by Paul Bellow
“Were you listening to us?” Eric asked.
“Yeah,” Benji said. “But I couldn’t understand some of the words you used. It isn’t elven or any language I know about.”
“Why were you listening to us?” I stepped forward. “Were you the one in the basement spying on me this morning?”
“Again,” Benji said. “No.”
He frowned as if offended.
“Someone or something was spying on me while I was taking a bath earlier,” I said. “And now we find out you’re a sneak.”
“I’m not,” Benji insisted. “Eric saw me pull up in the cart.”
“I did,” Eric said.
“Maybe I imagined it…” My voice trailed off a moment before adding, “But I don’t think so.”
“I’ll go with you next time for protection,” Eric said.
He grinned as if he had the answer for everything.
“I can protect myself,” I said. “But we should all keep our eyes open.”
Eric turned to Benji.
“You’re not wanted or anything, are you?” he asked.
Benji shook his head.
“No,” he said. “Not recently, anyway.”
“We should go and equip for this quest,” I said.
“The cart is ready,” Benji said. “What can I carry?”
“Anything and everything,” Eric said.
“I love camping outdoors,” Benji said. “A hunting we will gnoll.”
“Ooh,” I said. “That was bad. Please, no more.”
Eric laughed as I groaned at the bad pun.
After locking our room, we left the inn.
Outside, I admired the repaired cart.
“Still a bucket of bolts,” I said. “But looks better.”
“I did the best I could with the funds available,” Benji said. Sheryl’s Fine Antiques is on the way out of town. We can check her stock.”
“Lead the way,” I said. “Does she sell magic rings?”
“Yes, but I doubt she has anything we can afford,” Benji said.
“We’ll use the loot from the gnoll camp to get better stuff,” Eric said.
I climbed onto the bench in front of the cart and sat on the middle. The others followed, leaving me in between them.
Eric grabbed the reins and got us on our way.
“Turn here,” Benji said a few streets away from the inn.
He pointed at a single-story wood structure.
“That’s it?” Eric asked in an unimpressed tone.
“Don’t judge books by their covers,” Benji said.
He had a point. For an NPC, he’d been dropping a lot of wisdom.
Eric stopped the cart. We climbed out then tied up the mule.
Benji walked toward the entrance of the building.
“Follow me,” he said, motioning with his hand.
I glanced at Eric then followed Benji inside the shop. Wands and staves of all shapes and sizes covered the walls.
Yum. Shiny stuff.
“What does this one do?” Eric asked as he picked up a warped limb.
“Excuse me,” a well-dressed man said in a snooty voice. “Don’t touch unless you plan on buying. And by the looks of your motley crew, you don’t have the gold to afford anything.”
“You might be surprised,” Eric shot back.
“I most definitely would be,” the man countered.
“We have a hundred gold to spend,” I said, shaking a pouch. “Do you have anything offensive? We’re hunting gnolls.”
“Oh…” The man laughed. “You’re some of the crazy people who believe the stories we tell children at night.”
“Gnolls are real,” Eric said. “Why are all the shopkeepers in this town so snooty? Don’t you want our gold?”
“I have a few discounted items in the back you might be interested in,” the shopkeeper said.
“Great.” I stepped forward. “Show us everything.”
The haughty man turned then walked toward a back room. We followed him through the store to a door. He opened it then went into a smaller room with a long, wooden table in the center.
A few pathetic items had been haphazardly scattered over the top.
“This is all I have for customers like you,” he said.
I walked over and noticed a single wand carved from a thin, gnarly oak branch.
Good thing I learned identify.
I picked it up.
“That’s a powerful wand that will do wonders for your group,” the man said. “I can let you have it for a hundred gold.”
Eric stepped over and whispered in my ear, “We can’t trust this guy.”
I kept my eyes on the shopkeeper and cast identify.
{Cursed} Ogres’ Blowgun of Fire Beam [2/12] Charges
* * *
This cursed item will backfire 50% of the time, hurting the one using the wand instead of the target. Does 1d20 damage per charge.
“You’re trying to sell us a cursed wand,” I said, tossing it down.
“Um, yeah,” he said. “That’s why it’s only a hundred gold pieces.”
“Let’s get out of here,” I said. “None of this junk is worth anything.”
The man watched us until we’d left his shop.
Outside on the street, I walked over to our cart.
“That was pointless,” I said.
Benji untied the mule.
“Sorry,” he said. “Fishguard has gone down the drain.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Eric said. “It’s not your fault.”
“We should buy food, water, and other basic supplies,” I said. “Do you know of any good general stores, Benji?”
“You bet,” he said, nodding his head and smiling.
After we climbed back aboard, he led the mule to a shop near the eastern city gate. We stocked up on food and water for a few days.
Benji had come through once again. I wondered if it would be worth it to let an NPC join our party. He’d more than proven himself.
On the one hand, we might get less experience points each encounter with a larger party.
But he would get xp and level up…right?
As we rode out of the city then headed north toward Shockly Forest, I hoped we at least heard something about Josh. During the ride, I sat back and stared up at the bright blue sky filled with a few puffy, white clouds floating lazily toward the east.
Once again, the game drew me in deeper.
After several long hours of overland travel with no random encounters, we reached the edge of Shockly Forest.
Benji stopped the cart as the path narrowed and entered the forest. I smiled at the huge trees—ambassadors of time.
“Good to be home,” I said, getting into my character.
“The path is just big enough for the cart,” Benji said. “Should we keep going or leave it here?”
“We don’t know the exact location of their encampment,” I said. “So we need to go slow and keep our eyes open. I say we take the cart.”
“Agreed,” Eric said, nodding. “Let me have the reins, Benji. You get in the back and watch for anything and everything.”
“Got it,” he said then handed them over.
After he climbed in the back, I took a seat next to Eric in front. He pulled on the reins. The mule stubbornly refused to go.
“Yah-yah!” Eric shouted, snapping the leather straps.
I laughed, shaking my head.
He turned and asked, “Do you have a spell you can use?”
“No,” I said. “But let me see if I can help.”
“You can talk to mules?” Benji asked from the back.
“No,” I said. “But I have empathy with animals.”
While I didn’t have the skill in the game, in the real world I had an affinity with animals. I hoped my empathy with wildlife crossed over.
“Give me a minute,” I said as I climbed down from the cart.
I could feel Benji and Eric watching as I walked up to the mule.
“Good boy,” I said in a soothing voice, my hand in front of its nose. “What’s wrong, boy?”
“You’re kidding, right?” the mule replied. “Your breath stinks so bad!”
I stepped backward in shock, tripping over a tree root and falling.
Benji and Eric both burst into laughter. I sat on the ground. “What’s so funny?” I asked.
“Benji knows how to throw his voice,” Eric said then twisted his head to look in the back. “I want you to teach me that trick.”
“Not funny,” I said as I got up.
The mule, amused, took a few steps forward.
“Whoa,” Eric said. “Hurry up and get on. We’re ready to go.”
“Can I join your party now?” the mule asked in Benji’s voice as I climbed aboard.
Eric laughed, and I smiled—despite myself.
While the game appeared fun on the surface, I could sense something darker and deeper watching us from the distance.
The mule pulled the cart down the path and into the forest.
Sounds of birds and other woodland creatures hit my ears.
I breathed in the fresh, virtual air. Calmness spread through my body as we rode through the most detailed forest I’d ever played.
“There’s some bee hives coming up,” I said. “About another half-mile down the path on the left.”
“We should stop and look for some royal jelly,” Eric said. “Might be beneficial for us if you know what I mean.”
He turned and winked.
I wanted to talk OOC with him, but I stayed in character.
“Maybe,” I said.
We kept going until the immense hives halfway up a few of the massive trees came into view. Eric whistled and stopped the cart.
“They’re huge,” he said. “And the honey could be super beneficial.”
I shook my head, lips pursed together, then glanced back.
“What do you think, Benji? Worth the risk?”
“Not if we’re on another side quest to the main quest of finding your friend,” he said. “Then again, extra gold would be nice.”
Eric got out of the cart.
“It’ll just take a minute to check the hives,” he said as he looked to the left then right. “There are no bees around. I’ll be fine.”
I took a deep breath, trying to control my temper as he crossed the path and looked up at one of the monstrous hives.
How does he think he’ll get it down? Why is he so reckless?
If he failed, I’d have a good laugh. Until then, he could make a fool of himself. Benji climbed over the bench and sat down next to me.
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” he said.
“Me too,” I said.
We both watched as Eric attempted to climb one of the humongous trees. He had made it up about ten feet from the ground when I heard a buzzing noise down the path.
I whipped my head around, focusing on the source.
“Do you hear that?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Benji said. “A lot of small bees or…”
“One giant one,” I said, finishing his sentence.
I stood, preparing to cast a spell if needed.
“You better get down here,” I shouted.
“Coming,” Eric said from in the tree.
“We need your muscle too, Benji,” I said.
He hopped out of the cart and drew his mace.
Two five foot long bees buzzed down the trail toward us.
“I don’t think they’re happy with you, Eric,” I said.
Still standing in the cart, I cast my trusty Golden Bolts spell with enough mana for six projectiles. Would it kill one?
As I went through the motions and mumbled arcane words, Eric ran up with his sword drawn. Benji followed close behind.
I got the spell off before they reached the bees.
Your Golden Bolts MAUL the giant bee for 24 damage!
You have [36/48] mana remaining.
The giant bee is dead!
“Be careful with those,” Eric shouted as he ran. “You nearly hit me.”
“Can you take care of the other one by yourself?” I asked.
“I’m doing my best,” he said, running around the bee I’d killed.
Eric swung his sword, backed up, then stabbed again.
The bee swung around then stung Eric in the arm.
Crap. He needs some back up magic.
I cast another six Golden Bolts.
Your Golden Bolts MAUL the giant bee for 21 damage!
You have [24/48] mana remaining.
The giant bee is dead!
* * *
Combat is Over!
You receive 800 xp split between 2 party members.
You get 400 xp
You have a -10% OOC penalty
You get 360 xp
You have 5,055 xp
You need 2,445 for level three Mage
“Everyone okay?” I asked, glancing around.
“Fine here,” Benji replied.
“He got me,” Eric gasped. “I think it’s poison again.”
“What is it with you and poison?” I asked as I climbed out of the cart. “At least we have a cure this time.”
I pulled out one of the three cure poison potions then walked over and gave it to Eric. He gulped it down.
“Can’t we ever get a break?” he asked. “This…realm…is so tough.”
I nodded emphatically.
“We should keep going,” I said. “We don’t have much daylight left.”
“Not that there’s much light in the forest during the day,” Benji noted.
I walked back to the wagon and climbed in, taking the reins. After the other two climbed aboard, I maneuvered around the dead bees.
We rode another half-mile in silence until three gnolls stepped out of the woods on the path ahead. Terrified, the mule stopped.
“It’s time to rumble,” Eric said as he jumped to the ground.
Benji followed him as I stood to get a good view. A few armored hyenas stood by a couple of the gnoll warriors.
“What’s the plan?” Benji asked.
“I can take out a hyena or two myself,” I said. “Benji, can you get the others?”
“Yes,” he said. “And the gnolls?”
“Leave them to me,” Eric said, blade drawn.
The hyenas howled then rushed toward us. All the gnoll warriors hung back. If they were sizing us up, we needed to put on a good show.
I cast six Golden Bolts at the lead hyena.
Too much?
Your Golden Bolts WOUND the hyena for 18 damage!
You have [12/48] mana remaining.
The hyena is dead!
Should I try fewer bolts next time? Mana is going fast.
Benji bolted forward with his mace lifted in the air. He screamed and brought it down as a nasty-looking hyena reached him.
The feral creature yelped then fell to the ground lifeless. We’ve got this, I confidently thought as I surveyed the battlefield.
Eric kept running toward the three gnoll warriors. The two remaining hyenas rushed toward Benji. I cast three Golden Bolts to help him.
Your Golden Bolts HIT the hyena for 9 damage!
You have [6/48] mana remaining.
I should’ve remembered to get my bow fixed back in the city.
Benji dispatched the wounded hyena I’d hit. He then ran toward the last one. I shot three more Golden Bolts toward it for an assist.
Your Golden Bolts INJURE the hyena for 12 damage!
You have [0/48] mana remaining.
The hyena is dead!
We still have three gnoll warriors to deal with, and my mana is gone.
Can we defeat all of them? Or have we taken on too much?
Eric reached the tall, dog-like creatures and went to town with his weapon. My heart raced faster as they fought each other.
Their long, pointy spears looked deadly.
“Benji, go help him,” I shouted.
�
��On it, boss,” he yelled then ran toward the battle.
I reached into my large sack and grabbed the last potion of mana restoration. My body tingled as I felt energized.
You feel rejuvenated.
You have [48/48] mana remaining.
“Your mother was a dead goat,” Eric screamed as he slashed.
I smiled despite the gravity of the situation. Memories of gaming with him flew through my mind as I cast another volley of Golden Bolts.
Before I got the spell off, one of the gnolls fell.
I still cast anyway.
Your Golden Bolts MAUL the gnoll for 23 damage!
You have [36/48] mana remaining.
The gnoll is dead!
More mana gone, but we need to win this battle.
“Watch out,” I yelled.
The last two gnolls moved around Eric on either side. One attacked, hitting Eric in the side with the spear.
Benji reached them as Eric screamed in pain. Our priest used his somewhat blunt weapon to kill a gnoll.
As it fell to the ground, the last one took off running.
“Get him,” I yelled, but it was too late.
Combat is Over!
You get 2400 xp divided by two party members.
You get 1,200 xp
You have 6,255 xp
You need 1,245 xp for level three mage.
Eric clutched the wound in his side.
“I’m losing a lot of blood,” he said. “But at least I’m not poisoned.”
We so needed a proper tank for battles.
“Here’s another healing potion,” I said as I handed him a vial.
“There might be more of them in the woods waiting for us,” Benji said. “We should wait and regroup.”
“Agreed,” I said.
Eric tossed the empty vial to the ground.
“Don’t litter in the forest, please,” I said.
“We can sell the empty bottle,” Benji said as he picked it up. “I’ll hang on to it if you don’t mind. Never know when it might come in handy.”
“Knock yourself out,” I said then smiled, proud of our accomplishment. “Not bad for our first major encounter.”