by Eden Redd
“We don’t want this to be difficult,” the man said as he approached. “We just want to find the Idols.”
Milly’s lip trembled and she put her back to the wall. Body shivering, she shook her head and averted her eyes. “Please, please don’t kill me.”
Renner slowed his approach, but the elves at his sides kept their narrow gazes.
“We just want the Idols. Tell us where they are and we will be on our way,” Renner said with a soft edge.
Milly fell to her knees, making frightened sounds. “I don’t know where they are! My master didn’t tell any of us where they are!”
Renner eyed her when an elf stepped past him, dagger in hand. The rogue grabbed the elf’s arm to stop him.
“What are you doing?”
“She’s no use to us and the Silver Queen said kill all of them,” the elf sneered.
“We are not killing an unarmed woman,” Renner growled.
“She’s no innocent as long as she serves the Monster Lord,” the elf growled back before pulling his arm away.
Renner put his arms up to halt the other elves, “Tie her, up but don’t kill her, that’s an order!”
The elf moved closer, gazing down on Milly as she cowered. “I don’t follow your orders. The Silver Queen is all and her word is law.”
From around a corner, a pink-ish red slime oozed along, forming a body. Belle slithered silently on transparent legs as she kept her unblinking gaze on the backs of the elves crowding the corridor. Their voices bounced off the walls as she made her way closer.
A pale white elf lifted his head, his ears noticing the shift in the air behind him. He was about to turn when something clamped onto his neck. Eyes wide as saucers, he screamed as acid burned through his flesh and touched bone. The screams caused all heads to turn to a smiling slime woman as she engulfed the elf. Screams muffled, his upper body bubbled and a second later, broke apart within Belle’s stomach.
Chaos erupted as elves launched on the slime. Belle laughed as their blades sank into her, doing nothing. Hands turning into tentacles, she whipped them up and down on the group, latching on and burning away at their armor and then flesh underneath.
Milly cowered until the first scream. Glancing up, she saw all heads turn to Belle as she quickly digested an elf. Power poured into the Panu’s muscles and she launched from the floor, driving her rounded horns into an elf’s lower back. The elf grunted before the power blasted out, sending him crashing into his fellow elves fighting the slime’s tentacles.
Renner flattened his back against the wall as Milly roared. The panu lowered her head and charged again, ramming at the group of elves and Belle happily melting them into soup.
“Run away,” Renner whispered as he darted away from the carnage.
The rogue reached the stairs and began his descent, elven screams echoing off the walls.
***
Will held out the open spell book as he took in the sight before him. Thorrin stood with hammer at the ready. The green-skinned woman stood over Val while the tall elf was slowly getting back up. Morgan and Sil lay on the ground, struggling to get back up. Rain poured from the sky as Nova touched Will’s leg, blood running down from her chin and down her neck.
“You’re going to stop me with a book,” Thorrin smirked.
Will tilted his head as shadows covered his eyes. “If you survive, never come back here again.”
Thorrin took a step closer, “When we have the Idols, you will spend your immortality in a cell.”
Will’s heart flashed with heat before speaking an arcane word. The pages flipped to the spell “Water Weaving.” Thorrin charged, eyes filled with brutal menace. Will shouted out the arcane words and the moment Thorrin was on him with a raised hammer, the balance in the fight had shifted.
Falling rain sharpened into points right above them all. They flashed down in an instant. Faye lifted her arms and covered her head, sharp, hard rain stabbing into her arms and blood flowing. Bridget stared down on Val as sharp points sank into her head and shoulders, but she barely winced.
Thorrin brought his hammer down and cried out in pain as sharp points stabbed into his head. Losing his aim, he missed as Will stepped back. The armored man raised his hand to knock away the hard water spikes, blood running down his face in thin rivers.
Val grabbed Bridget’s leg and squeezed. The green-skinned woman looked down with a fist raised.
“I know you…we’re friends,” Val managed.
Bridget’s brow hardened as she fell to her knees, straddling Val. An electric fist came down like a hammer. Val only saw flashes between the pain and electric fire. The fists rained down, knocking her head from side to side with each strike. A fang burst free from her mouth and flew into the mud. Bridget continued to beat Val until blood spurted and then she punched harder.
“No!” Will shouted as he said a spell name.
Pages turned to another spell. Will said the arcane incantation and held out his left hand. An air bolt slammed into Thorrin’s chest, sending him flying onto his back. Faye backed up as Morgan and Sil stepped closer, ready to take her on. Arms bloody, she winced as she lifted them up to defend herself.
Will spoke the mystical words, pages turning. He said the words of power as water spun together into an ice bolt. The bolt shot forward, striking Bridget in the back and sending her crashing into the wall.
Will called on another spell as he watched Thorrin clumsily get back to his feet. Wide eyes looked to Faye and Bridget. Grabbing Faye by the arm, he pulled her along. Faye didn’t fight, turning to him and grabbing his waist. Bridget slowly stood up, shaking her head.
“Run!” Thorrin said with an edge as he and Faye stumbled out of the front gate and into the forest.
Bridget looked down as Val coughed up blood. The pale beauty turned onto her stomach, gaze meeting Bridget’s. The green-skinned woman looked away. Taking hold of Thorrin, the three of them rushed beyond the gate and into the forest.
Will rushed ahead to give chase, a spell on his lips. Anger and rage fueled him as he was ready to unleash all his spells on the fleeing intruders. A voice called out when he reached the gate. Will looked to the side to see Val gazing on him with pleading eyes, seeing she was losing blood from her wounds.
“Dammit,” Will growled as he closed his spell book and sheathed it at his hip.
Moving to Val, he knelt to her and hoisted her up, “Drink.”
Val said nothing as a single fang sank into Will’s neck. The player winced before she began to suck at his life essence. Morgan and Sil fell to their knees before him. Nova sat up, dazed and confused. Folly was pulling Freek away.
Will eyed the group as Val suckled on his neck, “Catch your breath because we’re going after them.”
Seven
The rain slowed as the sky grew darker. A chill bit into the air and Stella lay on her back, arms out and legs together, one over the other. Thunder touched the distance as her hat moved a few feet away from the small wind. Drops of rain slid down her pale gray body as she lay, unmoving.
Eyes opened and the Witch Angel took in a deep gasp.
“Ow,” Stella moaned as she tried to sit up.
Bones reconnected and ruptured flesh along her back and the back of her head mended. The witch let out another small moan as a hip snapped into place. Curling her legs under her, she slowly stood up to her feet just as Milly rushed out the front entrance.
“Stella!” the panu shouted before running to the taller woman and wrapping her arms around her.
Stella hugged her back, head still swimming from the fall. “I think I’ll be okay.”
Milly pulled back and looked into her eyes, “What happened to you? Why are you down here?”
“I was pushed by unwelcome guests. Are they still in the castle?”
Milly shook her head. Belle oozed out from the entrance and made her way closer. Stella eyed Milly and Belle for a long moment before turning her gaze to the village.
“We have to get to the village,”
Stella said with a touch of concern.
Milly and Belle nodded. The three of them set off down the road as the cloudy sky darkened to the approaching evening.
***
Val pulled away from Will’s neck. Wiping a trickle of blood from the side of her mouth, bones and flesh mended together. A new fang slid into place, but weakness still prevailed.
Will checked his stats and saw that he had only two hearts left. With Val’s thirst and the fight, he was nearly finished, but the rage still burned at his spirit. Thorrin and others came here, to his kingdom to steal what he rightfully won. Thoughts burned as he mentally prepared to gather his people and go hunting.
Morgan eyed Will while he was on his knees. “We can’t go after them tonight. It’s almost dark and we need time to prepare.”
Val sat on the muddy ground, giving a small nod. “They could have a trap waiting. Never mind the ghouls that will be out soon.”
Will grinded his teeth as he listened and didn’t listen. Despite valid points, his blood boiled and he wanted to slack his thirst for hurting those who came here looking for violence. A long moment ticked by and the heat cooled slightly. The words of his companions sank in deeper. Sil and Nova looked to Will, waiting patiently. Val and Morgan sat in subdued silence.
Will tilted his head, shadows covering his eyes. “Prepare for tomorrow morning. We will rest tonight and set out at first light.”
The group looked to their leader, silent.
Will looked up to them. “We need to stop them. It goes beyond them just hurting us. They have information on our location and our defenses. We have to hunt them down and stop them before they regroup and come back with a stronger force.”
The group nodded in acceptance.
Kobolds and panu stepped out from homes and made their way closer. Hands reached down and helped everyone to their feet. Some panu and Nova moved to the iron doors. Nova stepped closer, four arms out and energy swirling. The metal groaned before it shifted back into place. Damaged metal sealed shut. Panu picked up a metal rod and slid it into place to secure the door.
“My love!” came a shout from the muddy road.
Will turned to see Milly running toward him with her arms open. Stella and Belle walked along, a relief in their eyes.
Will opened his arms and Milly hugged him, pressing her face to his chest.
“I was so worried something happened to you,” Milly nearly sobbed.
“I’m okay,” Will said as he held her close.
Milly pulled back, eyes wide, “Elves and a strange man attacked us in the castle! They wanted to know where the Idols were, but we didn’t tell them anything.”
Stella stepped closer, “It’s true. I was attacked in my room and knocked from my window.”
Will looked to the witch in disbelief.
Stella gave him a small smile. “It takes more than a fall to kill me.”
Will nodded to the witch before putting his hands on Milly’s shoulders. The panu looked to him with slivers of fear, seeing the grim determination in his eyes.
“We are going after them in the morning. We will need supplies and horses ready to travel.”
Milly shook her head, “They were dangerous! You shouldn’t…” Will cut her off.
“Milly, I won’t allow them to come back with a bigger army. Please, have the panu and kobolds get our supplies together.”
The panu closed her mouth, lip trembling. Seeing the fire in Will’s eyes, she gave a simple nod.
Will stood up straighter and addressed the crowd. “Enemies came to our kingdom and tried to take what we rightfully won. We fought them back, but more may come in the future, trying to destroy what we are creating here.
“I will say this now and always, I will do everything in our power to protect us from those who would hurt us. I will not rest until our enemies are kneeling before our feet in chains. You are all my priority and we are keepers to our new world.
“Tomorrow, I and my most trusted advisors will hunt down our enemies and show them what it means to insult Thorn Spire and its people!”
Kobolds and panu raised their fists and shouted, “Lord Asher! Lord Asher! Lord Asher!”
Will watched as the fervor grew with each fist in the air. It was in that moment, Will saw something beyond his normal world. He had never understood what it meant to be there for others, and as they chanted his name, he felt how powerful it was to protect and nurture a new people. Despite the constant quips from his enemies, telling him he was on the wrong side, he understood, there was no wrong side. He was there to bring about a new age and it caused his very soul to tremble in excitement.
The sun set behind the clouds and night blanketed the land. Bodies moved with renewed energy. Supplies were gathered and water collected in waterskins. Saddles waited on benches, ready to be put on the horses come morning. Kobolds took weapons to the forges and repaired their durability to full strength.
Will, Val, and Morgan oversaw the preparations for about an hour. When weapons were returned in brand-new condition, Will led his group back to Castle Thorn. Inside, they all moved to the private dining chamber to eat. Several panu served them, but the group sat in near silence as they ate.
Val was first to break the silence, “Who’s going to go and who’s staying?”
Will looked up from his meal with a hardness in his brow, “You, Morgan, Sil, and Stella are coming with me.”
Nova looked up from her plate, eyes glistening in sorrow.
Will turned his attention to Nova and gave her a reassuring smile. “I need you to stay here and protect Milly, Belle, and everyone in town. As one of my guardians, you have a power that can help make sure no one else dares attack us.”
Nova’s lips parted and closed just as quickly.
Will turned his attention to Milly on his right, “Keep everyone’s spirits up until we come back. The enemy has a head start on us, but we should catch up pretty quickly. Have a few kobolds prepare the dungeon, in case we have prisoners.”
Milly nodded.
Will addressed the entire table, “I won’t mince words, this Silver Queen seems to not like us, not that it matters. I will not let anyone hurt our kingdom again.
“I suggest everyone get a good night’s sleep.”
The rest of the meal fell back into silence, Nova looking on.
After the meal, the group split to their respective rooms. Will made his way into his work shop, nerves still on fire. Drawing his iron sword, he placed it on the crafting bench and pulled out a ruby from a nearby chest. Activating the bench, a slot formed at the base of the sword. Fitting a ruby to the new slot, energy snaked around the weapon for a moment before the red gem secured into place. When the light died, an alert filled his vision.
You have crafted a Fire Sword! The sword is now magical and does fire damage.
Will picked up the sword and sheathed it at his belt. A new alert filled his gaze.
You have gained +1 Intelligence!
The player looked down at the crafting bench before his gaze turned to the mystical crafting table. A large part of him wanted to work at creating new spells for his spell book as the small, logical side told him to go to bed. After the meal, his health had returned to normal, but despite that, he still needed rest. The buzz of wanting to hunt down Thorrin and his companions riled the player as he stood up and moved to the Mystic Crafting table.
Will placed his spell book in its slot and picked up a quartz crystal. Just as he had done with the water and fire weaving spells, he added an emerald to a slot. Arcane energy glowed as his spell book opened to a new, blank page. The player watched as mystical words filled air and sank into the blank page. When the runic writing finished, the spell book closed and the table went dark, gems gone.
You have learned, Earth Weaving!
Will picked up his spell book and slid it into his thigh sheath, closing the chain that connected it to his belt. A timer appeared above the table and Will knew it would be an hour before he could use t
he table again. Body whispering its need for rest, the player decided to call it a night and stood up. The longer he spent in the workshop, the less rest he would have.
Stepping out of his workshop, he moved into his bedroom and closed the door behind him. A figure moved in his bed. Lantern light glowed as Milly lifted her horned head and gave Will a sleepy smile. Lifting the blanket, she motioned for him to come to bed.
Will took hold of his belt when a knock at the door caused him to hesitate.
“Come in,” the player said with a tired tone.
The door to the bedchamber opened and Nova stepped in. Two left hands closed the door behind her as she looked to Will and glanced to Milly in bed.
“I’m sorry. I thought you were alone,” Nova said with a trickle of sadness.
“It’s okay,” Will said with a touch of kindness. Seeing the sad stalker only drove home the fact she wasn’t happy with staying behind.
Nova stepped in; her head bowed. “I want to join you on the hunt.”
“I need you here, to protect the kingdom.”
Nova’s lip wrinkled. “I would be better at your side.”
Will sighed, eyes tired. “Nova, I want you at my side, but I need to make sure everyone here is safe.”
Nova looked to Lord Asher with a fire in her eyes. “You saw me for what I was and still awakened me from my old nightmares. You didn’t judge me, only embraced me. How can I let you go into danger and not be there to help you… just as you helped me.”
Will was going to say something, but remained silent. Nova was passionate and he wanted nothing more than all of them to go together, but they had to be practical or the enemy would take the advantage.
Milly slid out of bed. Her nude body moved across the room to Nova. The stalker looked to the smiling panu.
“I think you should spend the night with us,” Milly said warmly.
Will raised an eyebrow. Nova’s expression didn’t change.
Milly continued, “Lord Asher needs us all to do what is best for the kingdom. I would feel safer knowing you were here protecting us until our lord returned.”
Milly leaned in closer, her voice the barest of whispers to Nova’s pointed ear, “You love him and you should have a night with him to express how you feel. I’m sure he will not mind and neither will I.”