After the Flood

by A. C Carter

  Arilee smiled and nodded. She still wasn’t ready to talk.

  “You know Arilee, the caravan I grew up in believes dreams can be important. I remember gathering around the morning fires, and we would discuss our dreams together, deciphering what they could mean.” Leela smiled, remembering to herself. "I miss home sometimes.”

  Arilee smiled and nodded. She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself.

  Leela continued, “Sometimes we would talk about silly dreams, but also other times we would discuss serious dreams. Even nightmares can be reflections of our fears and what makes us feel helpless. The older Elves even tell of a time when dreams would show signs of what’s to come. We try to keep the old traditions alive as best we can by sharing our dreams in the morning. If you remember your dream, I would love to hear it.”

  Arilee did remember her dream. She felt bad trying to shrug Leela off. She clearly wanted to talk and Arilee didn’t see the harm in telling Leela. It might make her feel better.

  “It’s not much of a dream, really. It was weird.” Arilee murmured.

  “It’s okay.” Leela smiled.

  “Well, I dreamed I was a tree.” Arilee laughed nervously to herself for a second, but Leela just looked at her smiling and waiting for her to continue.

  “I was a big tree, with these big green leaves.” Arilee cupped her hands and spread them a few inches apart to show the size of the leaves.

  “At the start of the dream, I felt so alive. I could feel the sun. I could feel my roots growing. I remember being excited to see how big I could grow. But a shadow appeared in the distance. And as I grew, I nervously watched as the shadow grew, stretching towards me. It soon began to block my sunlight, and my leaves began to fall. It was cold. I was scared. And then, a giant bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a boom of thunder. It shook the ground and the sky. Water began to fall. The wind blew off the last of my leaves and I was naked to the onslaught of the skies.

  But almost as fast as it started, the storm began to slow, and a light shone through the skies. The shadow retreated back across the horizon and my leaves began to grow again. I stretched my limbs until they were full again. I bathed in the sunlight. I blinked as I took in the warmth, but as I opened my eyes again, the sky was dark again and shadow had already spread again across the land. It was everywhere and the warmth was gone. It was so sudden. And again there was a flash of lightning followed by a thunderous boom. And that’s when I woke up.” Arilee looked up from the fire toward Leela. “I guess I was just a tree experiencing the seasons.”

  “That sounds like a very intense dream, Arilee. No wonder you tossed and turned. A poor tree caught in the wind.” Leela smiled, trying to ease the built up tension in Arilee. “What do you think it meant?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe just my brain processing the Corrupted Woods from yesterday. The Goblin battle has my wires crossed.”

  “Maybe Miss Arilee. But maybe more. Thank you for sharing it with me, I appreciate it.”

  They both looked up from the fire to see the Scout Marshall returning to the campfire.

  Scout Marshall Bodwin walked to campfire and sat down. “I doubled back early this morning to make sure we weren’t followed. It seems the Goblins still don’t have the courage to leave the forest. All tracks ended at the edge and then it looks like they turned back.” He pointed at Arilee as he spoke his next part. “Once Arilee over there finishes her breakfast, we can head back to the Main Camp."

  Report to the Commander

  Chapter 13

  Arilee and the group approached the Main Camp’s gate. Something must be wrong, Arilee thought to herself. The gate was now heavily guarded. Two archer towers had been constructed and the gate guard itself was tripled to six from the previous two when she left.

  Scout Marshall Bodwin walked ahead of the group, into plain sight of the guards. He saluted the guards, bringing his fist to his chest, making a knocking noise, and shouted “For the glory of the Overlord.”

  One of the guards saluted back. Scout Marshall Bodwin signaled for the group to follow him. The gate swung open and Arilee saw a series of spiked stakes in the ground behind the gate.

  “They’re preparing for ssssomething.” said Slicks. “Maybe we weren’t the only onesss who encountered trouble.”

  The group walked through the camp silently, watching the hustle and bustle of the garrison. No more was there a relaxed atmosphere or soldiers playing music. Every soldier had some task at hand. Some were training. Others were carrying boxes. The sounds of hammers and saws echoed throughout the camp, as did the clattering of swords and creaking of armor.

  Commander Bjorn was pacing outside his command center, watching the progress of the camp. His eyes perked up as he saw the group walking towards him.

  “Thank the gods you’re alive Scout Marshall. And you’ve kept your recruits alive as well. This is the most excellent news.”

  The Scout Marshall’s composure was much more rigid and professional than before. He saluted the Commander. The group copied him. The Scout Marshall’s voice was brisk as he spoke. “Yes sir. We have much to report, Sir.” He paused. The Commander signaled for the group to follow him inside the door behind him.

  In the main room was a long table with a map of the island on it with various colored pegs in it. The Camp’s healer, Kaerlin Glistendale, was already seated at the table. Another human soldier, wearing leather armor with the overlord’s markings on it. He had fresh scratches on his face and Arilee saw a bandage around his waist.

  The commander stood at the head of the table and motioned for the group to sit. Exhausted, they collapsed into the chairs. All but the Scout Marshall who stayed standing. Although Commander Bjorn was at least two feet shorter than the Barbarian Scout Marshall, his well-composed stature and confident presence gave a definite air of authority. He was stocky and looked almost like a big ball of muscle. His armor was grey, bordering on black, and fit his dwarf body from head to his neck. His helmet was resting on the table near the map. Arilee looked around the room and saw a massive maul lying against the wall nearby. It’s head was made from the same metal as the armor and had magical glowing runes carved into its fine wooden shaft. The runes looked like the ones on Scout Marshall Bodwin’s axe.

  The Scout Marshall began his report with the group’s training in the hills and receiving the message to scout the river. He described their quiet approach through the river, the discovery of the strange plant. Then he detailed the surprise attack by the goblin party, making sure to describe the shimmering illusion that hid the goblins from their vision. Then he finished with the group’s escape, the mention of a Dark Warlock, and the corruption in the forest. The Scout Marshall then withdrew the Purple Stalk from his bag, along with the amulet wrapped in cloth and placed them on the table.

  “This is what we found.”

  Kaerlin the Healer, who was listening, grabbed the Stalk from the table and inspected it. He ran his hands over its surface, and brought it to his nose to smell. His face scrunched inquisitively.

  Meanwhile, the Commander unrolled the black cloth surrounding the amulet, revealing the unnerving encased eye. The pupil inside darted around, looking at the members of the table. Commander Bjorn nodded gruffly, and covered the amulet up again. He sat back into his chair, thinking.

  “This confirms my suspicions. Much has happened since you left just a few days ago. We’ve lost 3 scouts, and Scout Thomas here says he was attacked, just as you were by hidden Goblins. He also reports receiving the same message. The thing is, we never sent out that message. This was a large scale, well executed attack. I’m sure the Seeing Eye Amulet is how this, Dark Warlock as you called him, was keeping tabs on the traps. He must know you survived and reported back.”

  The Commander drew a dagger from his waist-belt and drove into the center of the wrapped amulet. A soft wheezing cry breathed out from under the cloth as the dagger drove through it, into the table beneath.

  “Which of my
scouts did not return?” said the Scout Marshall, anger showing in his deep voice. “We must retaliate sir. These fiends must answer for this. We can not let them enact whatever they are planning.”

  “Do not worry yourself, Scout Marshall. I have a plan. After I dismiss these recruits, who I am sure must be tired, we will discuss my plans further.” The Commander turned toward the four. “You are dismissed soldiers. Go eat and rest. Your parts in this are not yet finished. Also see the Camp Trainer when you are ready.”

  Quest Scroll - Escape

  X

  Escape the Forest

  X

  Follow the Scout Marshall to Safety

  X

  Report to the Commander

  -

  Report to the Trainer

  The Trainer

  Chapter 14

  After talking it over, Arilee and the group decided to report to the Trainer first. They agreed it was best to finish their to do list so they could rest the remainder of the night.

  The group maneuvered their way the bustling groups of soldiers to the Trainer’s area. It was a small tented area with a cloth pavilion set up around it. A small desk was in the middle of the room. There were three chests overflowing with the little scrolls that the Scout Marshall had handed them for their Level Up. Another four chests on the opposite side of the pavilion were filled with the blue Skill Scrolls.

  A small chirping voice called out to them. “Hello there! Can I help you?”

  Arilee searched for the source of the voice but couldn’t find it. “Hello? We are new recruits. We were sent here by the Commander.”

  A small little man came out from behind the desk in the middle of the room. Arilee had never seen anyone this small in her life. He was shaped like a perfectly normal human, if maybe a little thin, but his head came up to about her waist.

  Level 15 floated above his head in Arilee's vision.

  Chip blurted out excitedly, “Are you a gnome?”

  “Yes yes, I am a gnome. Get your looks in now. Not many of us left.” The little man replied indignantly “Now what can I help you with?”

  “We are sorry about him. He gets excited.” said Arilee, pushing her arm across Chip’s chest pushing him back behind her. “We are reporting here for our Level 3 Level Up Scrolls and Skill Scrolls.”

  The gnome’s face relaxed, no longer as annoyed about Chip. “Yes of course. I have heard about you all. Word travels fast through camp. Survived a goblin ambush on your first outing I hear.”

  “Just barely.” replied Leela, stepping up next to Arilee. Slicks was looking at the Skill Scroll chests.

  The gnome walked over to the Level Up Scrolls and retrieved four scrolls for the group. “I am sure the Scout Marshall told you how to use these, since you are all level 2.” He passed the scrolls out.

  “Now for your skill scrolls, I can present you all with a set of choices. Did the Scout Marshall tell you about Skill Lines?”

  The group looked around at each other. No one seemed to know. The gnome picked up on the confusion.

  “Within the Classes, there are certain Skill Lines you can progress down. As you get better at using your skills, they will grow and evolve. For example, a beginner's Fireball might be small and weak, but a master's Fireball could blow up a castle wall. ”

  As the gnome talked he grabbed a handful of scrolls and started laying them out on the desk. “I have the starting ability or spell for a few Class Skill Lines. These are not all of them, but just what happen to be useful for us here on this island as we train recruits. If you report to the Class Guilds in the Capital City you can learn more.”

  The group walked over to the desk to look at the Skill Scrolls being laid out. Chip spoke up, “So you use magic to make these scrolls?”

  “Yes, the creation of these scrolls is an ancient art and takes much study. It is not a high level of magic but it is a specific type of magic. Almost all creatures have at least a little bit of magic and that allows them to learn and use these various skills and abilities, or discover new ones. I was already a Training Apprentice when the Overlord came through my village. Since I was valuable I was," the gnome paused. "Recruited.”

  He looked at the desk full of scrolls. “I didn’t check to see what skills you already know, so if you already know one of these pay no mind. Select the one you would like and I will let you have it for free. Future Level Ups and Scrolls will cost you.”

  Arilee applied her level up scroll and then went first and took a look at her options.

  Multishot

  “(Passive Ability -This skill does not need to be activated)

  This skill allows the archer to accurately loose 2-3 arrows at the same time.”

  Enchant: Guided Arrow 1

  This spell enchants an arrow to seek its target within a short range. Uses a small amount of magic.

  Enchant Arrow: Fire 1

  This spell enchants an arrow with a tip of fire. Can ignite flammable surfaces. Uses a small amount of magic.

  Enchant Arrow: Ice 1

  This spell enchants an arrow with the power of ice. This freezes a target in place for atleast a few seconds. Uses a small amount of magic.

  Enchant Arrow: Shock 1

  This spell enchants an arrow with the power of electricity. Briefly paralyzes a target. Uses a small amount of magic.

  She selected Enchant Arrow: Fire. Fire has come in use so far a lot against the Goblins and they seem to be weak to it. She called up her own Stat Scroll and held the new Skill Scroll over it. Just like before it absorbed into it and the new skill appeared on her list.

  Stats Scroll - Level 3

  Strength

  12 + 2 = 14

  Agility

  16 + 2 = 18

  Intelligence

  12

  Vitality

  12 + 1 = 13

  Enchant Arrow: Fire

  1/100

  Multishot +4

  5/100

  Stealth +4

  8/100

  Daggers

  6/100

  Bows +3

  15/100

  Next Leela chose her skill.

  Rejuvenate 1

  This spell calls upon the power of Nature to rapidly heal an allys' minor wounds, such as cuts and bruises.

  Entangle 1

  This spell calls upon Nature to shoot forth strong powerful roots to constrict enemies in the specified area for at least a few seconds.

  Protect 1

  Creates a protective bubble around your target for five seconds. Absorbs one attack.

  Arilee watched as she picked Entangle and add it her own list.

  Then Slicks looked at his options. The gnome spoke up.

  “Ah Slicks, I am sorry to tell you that I included Warcry up there, but I should not have. As I’m sure you are aware, the Lizard People do not have any magical ability and therefore no magic pool to draw upon.”

  Charge 1

  This ability allows the user to sprint, much faster than normal towards the target, connecting with a powerful slam. This stuns weak targets. Uses stamina.

  Warcry 1

  This ability grants the user a powerful warcry that buffs nearby allies. Uses a small amount of magic.

  Throw Weapon 1

  This ability allows the user to throw a weapon accurately. Costs stamina.

  Slicks hissed his tongue out and angrily snatched Throw Weapon from the desk.

  Chip picked the only skill left for him, Ice Bolt, and added it to his Stats Scroll.

  Fireball 1

  This spell shoots a small ball of fire in a straight line at the target. Uses a small amount of magic.

  Ice Bolt 1

  This spell shoots an ice shard in a straight line at the target. Uses a small amount of magic.

  Shock 1

  This spell shoots electricity in a straight line at the target. This deals 0 damage but temporarily paralyzes the target. Uses a small amount of magic.

  After choosing their spells, they thanked the gnom
e graciously and excused themselves for dinner. Everyone was exhausted. While they ate, a soldier came up to them with a message. It told them to report to Barracks 3 for their sleeping quarters.

  Excited to be able to sleep in beds, the group wasted no time finishing their dinner and making off for bed. Arilee opened the door to the barracks. There was a line of double bunked beds, about five or six Arilee guessed. None were taken yet.

  Leela playfully ran past Arilee, “Top!” she said as she jumped on top of the far Top Bunk. “Be my bunkmate Arilee.” she giggled.