blueteamnovel Chapter 131: Entering The Web
Chapter 131: Entering The Web
As Lassim sped towards the town on the edges of the swamp, using his [Tempest Steps], his approach caused an unexpected change in the scenery. Approaching the town’s perimeter, what he initially mistook for a benign hill amidst the swampy landscape began to shift.
The mound—covered in thick reeds and mangrove trees—suddenly unfurled, beginning to rise as it revealed itself to be anything but inanimate. It was a creature, colossal as it easily disturbed and shifted the terrain as it shook its limbs, a giant swamp tarantula the size of a small building.
This behemoth was an embodiment of the swamp itself. Its massive body was camouflaged with layers of moss and mud, making it seem as if it was part of the black, swampy lagoon itself.
Dark, murky water dripped from its chitinous armor, which bore the texture and color of wet slate. Its eight eyes glinted like dark, polished obsidian, reflecting Lassim’s full figure and more in each of them.
Each of its eight legs, uprooting from deep in the marshy ground, were lined with thick, spear-like hairs that looked more like the barbed spears of ancient warriors than mere natural body hair.
As Lassim halted a safe distance from this guardian of the swamp, the tarantula reared up, its two front legs raised menacingly. The hairs on its limbs bristled, poised to launch like javelins at the slightest provocation.
The creature then began a series of clattering and clicking sounds with its mandibles, a complex language that seemed to reverberate through the moist air.
"[Skrrik tikka krak-krak, skreeka tarrak varrak!]"
The sounds were harsh, clicking and resonating. It spoke in the Spider Queen’s language. The message was lost and unintelligible to Lassim.
Lassim slapped his forehead, realizing his oversight. Amidst his excitement and the rush of his getting back onto his journey, he had completely forgotten to study up on the unique language of the Spider Queen’s realm, which he had only briefly tried to read and learn during his initial travel after leaving Etherys all those years ago.
Frantically, he pulled out the ornate dial language tome he carried—a purchase from the old cartographer he met with Hallen before he left.
Flipping through the pages, he
Cirra’s eyes lit up, a soft smile playing on her lips as she shared her passion. "I’ve always loved languages," she began, her tone reflecting a deep-seated enthusiasm. "They’re like keys to different worlds, different ways of thinking. It’s fascinating how sounds and symbols can hold so much power."
She paused, her expression briefly clouding as she added, "Though, not everyone at my sect sees it that way…"
Lassim sensed the hint of complexity in her situation but decided not to pry further at the moment. Instead, he decided to seize an opportunity from her, "Could you, maybe, help me learn the language? I’d really appreciate it, and it might keep me out of more trouble in the future."
Cirra considered his request, her gaze thoughtful as she walked alongside him.
"I might help you," she finally said, a playful tone creeping into her voice. "But I’d need something in return. Not sure what yet, but I’ll think of something."
"As long as it’s something within my power to handle, you’ve got yourself a deal, Cirra." Lassim responded quickly, relieved and eager to acquire a new skill that would prove essential during his journey through the Spider Queen’s lands.
He also saw the importance of learning languages after everything he went through with the Drow. Though, right now he was really wishing that he had the ability of Sanvra to mind meld and share memories. It would make him instantly fluent in the language right away, something he was thankful of or else his time with the Drow would’ve been much more challenging.