Jillian stared at the ancient demon before her, captivated and hanging by his every word. Had she ever wondered why Rodoria was named the Land in the Middle sometimes? Certainly, but not for long. Like with most nations (and indeed, most humans), she had assumed that those from whom the name originated had simply seen themselves as the most important thing in the world, the center around which everything else congregated. Furthermore, from a cartographer’s perspective, it made a lot of sense to put Rodoria in the middle as every mapping expedition would find its beginnings here, filling out the map of Reniam in a spreading circle with Rodoria at its center. By the Ancient One’s implications, however, it became clear that he at least believed otherwise, saw another explanation.

Arms still crossed, she gave a light shrug after his presumably rhetorical questions and muttered “Have a feeling you’re about to enlighten me.”

So he did. He told her of his enigmatic arrival from beyond the darkness of Stupor. She had known that bit at least, being educated enough to have studied some ancient history. What she had not known, however, was that he was ‘specifically’ from another world. Truly she had never wondered where he’d come from, maybe the Union plane or simply Stupor itself, but if what he said was true, then the implications would be monstrous. Another world? Like Reniam? Were all beings there like him, or was he an exception? What was the world like? Was it possible to go there? And if there were two worlds, why not three? Could there be potentially many other worlds out there, beyond the grasp of any mortal, beyond the cold barrier of Stupor? Places that not even the Spirits or the Gods could reach or know about?

The Master’s voice tore her back to the reality of Reniam, though part of her mind lingered in the lofty heights, beyond the dark veil of the night sky and what mysteries might dwell beyond its farthest depths. Although he presented the witch with two options for reaching him, both sounded difficult and undesireable. Undoing the tower’s curse was clearly not an option; even if Jillian had the knowledge and the power to do such a feat, she would refuse to. Unleashing the Grand Master would be the last thing she’d agree to, knowing full well it would be the beginning of a new dark age for humanity. Swimming to the tower would be equally difficult, for the tower must be at a considerable depth and she strongly doubted that she could survive diving to such an extent. Nevermind that she was not a very good swimmer and detested cold water.

“I would be lying if I said I was not intrigued,” the witch admitted, slanted, attentive eyes fixed on the floating image of the great demon as she paced back and forth, “Were you a man I’d love nothing more than to share a bottle of wine or two and listen to your tales of this other world beyond Stupor, but alas. As you clearly know, I’ll not be able to get to your tower without help, nor anytime soon. Presuming that I still live after our little bargain is done with, we can talk again then if you’re still offering.” 

“And don’t think that I have forgotten that you neglected to mention your interest in my visit,” Jillian added stern of voice, extending her right index towards the Grand Master.