached into a hidden pocket of her gown and withdrew a small crystal. "This will temporarily disrupt the blood-binding between Varkath and the artifact. You’ll have approximately thirty seconds to claim it before the safeguards activate."

As Reed accepted the crystal, the enormity of what he was attempting fully registered. "The entire kingdom’s elite gathered in one place, surrounding a heavily guarded artifact that I intend to steal. What could possibly go wrong?"

Lady Seriphina’s smile held no warmth. "Everything, Lord Reed. But the Council has foreseen this night for centuries. The patterns align, just as the stars do."

Before Reed could respond, a deep gong resonated throughout the fortress. Lady Seriphina tensed. "That’s not right. The ceremonial procession isn’t scheduled for another hour."

The door to the chamber burst open, revealing Lord Varkath himself flanked by elite guards. Unlike the other guests, he wore no mask—his face was a study in cold fury, eyes glowing with barely contained power.

"Seize them both," he commanded, his voice resonating with unnatural depth. "It seems we have a thief and a traitor in our midst." His gaze fixed on Reed with terrifying intensity. "Did you really think I wouldn’t recognize the energy signature of another fragment bearer, Goblin Lord?"

Reed’s hand moved to the concealed weapon at his side, but Lady Seriphina stepped forward, placing herself between him and Varkath.

"Run," she whispered. "The Council’s designs are greater than any single agent."

Before Reed could react, she raised her hands, and the astronomical symbols covering the walls blazed to life. The chamber erupted in blinding light as Lady Seriphina triggered some hidden mechanism within the very architecture of the fortress.

In the chaos that followed, Reed glimpsed something being carried into the chamber by Varkath’s personal guard—a crystalline object shaped like an inverted pyramid, pulsing with void energy so intense it created distortions in the air around it.

The Void Crucible. The third artifact. So close, yet now seemingly impossible to reach as guards swarmed the chamber and Lady Seriphina’s body crumpled to the floor, her sacrifice buying seconds rather than the minutes Reed would need.

As magical alarms blared throughout the Citadel of Midnight, Reed found himself cornered, the fragments within him responding to their kin’s proximity, silver veins beneath his skin blazing so brightly they showed through his disguise.

Lord Varkath smiled coldly as he personally placed the Void Crucible upon its pedestal.

"Perfect timing, Reed of Goblin’s Hollow," he said, raising his hands as the artifact began to pulse in rhythm with the celestial bodies visible through the crystal ceiling. "You’ve arrived just in time to witness what a fragment’s true power looks like in the hands of someone worthy to wield it."