Boulderclaws: Necrosanguin, #3

By Cameron Wayne Smith

Men don’t require dark influences to unleash evil.

Necrominus’ power has disappeared, but so too has Caige’s boulderclaws. Despite the peace created, new troubles have emerged from the wake of recent events. Creatures he once viewed as enemies join his side, while those he hoped would protect humanity turn to dark ways, increasing their power. All Caige desires is to reclaim Rocklaar and return its people to the life they once knew, if only his enemies were fond of the idea.

Boulderclaws is the third and final instalment of the exciting Necrosanguin series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cameron Wayne Smith
• Release date: Jun 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781536511253

Book preview

Chapter 1: Urgamdenti

A deep growling noise reverberated through the jungle, forcing Caige to pause and reassess whether he really should enter the large cave alone. He reached for the sturdy wooden club that the paterrans had given him. It was a nice weapon, yet nowhere near as powerful as his boulderclaws had been. He had felt invincible wielding them; tearing through hordes of necrosanguin felt so simple. Now, however, the boulderclaws were gone, as were most the necrosanguin.

Caige edged closer to the wide mouth of the cave and the deep growl grew louder. He stared into the darkness, but the sunlight wasn't able to filter through.

Cay Cay! Lilli cheerfully announced. She fell from the sky, landing beside her partner, flaming wings vanishing into thin air. Found anything?

Can you hear that? Caige responded, nodding towards the cave and listening for the noise. It's not kehrip.

Definitely not kehrip. Lilli nodded, adjusting the ashfern top around her chest. She appreciated the paterrans giving her clothes that wouldn't burn off every time she engulfed her body with flame, but they really didn't sit all that well, especially during flight. Niru is not far away, perhaps we should wait for him.

He does know this island better than the rest of us. Caige smiled, then scratched his short, brown hair. He also took a moment to admire Lilli's beautiful figure. I think I liked it better when your clothes burnt off!

I much prefer this. Lilli rolled her eyes. At least now Dagger can keep his eyes in their sockets when I'm around!

Haha, Caige laughed, only to be silenced by the deep groan growing even louder.

The thud of something heavy beginning to move within the cave startled them, pushing both of them to ready their stance. Another thud echoed out from the cave, followed by another, and another. Whatever it was had began to move, and it was speeding up. They both cautiously backed away from the cave, hiding themselves among the thick vines and plants of the jungle. They watched, waiting for the creature to reveal itself.

The rumble of massive footsteps had ceased, allowing a calm to fall over the jungle. That tranquil silence gurgled away as the deep growl resumed, much louder this time. From out of the darkness a green snout had appeared. The reptilian creature's head, appeared crocodile-like, its large overbite showing off sharp teeth. As it crawled further out from the cave, Caige noticed the rock-like black armour that covered its back.

It's the same creature we fought back at Rocklaar! You remember, the final monster during the necrosanguin attack? Caige's throat tightened as he whispered to Lilli. I can't take another one of these down, especially without my boulderclaws.

Lilli didn't respond, her eyes were fixated on the creature. Once its body was completely out from the cave, it stood up on its hind legs, towering over the lower canopy. The creature continued walking on its path, growling away, but more deep growls were still echoing from the cave. Two more, slightly smaller creatures slowly emerged, thudding the ground loudly as they stepped.

Oh shit! Caige fidgeted with his club. This is going to be one hell of a fight!

They aren't necrosanguin. Lilli pointed to the creature's yellow eyes. Perhaps we don't need to fight?

Caige and Lilli watched as more of these creatures lumbered from the cave. The jungle behind them began to transform, alerting them of Niru's approach.

Beautiful, aren't they? Niru said as the trees and vines morphed around him. The paterrans had an intimate connection with nature, but Niru's was much deeper. They are called the urgamdenti. I've not seen them in over a decade!

The urgamdenti? Caige questioned. Are they normally aggressive? We had one appear in Rocklaar, the thing was incredibly aggressive, not to mention hard to kill!

You killed one? Niru's green face was overcome with shock. The urgamdenti are a creature of peace. As soon as the conduit began drawing power from its first moon, they all went into hiding underground. I was glad to know they would escape the necrosanguin, but I was unsure they would have been able to survive such a long hibernation!

They must realise the conduit has been destroyed. Lilli ran her fingers through her long blonde hair. Verentrea is almost completely cleansed of Necrominus' grip.

Deathly screeches emanated from the jungle, cutting their conversation short. The urgamdenti that were emerging from their cave, tilted their short necks, in an attempt to see what was coming. They twisted on their stubby legs, only to witness kehrips emerging from the other side of the jungle. The kehrips' eyes were pitch black, stuck in the tormented state of necrosanguin.

It's purifying time! Lilli leapt between the urgamdenti, dodging the large crocodilian creatures, while flinging balls of flame at the necrosanguin kehrips.

Caige beat his chest with his fists, patting down the solid plates over his Silverton-Neidos armour. He then ran towards the necrosanguin. Niru manipulated the vines and trees to his will, creating a protective barrier between the necrosanguin and the urgamdenti.

Caige clobbered the first kehrip he came into contact with to the ground. Niru followed, summoning vines to bind the kehrip into place. Three more kehrips bounced out of the trees, surrounding Caige. With his boulderclaws, this would have been an easy fight, but with a stick, it would not be so. He lowered his centre of gravity, preparing to counter the first kehrip to leap at him. The middle kehrip fell for his trap, and Caige put all his strength into a tremendous upswing, knocking the kehrip out, sending shattered teeth flying through the air.

Before he could ready himself for the next attack, the others had lunged in. One was knocked forward by a ball of flame that Lilli had generously thrown, the kehrip's cranium falling into the end of Niru's staff. The other managed to clamp its jaw around Caige's arm. The purple Neidos silk of his armour stopped the teeth carving through his flesh, but the pressure pushing inward was still quite discomforting. He whacked at the kehrip with his club, but the strike was unable to push the creature off.

Lilli was busy dealing with the brunt of the assault, while Niru's focus was on binding the necrosanguin that had been knocked down or out.

Caige continued to smash into the necrosanguin that was clinging to his arm, it wasn't budging, and more kehrips had emerged around him. They gnashed their teeth and prepared to attack. Fortunately, the sound of dacters could be heard nearby. Shadows flew overhead and more kehrips fell from the canopy to the jungle floor. Only these kehrip were not necrosanguin, they were purified. These were a unified task force of kehrips, working together to free the rest of their people.

Leading the pack was Ygdrah. He was a smaller kehrip, covered in scars, and missing scales. He wore a golden band around his right wrist. Ygdrah was like a champion of hope to the kehrip, he was the first to be purified from the necrosanguin, and the other kehrips followed him without question.

The kehrip leader released a jolt of energy from the golden band, firing into the necrosanguin that was chewing on Caige's shoulder. It flung off his shoulder, launching into the nearby thicket, while also sending a small shock through Caige's arm.

Thanks Ripper, Caige called out to Ygdrah, then rubbed his numb arm. The rest of the purified kehrips dashed forward, focusing on overwhelming the necrosanguin. Caige advanced, although, he felt more like a hindrance than any help.

The sounds of blood curdling screeches danced around the jaws and talons that were locked into bloody combat. Eruptions of fire blasted the necrosanguin to the ground while Caige clobbered the few necrosanguin kehrips that got past the others.

Well that was quick, Lilli puffed. She walked back towards Caige, then glanced at Ygdrah. Done well Ripper!

Ygdrah looked to Lilli and yelped twice with a grin appearing over his reptilian face. Lilli was the first human to communicate with Ygdrah. It was back before the human's realised the kehrips were more than just bloodthirsty monsters. She touched the amulet around her neck, it was the mysterious object that unlocked her powers. The power to turn flesh to ash, but also the power to heal... to purify. The little kehrip was unable to speak the common tongue, but it didn't take long for them to figure a basic way of communicating with each other; two yelps meant yes, and a single yelp for no.

The purified kehrips had made a watchful perimeter around the pinned necrosanguin. The vines were usually enough to hold them in place while Ygdrah and Lilli did the rounds. Occasionally one would free itself, only for the purified to knock them back down. They had been doing this for five suns now, and it had seemed pretty effective for cleansing the last of the necrosanguin.

Yeah, quick... Caige's mind was distant.

Are you ok Cay Cay? Lilli ignored the situation, locking her blue-green eyes onto the seemingly distant blue pools of his.

Caige snapped out of it, focusing on Lilli once more. Of course I am. You did well again this sun.

We all did well. Lilli placed her hand on Caige's masculine chest. We're a team! I need you with me, with or without your boulderclaws.

I know. Caige cracked a smile, he couldn't stay down with Lilli being so supportive. There's quite a few of them, you and Ripper had better get to work!

This is definitely a bigger group than we've seen over the last couple of suns. Lilli nodded then looked to Ygdrah. Are you ready Ripper?

Hopefully it's the last of them. Caige gazed over the group, while Ygdrah bounced over to Lilli.

Lilli was standing over one of the necrosanguin kehrips, which despite being tightly bound, was thrashing about in a crazed frenzy. Its head was lashing out at Lilli, snapping, spitting, and chomping into the air. Ygdrah grabbed at the kehrip's throat, discharging electrical energy through its body, and forcing it into an uncontrollable spasm. The moment the necrosanguin went limp, Ygdrah released his hold, and Lilli placed her hands upon the its chest. She released white, flowing, smoke-like energy from her hands, which snaked its way around the creature, entering its pores and orifices, cleansing the creature from within and without.

Ralumina, give him strength... Lilli whispered—almost intimately—to the creature who moments ago was their enemy. The white flowing energy began to fade, she stood up and looked at her patient, it lay lifeless, it hadn't survived, but it was free of the necrosanguin.

It is a shame we cannot save them all. Niru sighed, releasing the vines which had bound the now dead creature. You did your best.

Ugh... Lilli's eyes had begun to well up, every life she failed to save from Necrominus filled her with pain. It just doesn't feel right! To know we have come so far, done so much, but for Necrominus to still win over another life.

All life must end at some point... Niru stood still, his face emotionless. Otherwise it would be impossible to make way for new life, for the future. The kehrips are fortunate enough that you can offer them a second chance.

Before Lilli could respond, Ygdrah gave two yelps, positioning himself by another of his infected brethren.

I guess you're right, Lilli said, better not keep Ripper waiting though, we have a lot of purifying to do this sun.

Chapter 2: Silverscales of Kaharia

I'm glad we can finally do this, Mijan said. She skipped through the soft sand towards the water. I know it is important that we be sure Verentrea is free, but I can't stop thinking about those other silverscales! What if some aren't free and they still need to be purified? What if they are being tormented by each other? I mean it's been six moons since we destroyed the conduit now!

I'm sure your people will be fine. Rathayis walked fast to keep up with the excited silverscale, his talon-like feet sinking into the sand with each stride. I'm sure they have endured much worse, besides, they probably have their own protectors helping them. The crustaceans you have told me about, they sound just as fierce as the dezuron of Rybamez.

That's what I am most worried about... Mijan paused as the gentle waves of the ocean gently lapped up against her silver feet. That big one, if that is still necrosanguin... It would be like if Maudissa turned against us.

I don't want to entertain that scenario at all. Rathayis shuddered at the thought. Let's just hope the conduit didn't have as much power over it, at least not as much as it did with some of the kehrips.

Let's, Mijan agreed, but if it is still necrosanguin, we need to put it down as quickly as possible.

Mijan leapt into the water, Silvaste's Spear glowing in hand, her small fins allowing her to glide effortlessly through the waves. Rathayis was splashing around behind, trying his best to keep up. A wingless angel just wasn't as well suited to the water as the half human, half silverscale girl. Her long white hair spread out in all directions, she then spiralled around to look back at Rathayis.

I'll call her now! Mijan giggled to herself as she relayed the psychic message directly into Rathayis' mind.

Yeah, that'd be great, Rathayis called out, feeling the currents shift to steady him; it was artificial, manipulated by her for his direct benefit.

Maudissa, is time, Mijan relayed to her bonded dezuron, while the manipulated currents she summoned dragged Rathayis towards her.

Slightly beneath the surface of the crystal clear water, the blood red carapace of the huge dezuron shifted into view. Maudissa nuzzled her snout above the water, looking at the two familiar faces.

It's good to see you Maudissa! Mijan's smile grew large. She was filled with the warmth and love of her oldest friend, and their minds connected. Mijan grabbed Rathayis by the hand, manoeuvring them over and into the serpent's saddle. She slid Silvaste's Spear into the handle—a couple of protruding plates of carapace, in front of the saddle, with holes through them—now she was one with the great creature. It twisted around, and shot forward through the water.

This had always been Mijan's most loved feeling, being one with her dezuron and shifting through the ocean at great speed. Silvaste's Spear only gave her access to greater speed, with the ability to control the flow of water. The magical spear also gave her friends the opportunity to travel beneath the ocean's ceiling. The control over water was absolute, thus, she could trap pockets of air, and hold it within the ebb of water.

Maudissa dove down deep, rushing through the vast ocean, homing in on the position where they had previously escaped the necrosanguin crustaceans. As they descended further, the light of the sun grew dim. It felt as though barely a moon was in the sky. Worst of all, this vast area of ocean was void of most life. There were no glowing cuttlefish darting about, no phosphorus coral lighting the ocean floor, only water, with barren grey soil deep below.

Let's see if these help. Rathayis pulled a handful of small blue mushrooms from a satchel. Niru gave me these. They are a similar type to the mushrooms the paterrans use for illumination within Domidus.

The mushrooms were glowing a bright blue colour, amazing for their small size, but not enough to light their way.

They don't quite match Lilli's fire, Mijan said, turning around in the saddle to talk to Rathayis. But it's still better than nothing!

Don't you worry about the light. Rathayis rotated the mushrooms around in his hand. You know that Maudissa will sense anything that we do not, and maybe Niru taught me a few more tricks during our stay on Verentrea.

Nothing, Maudissa relayed to both Mijan and Rathayis as the ocean's cold grey floor came into view.

This is where it happened... Mijan dismounted her dezuron, created a large dome of air, then crouched on the ground and examined the area. Silverscales, I guess a close relative of the Rybamez brood, and their crustaceans. They were necrosanguin, all of them... We were lucky to escape.

I cannot sense anything. Rathayis moved to the centre of the air dome, placing one of the mushrooms into the grey soil. Perhaps they became free of the necrosanguin and fled?

I hope they broke free of it. Mijan gave up scanning the darkness and looked over to Rathayis. What are you doing?

I told you Niru taught me a few tricks! Rathayis grinned back at Mijan. He pulled a vial of green liquid from the satchel the mushrooms were in, popped the cork, and splashed a single drop onto the cap. The mushroom began to swell in size, bulging and busting, until it stood as high as Rathayis himself. The illumination of the mushroom also increased, creating a bright blue light that shot out across the ocean's floor.

Nicely done! Mijan nodded to Rathayis. She began to scan over the lit up area, still unable to find any trace of life. I still can't see anything.

Niru gave me plenty more mushrooms. Rathayis placed his hand out in front of him, continuing to roll the mushrooms around his hand. Let's move ahead, plant another, and see if we can find anything.

Maudissa slowly circled around the dome of air, while Mijan shifted it forward and Rathayis walked at her side.

So much has happened since we first met. Mijan interrupted the scanning as they reached the edge of the mushroom's light. Do you think we have almost put an end to the world's problems? I mean, we killed Necrominus, right?

She broke into our world and we banished her away. Rathayis began to plant another mushroom. We didn't kill her, like I've told you before, I don't think it is possible to kill a god. Even after banishing her and destroying the conduit, there are still remnants of the necrosanguin. We have put an end to a lot of the world's problems, but I doubt we will ever put an end to all of the world's problems.

I wish we could. Mijan rubbed her smooth silver cheek. I wish I could make it so no one ever had any problems again. I want everyone to be nice to each other and not allow bad gods to hurt people.

Ah, you certainly are adorable Mijan. Rathayis placed a drop of the green liquid upon the newly planted mushroom, then stood back, watching it enlarge. Most people would think that stopping Necrominus from destroying the world was a feat enough, but not for you!

I just don't see why everyone can't be happy? Mijan curled her long white hair. Everything just feels so much better when everyone is happy and nice to each other.

No argument here. Rathayis sighed. But as long as people have differing opinions, there will be conflict. If everyone had the exact same thought patterns, the world would be a boring place. Peaceful, but boring.

We think very differently, don't we Rathayis? Mijan questioned.

Indeed. Rathayis moved closer to Mijan. We were both raised very differently. We are both completely different species after all!

I guess I like that difference, but I do like peace too.

Something approaching, they both heard Maudissa relay into their mind, silverscale?

Silverscale! Mijan looked around frantically. The mushroom shed light into the darkness, but it may not have been enough. Do you see anything?

No... Rathayis unsheathed his blade, Ralumina's Rise. He placed his back to Mijan's and began looking out over the area. Be wary, we do not know their intentions, or whether they are necrosanguin or not.

What you doing? still unable to make out a figure in the water, Mijan heard a voice in her head. Here, not safe.

Mijan pierced the edge of the air bubble with her face and called out through the water. Why is it not safe here? Are you safe? The cold water wrapped around the gills at the base of her jaw.

Life became blur. Memory gone, then chaos! Mijan heard the voice in her mind again.

Free of necrosanguin, Mijan relayed to Rathayis. She then called back through the water to the silverscale, You were infected by the necrosanguin. Can you remember it happening? Your people changing? I briefly came through during the period you have no memory of, everyone was infected by Necrominus. My friends and I destroyed the source of the necrosanguin, we defeated Necrominus. I have returned to make sure you are all safe.

A chunk of the ground in front of Mijan floated up, revealing a metre wide maroon crustacean. Huddled beneath it was a silverscale. The silverscale spread itself out, stood up, then walked over to Mijan. During their previous encounter with the silverscales of the Tropica Current, she never got a chance for a good look at her distant relatives. This silverscale appeared similar, yet different from those of Rybamez. She had similar fins along her limbs, but she also had a single row of spike-like scales running down her arms and legs. Her gills also had these protective, spiked scales along them. Atop her head, three red fins ran from just above her brow, to the back of her neck, just as Mijan's old friend, Kira, had looked when she was younger. Most importantly, her eyes were white with green pupils, not flooded with the blackness of necrosanguin.

How do you know if one is infected? the silverscale questioned Mijan. I do not know what this necrosanguin is, but my people are in danger.

You are fine... Mijan diverted her eyes to the crab, noticing its eyes were beady and black. The easiest way to tell is in the eyes, they lose their colour, and fill with darkness.

Their is nothing wrong with Corra! The silverscale stood in front of the crustacean that had been concealing her beneath the ground. She pulled out her spear and pointed it at Mijan. I wont allow you to hurt her!

I'm sorry. Mijan stepped backwards, Rathayis moved closer to the edge of the air bubble, and Maudissa moved towards Mijan. I sense your friend is free of the necrosanguin, the eyes are just the easiest way to tell visually if one is infected. Corra has always had black eyes, yes?

The silverscale appeared a little more at ease despite the large dezuron moving closer. Yes, as do all the masagula.

Ok, I didn't mean to startle you. Mijan took a step closer to the silverscale. Are you bonded with Corra?

I am. the silverscale tilted her head. Are you bonded with a masagula too?

No, I am not. Mijan placed her hand on Maudissa's snout as the huge dezuron moved closer. My bond is with this dezuron here, her name is Maudissa. I am from Rybamez, it is far from here, and there are no masagula there. Though the dezuron there are thriving.

My name is Bayani. Bayani swept her arm in a wide arc. Part of the once proud silverscales of Kaharia. Our home was once a beautiful place, filled with colour and life. Something happened, I'm assuming this necrosanguin you speak of. Now we all find ourselves in this desolate waste, aged and weak. The coral that your odd looking friend is planting, it is the first colour we have seen in our land since waking from the blur.

It is not a coral, Mijan corrected with a smile. It is a fungus from above the surface. It was given to us from the paterrans of Verentrea.

Above the surface? Bayani gasped. You mustn't go above the surface, it's dangerous.

The surface beings can help you. Mijan smile grew bigger. The paterrans have an incredible passion for plants and nature. I'm sure they would help you return life to Kaharia!

Bayani found difficulty in absorbing all the information. Mijan pulled the sphere of air towards them, allowing Rathayis to approach. Mijan stood half in the air bubble and half in the water, gesturing with her hand for Bayani to approach.

Surface beings beneath the ocean ceiling? Bayani slowly and cautiously approached Mijan. How is this possible?

I'm half human, Mijan confessed. Her voice echoed as her lips moved half in and out of the water. I was gifted by Silvaste to bring our people together.

Gifted by Silvaste? Bayani still appeared shocked, but she slowly came closer to the bubble of air.

Here, you can help plant one. Mijan received a mushroom from Rathayis, then placed it in Bayani's hands. Go on, for the future of your people.

Bayani knelt down and shifted the lifeless grey soil, gently placing the lightly glowing blue mushroom down, then clamping the soil back around its base. Mijan held Bayani's hand, taking a step back, and allowing the dome of air to move over the mushroom she had just planted. Rathayis knelt down beside the small mushroom, dropping a single splash of green onto Kaharia's new hope.

It is beautiful... Bayani moved towards the mushroom. It puffed up and began to grow, she was completely entranced by the new life, and walked straight into the dome of air. Mijan channelled some water to wrap around her gills, giving her the ability to breathe in the air, then walked beside her.

I guess things are looking good down here Mijan. Rathayis smiled, watching Bayani place her hand atop the mushroom, its growth continued. I thought Niru gave me these solely to create light, I didn't believe they would give the silverscales hope.

The mushroom continued to grow, much bigger than the previous two Rathayis had planted. Perhaps this particular mushroom had more energy stored within it, or perhaps it was drawing on another power. The cap began to spread out wide, its blue light pouring outwards slowly, revealing a few silverscales who were watching on. Behind them, the light eventually hit a few masagula, assumingly belonging to the onlooking silverscales. Suddenly the mushroom exploded with light, illuminating as far back as they could see. The area was flooded with silverscales and masagula.

Things are looking good, Mijan said, then jumped with excitement. Both of their minds were filled with emotions of thanks and gratitude.

Chapter 3: Birth and Hunger

Sunlight was shining through the collection of trees, plants, and vines that created the protective barrier around the paterran city of Domidus. Since the conduit's destruction, and Verentrea becoming a considerably safer place, the walls had seemingly loosened, allowing fresh air to waft through, and also offering generous illumination from the sun and moons. Every sun since the humans had arrived, the wind would carry the scent of another delightful delicacy to entice the masses.

Grubs up! Jake announced to the group of paterrans who were approaching. Get it while it's hot!

You humans are quite spectacular! What, with your ability to transform consumable proteins into sensational tasting experiences! A paterran chuckled, his eyes bulging from his green face as he grabbed a wooden bowl full of the grub soup. Thank you!

Ah not all of us are as good as Jake here, Ben disagreed, ignoring the fresh food, and sneaking himself another bottle of ale.

Hey, I don't mind the compliments! Jake wiped a bit of spilt food onto his brown stained apron, then gave Ben a shove. And keep out of the ale! We don't have all that much left!

Ah, we can always get more! Ben took another swig from bottle.

No Ben, we can't, Jake disagreed, handing out another bowl and smiling at the oncoming compliments. If you haven't noticed, there are no inns, taverns, or bootleggers in Domidus or Verentrea.

Oh yeah. Ben's eyes lit up as he focused intently on Jake. You could make some ale! I can see it now, you and I, partners in ale making, the paterrans will love it! We'll be rich I tell ya!

No Ben, I'm not making you more ale. Jake shook his head. Once this ale is gone, that's it until we find our way back to the mainland.

Ah, you're no fun! Ben stood up tall, stretched out his arms, and pretended to yawn, then reached around Jake and grabbed three more bottles.

Give them back! Jake called out, but Ben's long legs had already engaged into a sprint. Ah well, hope he enjoys them.

Ben steal more ale? Renald Sturman, the captain of their destroyed ship, rhetorically questioned upon his approach.

Sorry Captain. Jake quickly put together a bowl of soup for Renald. He was too quick! Despite all that has happened, the bloke still loves his ale!

That he does, Renald agreed, then grabbed the bowl with his chunky, black gloves. Don't worry about it too much. If it's helping him cope with being here, let him enjoy it. Once it's gone, it's gone.

That's one way to look at it! Jake laughed and handed a bottle to Renald. We might as well get rid of it faster!

Renald waved away at the ale. "I'm right, but you wouldn't happen to have any whiskey by chance would you?

Sorry captain, Jake said. He attempted to take the beer back, only for Bob, the large, dark Kronian man, to swipe it from his grip. All yours Bob! Jake laughed then looked back to Renald. We weren't transporting any before the incident, and I have no idea where my personal stocks ended up after that storm in the Tropica Current. There's a chance a barrel or two of rum may have made its way to the beach, but I don't like your chances of finding them still intact.

Renald picked a husk out of his soup. "Guess I'll keep a sober mind for now. Although, I'd love for some of the whiskeys from my personal stash to pop up on