by Atlas Kane
“He holds the keys to Tanrial, and we all serve the Burning God. It would be wise,” she continued, meeting his gaze for the first time, “if you would say you do as well. He is surely to ask.”
“Burning God?”
“None other. Antinium has been compared to an arena. It is small by the standards of most worlds, and one can travel across its breadth in a little over a week’s journey. The gods all watch us, for sport perhaps, or some twisted research. But only Aten, the Burning God, stoops to use his power here.”
Cade’s mind wrestled with the idea of being in a world so small. And gods were looking down on me? It was an unsettling thought to say the least. At last he pressed her further. “How? How does Aten use his power? What is the god doing exactly?”
Ketzal stared back at her feet, something the woman seemed to do all too often. “I do not know exactly, though I have felt the… consequences of denying his rule. Vormer alone speaks with him. This place can be a paradise, truly, but please, if you consider your life dear, abide by Vormer’s requests.”
Cade didn’t like the sound of that one bit. But who was he to argue, and with the first person he met in a new world. He opened his arms, grinning as casually as he could despite the lump of anxiety forming in his gut, and said, “I will do my best. Now, are we to go meet this fine and peerless leader?”
Ketzal dipped her head and turned sharply, leading the way.
Picking up his axe and hustling to catch up, Cade failed utterly in deciding which was more interesting to study, the woman’s ass or the strange and enchanting city. Predictably, the former won out more often than not. She was full-bodied, her thighs thick and strong, and her gait closer to a strut than a casual walk. A thin, black tail trailed behind her, whipping about occasionally.
What kind of race is she? I am a Terran human. Is she some kind of night elf, maybe a demon? Something about her tight and glossy skin made him think she had more in common with Pablo than not.
They walked through a series of vaulted arches, each casting shadows across their path. A massive fountain sprayed golden water in the middle of a wide courtyard, and Cade had to bite back a laugh. It seemed whoever designed the place hadn’t heard of golden showers.
Some distance ahead, a tunnel burrowed into the side of a dome-like building, spiraled all around like a beehive. When they entered the structure itself, Cade looked up to see thousands of windows that let sunlight lance across the open space above. Dangling and thriving in the midst of so much sun, were too many plants to count.
Some looked to be herbs, others dangled like vines or produced flowers that filled the space with a natural perfume. Cade gaped at the splendor of such a display, and bumped directly into the gorgeous and strange Miss Ketzal. She was a few inches shorter than him, but when he recoiled, having stepped on her boot and brushed against her skin, their eyes locked.
In too many bullshit movies or books, Cade read about princesses, dashing knights, or kung fu masters with purple eyes. Ketzal had the real deal. A mote of light filled her eyes and he gasped. The edges of her irises were wrapped with a deep and vibrant plum, but in their centers, streaks of amethyst and lilac alternated. He stared, mesmerized by the intensity of her gaze. He saw fear there, so much fear, then below, rage, grief, and last of all, hope.
“I’ll serve this Burning God, or pretend to at least. If it means pleasing someone as divine as her, what can be the harm?” Cade said under his breath. Ketzal turned suddenly, and the man felt a hot wave of embarrassment flush through him. What the hell did I just say? I dicker with some Attributes and see the most gorgeous woman in all creation, and suddenly I think I’m a poet? Wake up, Cade!
But when she looked at him again, she had a crooked smile on her face, less guarded than before. “Thank you for the compliment, Cade. But I have to ask, do you make such promises to every girl you meet?”
Again, his mouth moved without his consent. “Only ones who make the gods burn with envy.”
Her smile grew, though her brows wrinkled into an attempt to frown. “You’re talking like a fool.”
“I chose the Fool class. Nobody else in Antinium is as skilled at making themselves look like as big an ass as I do. You should see me when I’m drunk.”
Then despite her tortured eyes, and despite his joke being less than original or even all that funny, Ketzal laughed. A short, surprised thing, like a hare bounding out of the brush, excited it had chosen to flee, yet terrified.
Her small, strong hand clapped over her mouth, and she shook her head. Clearing her throat, Ketzal changed the subject so fast Cade felt dizzy. “I assume you’ve met the prestigious Pablo?”
“Excuse me, who? Oh, the demon bubble?”
“Yes, though you should call him Pablo or demon assistant. He is over five thousand years old and very wise. Even a fool should respect that.” For a moment, she threw him a less restrained glance again, saying with her eyes she was sorry for the rigid professionalism they’d switched over to.
“Over five thousand years? Wow. Okay, so he’s old AF. I’ll be nice, I promise.”
Ketzal’s brow registered confusion for a moment, but she moved on. “Did he manage to give you much instruction on the Universal View Screen?”
Cade thought about it, but the term was not familiar. He shook his head, studying one of the plants before him rather than the slope of her back and the curve of her ass.
“Well, the UVS is how you interact with the world intuitively. Giving mental commands, any citizen of Antinium can utilize the UVS easily. See that plant hanging before you? Focus on it and just think about inspecting it.”
As he did so, small but clear words emerged from the plant, seeming to hover just above it.
Citrus Straw Plant
Consumable Flora
Food Source
“I did it! Okay, so this is the same thing with the Character Status and choosing skills?”
Ketzal nodded, then continued. “Only basic information is available though. But I can tell you the Citrus Straw Plant has many functions, among them being a supplement of rich nutrients.” She plucked two of the thick tubes that protruded from the grass bulk of the plant and snapped off their barbed ends. Then she placed it in her mouth, bit down into the tube with her perfect teeth, and pulled it out again, a trickle of juice running from the corner of her mouth. She gave the other to Cade.
He was beginning to find that trousers did less to hide the vulgarity of male arousal than he appreciated, and when he felt himself stir, he focused on the plant again. What are you? Fifteen again? Nobody is gonna be your friend, Cade, if you keep getting ragers.
Tasting the plant helped him focus on other things, specifically the sour burn of the supposed treat. He winced and shook his head. Never one for sour things, Cade tried his best not to spit anything out. If the woman claimed it was full of nutrients, then it must be.
He heard her stifle a giggle, then add, “If you are wounded, the straw can also be milked, its juice used to inhibit infection and spur along more rapid healing. Though, to warn you, it feels like a blasting ether storm is building in the wound when you do. Far from pleasant.”
“An ether storm?” Cade asked, thankful for the distraction.
“Yes, on the world I came from before this, a dark and unpleasant place, the very sky itself became charged with ether. Here they call it mana. When the levels grew too concentrated, it raged across the land like a lightning storm but much more… frightening.”
“That sounds pretty dangerous. So those happen often?”
She shook her head. “No, thankfully not. Once a month an ether storm forms and breaks over Antinium. Being caught in the open when one passes is surely a death sentence.”
Cade looked at her sideways and saw just a flicker of that fear again, dancing in her eyes. This woman had seen too much. More than he by far if his instincts were correct.
“Anyway, take in the plant before you again, and tell me if anything has changed.”
&
nbsp; Again, Cade saw the stout plant, hanging from a golden container strung up by a cord that ran up to the dome above. But this time, when he inspected it, he saw more information.
Citrus Straw Plant
Consumable
Food Source, Supplemental Nutrition, Medicinal Herb (ward infection, speed healing)
“That’s convenient. Though I wish it tasted better.”
“See that one there?” Ketzal said, pointing to a vine with bright, green bulbs hanging from it in clumps. “That’s a Morine Pear. They are common in certain parts of this world and taste delicious.”
Cade found the plant she was talking about and thought it was an excellent idea to have a snack. He was beginning to feel hungry, and the fruit did look appealing. But before he could say a thing, perhaps ask how they picked fruit from a plant that dangled twenty feet above, Ketzal started walking away, her boots clicking on the stone floor meaningfully.
Okay, so lesson time is over then. At least she’s as messed up as I am, Cade thought as he jogged to catch up. Still, he was beginning to feel his whole introduction to this world was stilted and rushed. How am I supposed to survive here if nobody explains how everything works?
He suppressed his anger and hustled after the woman, intent on asking more questions when he was given a chance.
Finally, the pathway opened up, great walls rising all around to form an impressive amphitheater. At the top of a series of steps stood a man, or something like a man, arms crossed behind his back. He was regarding another one of the lovely golden fountains, this one spraying its brassy load against the back wall of the enclosure, reflected sunlight blazing through, throwing an array of garish colors across the stone.
He turned to see them as they approached. His face was anything but human.
“You are the one who has come to us. Welcome to Tanrial. I am Vormer as I assume you already know.” The creature walked confidently toward Cade, stopping a few feet before him. Vormer was, annoyingly, an inch or so taller and a good deal more handsome.
Cade held out his hand to shake. “I’m Cade. Well met, good sir,” he said in a mock accent, hoping to ease the tension.
Instead, Vormer’s face fell into a grimace. “I’ll have none of that, hear? Humor is a base instinct, one which is to be repressed. Now, tell me, Cade, who do you serve?”
Cade studied Captain Douchebag’s face. It was feline in shape, but covered in metallic, golden scales that reflected in an obnoxiously attractive way. The bastard’s Charisma must be through the roof. Then Cade remembered Ketzal’s warning. He also took into account the man’s impressive scaled armor, gleaming pauldrons rising from his shoulders, and the two swords at his hip. He decided to play it safe.
“I will serve the Burning God, of course. None other. And sorry, I’ll keep my jokes to myself.”
“Good. Better yet, attempt to purge such base thoughts from your mind altogether. I have done so and am much improved because of it.”
Looking the cat-like angel in the face, Cade encountered a complete lack of doubt or indecision. This dude was dedicated and brain-washed beyond repair. A few choice Marine Corp jokes tugged at the back of his mind, and he grinned, pushing it away.
Cade had nothing but love for his crayon-crunching brothers. Everyone was green during war after all, but the teasing and banter never got old.
Not wanting to upset the balance of stability in the man’s obviously twisted mind, Cade asked the obvious question that was bugging him. “What exactly does serving this god mean? I mean, are we talking praying? Church?”
Vormer’s mouth twisted in disgust. “I can see your conviction is lacking. Not surprising. If the Burning God has not already come to you personally, then all you must do is remain obedient to me. Of course you should pray, but Antinium itself, with Tanrial its jewel, is all a temple to Aten.”
“Okay, so pray to a god I know nothing about, and make sure to listen to whatever you say? No offense, Vormer, but that sounds like your way of trying to control everything.”
Ketzal shuffled nervously as Cade’s words left his mouth. She looked like she wanted nothing more than to run away.
Vormer lifted an eyebrow, seeming to scrutinize Cade more thoroughly than ever. Rather than rebuke him, though, Vormer asked a question of his own. “Chimera Lord class. Odd. Why did you choose such a strange class?”
Cold fear ran over Cade’s skin as he realized the man could access his personal information. Without much recourse, he swallowed hard and answered honestly. “It sounded powerful. I don’t know. I just wanted something unique, a class that would help me stand out. Was it a mistake to choose so?”
“Not precisely. Chimera Lords used to be vastly powerful on more than a few worlds throughout the cosmos, but have died out. It’s just odd you choose this one now. And your weapon? Here, let me see it.”
Vormer’s request felt more like a demand. Cade considered telling him who and how to fuck off. Yet, though he could not examine the man’s class information, his strength was obvious. Even if he couldn’t use the weapons he possessed, something Cade doubted, his armor might be enough to tip the scales in a fight between them.
So Cade ground his teeth and handed the axe over.
It irked him to see the simple weapon in the hands of this god-awful and damn near perfect creature. Defying the request would most likely cause trouble.
Vormer eyed McGregor with disinterest. “This is far less impressive. Combining two weapons can lead to a powerful tool as it upgrades, but that implies you will survive that long. You would do well to be careful in the coming weeks.”
The leader of the city stared into Cade’s eyes and only cold logic rested there. This might be my first sociopath in Antinium. Yay me!
Then, seeming to come to some decision, he turned to Ketzal, ordering, “Summon the Silver Guard. I have a mission for this man.”
Ketzal bowed her head, nodding fervently. Was that regret on her face? Then she held her hand up to the side of her head, eyes closed, and a faint but tangible pulse of energy erupted around her, sending a ring of force outward into the city.
In a matter of seconds, ten badass-looking guards ran up, their armor clanking as they jogged in unison, all holding long spears in their hands. They formed two ranks of five, perfectly spaced and even, and waited silently. Their faces were obscured by shining masks and their bodies, arms, and hands with armor.
Cade couldn’t tell if they were from Earth or had more in common with Ketzal or Vormer.
There were blank slates, every one of them.
“Guards, escort Mr. Caderick Shelby to the edge of the city. I have decided to grant him a quest. That is, if he is still intent on holding to his claim of serving the great Aten?” The last of his words came out like a question, and Cade knew he was back in the spotlight.
Ketzal looked up, fear and hope fighting once more in her restrained gaze, and he knew he had to accept. “Sure, I suppose. But what exactly do you want me to do? Also, I’m pretty hungry and some proper clothing would really help out.”
“The quest details can be accessed readily enough. Check your UVS for quest specifics. For now, head into the jungle to the west of the city. I am sure a man of your potential can figure it out from there.”
The guards started forward, as if to seize him, but Cade held out his hands. “Hold on! Seriously, I have a few questions I would like answered before I go off on some mission for you and your… our god. Please, tell me—“
“You have less of a choice than you might imagine, Chimera Lord. You will go with the Silver Guard now, or I’ll have them bind you in chains. Which will it be?”
Catching the glint of a promise in the man’s eye helped Cade make up his mind. He shook his head, frustrated at this horrible introduction to a new world, but resigned. “Fine, let’s go exploring. I’ll go.”
“Good,” Vormer answered, a hint of pleasure in his tone. “Now go at once. The day won’t last forever. Good luck.”
The golden
dickhead swiveled and walked away, giving everyone all the evidence they needed of how far the stick had been shoved up his ass.
Ketzal avoided Cade’s gaze entirely, leaving him feeling more worried about her own well-being than his own. And after hearing the leader’s creepy “good luck,” he was certain nothing good was to come of the quest he was being sent on.
But he followed the Silver Guard as they began marching away, expecting him to follow behind.
An armed escort should have felt like an honor, or at least lent the man some degree of comfort or safety. All it did, though, was remind him that he now lived in a strange world, without friends, family, or allies. I’ll need to have a chat with that demon then. Someone needs to explain a few things before I end up dead on my first day here.
He hated to admit it, but Vormer was right. He would need to be very careful.
4
The Common Trials of Tourism
A delicate field of grass sprawled away from the city. It looked soft enough to sleep in as the wind blew ripples over its surface.
Cade turned and winked at the creepy guards. A mask of featureless metal covered their faces, and yet what made them so uncanny was their unnatural silence and the stiff yet economical movements they made.
They left him standing at the edge of the city and returned to whatever hiding place they had come from.
“Like a pack of fucking beetles, man. So weird,” Cade complained, shrugging off the eerie sight of a perfectly synchronized group of soldiers.
Alone at last, Cade decided to take a time out and get some information on this increasingly bizarre world. He strolled out into the grassy field casually and called aloud for his demon helper. “Pablo!”
Nothing happened, so he augmented his summons. “Pablo, please, I need to speak with you. Are you there?”