by Terry Schott
Sebastian accepted the letter. “Thanks.”
“What’s it say?”
He frowned. “I will know better after I read it.”
She nodded and watched him. When he did not move to open the letter she sighed. “I stayed up late to get that letter into your paws, and you can’t be bothered to let me know what it says?” She raised her eyebrows and waited for him to reply. When he didn’t, she shrugged and turned. “Okay, then. You can tell me tomorrow. Night, Seb.”
“Night, Shale.” When she was out of sight, he opened the letter and began to read. He finished and looked to see if anyone was watching him from nearby.
“Guess I won’t be going to sleep quite yet,” he muttered and began to walk in the opposite direction from his quarters.
***
Kieran heard a rustle to his left and turned as Sebastian stepped from the woods.
“Evening.”
“Kieran.” Sebastian stopped a few feet away and looked the Scout up and down. “You look good. No lingering damage from our last meeting?”
Kieran grinned. “I have access to the best healers in the world. Without them, I would have been missing a few pieces and limped, most likely.”
“I’m glad to see they fixed you up good as new.”
“I’m a bit sore and stiff in the mornings.”
Sebastian smiled. “One of life’s little gifts to reward us for not dying younger.”
“True enough.”
“What are we doing out here in the middle of nowhere, late at night?”
“Early in the morning, you mean.” Kieran stroked his goatee. “I wanted to have a chat before things get messy.”
“You coming to help the army crush us?”
“If they need it, but I don’t think they will.”
Sebastian nodded. “I hope we can put up a good fight for you.”
“I’m counting on it.” He paused. “From the players. I hope you’re not here when it all hits the fan.”
“Why wouldn’t I be here?” Sebastian raised one eyebrow.
“I came to save you.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“When the players die, they will return to their real bodies. Not you, though. Yours is dead and gone. This world is your home now, for better or worse.”
“That’s right.”
“It’s pointless to sacrifice your life. This battle isn’t worth it.”
“I’m a bit disappointed to hear that, Kieran. One of the keys to success is a positive attitude. If you don’t think this fight is worthwhile, your side might be at a disadvantage.”
Kieran smiled. “I’d be more concerned if I thought you could access your magic to use against us.”
Sebastian sighed and shook his head. “Wish I could figure out what’s wrong with me. My biggest regret is that I couldn’t craft like I’d hoped to.”
“You had a few good adventures with power at your fingertips.”
“Didn’t seem like enough.” He shrugged. “But sometimes ya gotta take what you can get, right?”
Kieran smirked and said nothing.
“What?”
“I need you to leave your team behind. Come with me. Tonight.”
“Not gonna happen.”
“I know, but I had to try.”
Sebastian frowned.
“Your magic not working was our doing.”
“Yours?” Sebastian’s eyebrows furrowed. “The Scouts?”
“Aye.”
“But—”
“You tweaked the system too much, Sebastian. Gave yourself access to way more power than any individual should have.” Kieran shook his head. “That made you dangerous. Uncontrollable. We couldn’t allow it.”
“Wait a minute.” Sebastian held his hand up. “If you shut me down, then how come I got it back during our encounter in Dryad’s Heart?”
“Couple reasons. Firstly, you needed to get out and the others couldn’t have done it on their own.”
“But the final encounter was you.”
“That’s right.”
“Why make me fight you at all if you wanted us to get out. You could’ve simply opened the door—”
“That wasn’t possible. Occasionally there are conditions and laws that even Scouts can’t override in this reality. The only way to get out of that instance was to beat a high-level boss. The best I could do was replace the final encounter with myself and the other Scouts.” He smiled. “The game considered us to be high-level.”
“You fought pretty hard.”
“Of course, that was part of the set conditions of that dungeon. I did everything in my power to kill you all. If I hadn’t, the door wouldn’t have opened to let you out.”
“You didn’t throw that game? Let me win? I’ve often wondered about that.”
“I tried my best to wipe you out. And to be honest, I was pretty sure I had you. That brings me to the second reason for turning your powers back on during that fight.”
“Which is?”
“To see how powerful you really are with it.” Kieran made a bowing motion. “Turns out you are. Extremely powerful.”
“Yeah.”
“Sure I can’t convince you to come with me?”
Sebastian shook his head.
“Then I guess this is goodbye. Thanks, by the way.”
“For what?” Sebastian asked.
“Not obliterating me at Dryad’s Heart.”
Sebastian nodded. “Didn’t seem right.”
Kieran extended his hand. “I didn’t deserve the mercy, but I’m thankful for it.”
Sebastian gripped the Scout’s hand. They shook, and Kieran felt the other man relax his grip and attempt to disengage. Kieran continued to hold fast. “Wish I could show you the same courtesy, but again, my hands are tied.”
Sebastian frowned. “What are you talking—”
With his free hand, Kieran reached behind his back and drew a knife. Then he jerked Sebastian forward, unbalancing him and yanking his body closer. In the space of a heartbeat, the blade came up and pierced Sebastian’s throat in one smooth motion. His eyes widened, mouth opening and closing as his strength left him.
Sebastian slumped to the ground, dead before his head touched the earth.
Kieran bent down and closed Sebastian’s lifeless eyes with his hand. Then he stood and disappeared into the forest.
Chapter 53
Fen was walking down the street when he felt a tap on his shoulder and smiled as Shale appeared at his side. “Hey, girl.”
“Where’s Isaac?”
“Have you been crying?”
“Have you seen Isaac this morning?”
“No, but I’m sure he’s around.”
Shale sped up, but Fen reached out and gently grabbed her elbow. “Hang on, I’ll help you find him. Let’s try this way.” He steered her to the left and looped her arm into his. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head.
“Shale. You’re starting to scare me.”
She sniffed and continued to look straight ahead. “Let’s find Isaac. Then I’ll say it.”
“Okay.”
***
They found him standing in front of Bramell’s mercantile with a small group of players. Bramell was there as well, a few feet from the group smoking a cigar.
Shale tugged on Isaac’s sleeve. “I have to tell you something.”
Isaac laughed. “Good morning to you, too.” His eyes met Fen’s and his smile faded. “Guys, can I get a minute alone with Fen and Shale?”
The group dispersed. Bramell took a puff from his cigar. “Want me to leave, too?”
Shale’s lower lip quivered. “Bramell, I need you to find the best healer right away and get her or him to come with us.”
“Where are we going?” Isaac frowned. “Is someone hurt?”
Tears welled up in her eyes and she bit her lower lip. She took a deep breath and regained her composure. “I found him while I was out hunting this morning.”
“Found who?” Fen placed a hand on her back.
“Seb.”
“He’s hurt?” Isaac asked.
“No. He’s dead.”
***
Two rangers stood guard over the body.
“They were with me when I found him,” Shale mumbled. “Said they would wait and keep watch while I came to get you.”
Fen quickened his pace and got to Sebastian’s corpse before the others. He knelt down and lifted the cloak that covered his friend. Isaac, Shale, and Tanda, the highest-level priest in town, fanned around the body.
Fen stood and took a step back. Isaac took his place and knelt beside the body.
“Seb, what did you do?” He bowed his head and rested a hand on Sebastian’s chest, closing his eyes and shaking his head.
No one spoke. They knew the history between the two well enough to respect the moment.
Finally Isaac looked up, his eyes glassy.
Tanda crouched down across from Isaac to examine the body. She closed her eyes and held both hands palm down a few inches over Sebastian. She spoke holy words and let her hands move slowly over the length of his body.
Isaac waited until Tanda opened her eyes. “Can you resurrect him?”
She frowned and shook her head. “It’s too late.”
“Too late?” Shale snapped. “He can’t have been dead for more than a few hours. I’ve heard of people being rezzed weeks after they died.”
“There has to be a trace of his essence to bring back.”
“And there isn’t?”
“Not even a spark.”
The group stood in silence.
Isaac said. “Let’s take him back to town and find a good spot to bury him.”
“I’ll do it,” Fen offered.
“I’ll help,” Shale said.
“No.”
“But—” Fen’s look silenced her.
“I know of a good spot,” Fen said. “One that we both talked about.”
Isaac nodded. “Okay.”
“Stay here while I go get a shovel.” Fen gripped Isaac’s shoulder as he walked past.
Chapter 54
Xander finished his last bite of breakfast and stood. “You haven’t told us much about this fusion thing, Kieran.”
“I’ll tell you more when you need to know.” The Scout loaded a bite of eggs onto his fork.
“It gives us some sort of power?”
“Some sort. Yeah.”
“You likely want us to fight someone. Or something.”
Kieran raised one eyebrow. “Sorry, I should have said something like, ‘I’ll tell you more when you need to know.’”
Xander pursed his lips and opened his mouth to respond, but turned his head as a large patch of mist began to form on the far side of their camp.
The Scout set his plate down and stood as an old man in robes emerged from the portal. “Custodian Zecaras.”
“Master Scout.”
“What can I do for you?”
The master crafter took note of the others. “I’m pleased to see that you’ve already gathered the light and dark.”
“I had a feeling we might need them soon.”
“We need them now.”
“Are you certain?”
He nodded. “The godling is on the loose.”
Kieran frowned. “You’re certain it’s her?”
“Absolutely.”
“How bad is it so far?”
“She has passed through three villages and two towns.”
“Then she’s barely started.” The Scout nodded. “That’s good.” He turned to Mercy. “I must go for a few hours. Wait for me here.”
Mercy nodded.
“Come with me, Custodian.” Kieran walked toward the portal, waited for the crafter to stand beside him, and then they both stepped through.
“Did he say godling?” Helias asked.
“He did,” Mercy said.
“What’s that?” Xander asked.
The paladin shook his head. “A creature of ancient magic which cannot be destroyed.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“If that disturbs you,” the paladin laughed. “Wait till you hear who they’re gonna send to fight it.”
***
Kieran and the Custodian appeared near the edge of the army encampment. The Scout surveyed the crowds and nodded. “Looks like they are finally assembled, which is good timing for us. Come on, let’s go find Ansko.”
They found the Scout in the large command tent positioned at the centre of camp. Generals and war chiefs from every race were gathered around a large table. Ansko was speaking, but stopped when Kieran and the Custodian entered.
“You don’t look as if you bring good news, brother,” Ansko said.
“I don’t.” Kieran moved to stand at the head of the table. “Are any generals missing?”
“No, everyone is here.”
“Good.” The master Scout looked around the table. “Most of you know Custodian Zecaras. He has been keeping an eye on a problem that we’ve been expecting for a long time now.”
“The prophecy?” The human general asked.
“Yes,” Kieran nodded. “The godling has returned to Preu Treya. She has begun to devour our world and will not stop until everything is dead and gone. This threat far outweighs that of the players.”
“Then we shall move to intercept her,” the orcish battle lord declared, “and destroy the evil creature before she becomes too powerful to stop.”
Custodian Zecaras shook his head. “She is already too powerful to stop.”
“What do you mean?” the gnomish general asked.
“With a flick of her fingers, she can vaporize our entire force.” The Custodian turned to Kieran. “Tell them of the plan.”
All heads turned toward the Scout. “He’s right. The main force is too big and would not be able to stop her. If we are able to defeat her at all, it will be with a smaller group. I think it is wise to disband this army and send the majority of you back to your lands and families.”
Protests and grumbles rose from the group. Kieran waited for silence to return. “What we do require are forty small teams, comprising twenty to thirty troops per unit. We will use these forces to distract the godling, diverting her attention and drawing her close enough to the only weapon that may be able to destroy her.”
Hands began to rise, but Kieran continued speaking. “It is probable—almost certainly guaranteed—that anyone who volunteers will be destroyed. And by that I don’t mean slain by an arrow or blade. Her victims are wiped from this reality as if they never existed. If no one volunteers, I understand. There is no shame or loss of honour for returning to your homes.” He leaned forward so that both hands rested on the table in front of him. “But the units I am asking you to volunteer for will mean the difference between success and failure. And should we fail, the godling will not stop her rampage until every living thing is obliterated from this land.”
Kieran stood and waited.
Every leader raised a hand.
Chapter 55
“Let me get this straight.” Xyclotl asked from his perch on Xander’s shoulder. “You have to partner up with a disgusting paladin of the Light to fight some sort of monster—”
“A godling.”
“Some monster, because no one else can stand up to it?”
“That’s right.”
Xander felt the shard imp’s tail brush against his neck. “That’s gotta be the lamest story I’ve ever heard.”
“There’s obviously more to it than that.”
“Oh, obviously.” Xyclotl snorted. “Probably gotta polish the guy’s boots and armour or something. Not that it could get any more embarrassing. You know Death Strykers and paladins are supposed to kill each other, right?”
“Yes.”
“Death Stryker sees paladin and buries sword in his face.” He paused. “Or her face. All paladins deserve to be killed, regardless of sex or race.”
“I’m a progressive fellow.”
Xander raised one eyebrow.
“Regardless of the finer details,” Xyclotl continued, “Death Strykers never, ever, hug a paladin of the Light and become friends. Ever.”
“Kieran will explain it more when he gets back.”
“I bet he will. He’s likely picking up a pretty dress and slippers for you as we speak.”
“Stop it.”
They moved along the path quietly for a few dozen steps.
“Wait a minute,” the shard imp said. “I can tell you right now one thing that is most definitely not going to happen in this insane story, buddy.”
“What’s that?”
“I might have armour and a weapon, but there’s no way in hell you’re gonna get me to fight.”
Xander laughed.
“I mean it. Shard imps don’t fight.”
“I know that.”
“Do you? ’Cause I hear you speaking the words, but you’re not selling me with your tone. You’re new to this world, so I can see where you might have gotten a bit turned around on this particular subject. Check with your cute teacher, she’ll tell you.”
“She already has.”
“Uh-huh. Well, ask her again. I want you very clear on this. Shard imps. Don’t. Fight.”
“I’ve seen you without the armour, Xyclotl. I know you’re not gonna fight. If the world has to rely on you to swing that axe of yours in order to survive…”
“Then the world is gonna die!”
Xander laughed. “Exactly.”
They were both laughing as they came to the edge of the camp. Mercy sat on the ground, leaning against a tree and reading a book. On the other side of the camp, Helias and Firth were sitting on the ground cross-legged. Both were looking at the ground in front of them.
“What’s going on over there?” Xyclotl asked.
“I’m not sure.” The Death Stryker moved closer.
“Oh wow,” the shard imp exclaimed. Xander looked at his companion and saw that he was staring, with eyes wide and mouth open.
“Is that an archon?” Xander whispered.
“It sure is.” Xyclotl sounded as if he was suddenly out of breath.
The archon stood on the grass in front of the paladin. She was as tall as Xyclotl. Her hair was long and golden, her face stunningly beautiful. Lithe, muscular legs were visible underneath sparsely placed plates of reddish gold amour. Her torso was also scantily covered by armour plates. It was clear that she was in peak physical condition, as all warriors were here. Angelic-looking wings peaked over her shoulders, the feathers glinting gold and silver in the mid-morning light. She was speaking to Helias but stopped and gazed at the newcomers. Her lips twitched, hinting at a smile without fully committing to the gesture.