by Atlas Kane
Having no skill to lend a hand, Cade left the boar after giving it a fond rub down. The big boy gave everything he had in every confrontation. He was the perfect pet. Who the fuck needs a dog? Cade thought as he forced himself to turn away and focus on what he could manage.
Chandi wished to speak with him briefly, and when Ketzal translated, he said simply that the apes were leaving. They were going to come back with their women and children, and were going to follow Cade home to Camp Casmeer. It seemed the ape was asking for permission, but the desperation and force behind the request were obvious.
Knowing the battle might have gone differently without their allies made the decision easier. Still, he doubted the council would have voted otherwise given the history of the Kotani tribe as dependable allies. Many of the Casmeeri villagers were terrified of the huge beasts, but more remembered it had been those beasts who’d helped save them from Vormer.
So Cade agreed, and watched as Chandi led his warriors off through the mists once more.
It was mid afternoon already, so he figured the apes would arrive at sunset. He just hoped they came back safely. Their war party had killed hundreds of amalgams, but how many beasts had been transformed by the noxious clouds that blew away from Tanrial, nobody knew.
A roaming guard was set, three of the four remaining boars stalked a wide perimeter around their makeshift camp. They decided to stick to the wide open plateau, pushing up against the cliff face for additional cover.
Trying to head back now was foolhardy. They simply couldn’t afford another engagement. Two were dead and half injured, some so bad they couldn’t walk. So instead, they erected field tents, and sent an expedition to fetch a large amount of firewood. They’d keep it burning bright throughout the night, and along with the help of the Kotani Apes, should be safe enough.
When a vast pile of wood had been found, others were sent to loot as much as they could carry. Even with expanded Inventories, it seemed unlikely they could bring back everything.
If only we could access the Warehouse directly, Cade thought. We would be set for six months on food alone. And who knows how many building and crafting materials we could scavenge?
Still, they began at the greatest treasure: the elder amalgam that still sat against the edge of the rock shelf like a morbid reminder of their nearly disastrous end.
When Cade set his hand on its shell to loot the beast, he gasped. The sheer volume of materials was outrageous. Aside from thousands of pounds of Turtle Meat, Elder Turtle Shells, and Elder Turtlepine Quills, a collection of seemingly rare materials dropped as well.
Cade focused on those, knowing they would need to be selective with everything else. He could have the others come back and take as much meat as they could carry, but since they all had to eat what they harvested, a variety of food would be preferable. Surviving on turtle meat alone for months would make them all miserable.
Having sorted through the rarest items, Cade glanced at the list, considering each.
1 Eye of the Turtle God
5 Soul Magnifying Crystals
10 Elder’s Teeth
1 Gallbladder of the Turtle God
1 Heartstone of Unending Life
Though he wasn’t sure what each of the components did, the smaller numbers of each hinted at potential higher values. Also, any mention of God, Elder, and Unending Life seemed enough to clue him in on rarity.
He focused on storing the items in his Inventory, and gasped as he felt the extra weight crash down on him. Even with the reduction of weight, it suddenly felt as if he were carrying a backpack full of bricks. Experimenting, Cade summoned the 10 Elder’s Teeth, and a pile of massive and serrated teeth clattered to the ground before him. His burden was diminished just enough to allow him to ignore the strain.
Could I carry it back if I was riding on Bellows though? Yeah, I could handle that. The return trip is only a few hours. So he loaded the teeth back into his Inventory once more and added Turtle Meat stacks a few at a time until he was at his veritable maximum capacity.
Walking back to the tents, Cade unloaded everything that wasn’t perishable into a pile beside his tent.
Calling a meeting with Satemi, Cade had the others do the same. If everyone brought back their maximum load, harvesting the lizard, jungle cat, and other amalgams as well, and then deposited half back at their temporary camp, they’d be able to quickly load up in the morning and head out. If the Kotani could carry more with them, they could get the lion’s share of the spoils at the very least.
A few hours drifted past as everyone toiled at looting the corpses. It was grisly work too, for though it could be performed with a thought, the bodies of the fallen would appear in various states of butchery when done. A couple hundred half-gutted beasts were littering their periphery when they’d finished, and the smell was anything but desirable.
Minda approached Cade with the perfect solution. “We start the fire now, at least a small one. I have a few things to toss in that will make camp tolerable.”
He smiled to her, observing the lines of fatigue in her face. Despite the battle, and her own injury, a deep gash along her ribs from a launched quill, the woman seemed just as cheerful as ever. “Good idea, Minda. Oh, and I’m not sure if I told you yet.”
“Told me what?” she asked, her eyes taking him in patiently before she turned to her duties.
Shrugging slightly, he responded, “That you’re beautiful. And I love you.”
The grin she gave him was more refreshing than spring water. When she left, she had just a little extra spring in her step, letting him know he’d done good by her.
Minda organized the building of a fire in a matter of minutes. A handful of villagers scraped away the dry grass that grew atop the plateau, giving them a wide fire circle. Then a portion of the firewood was laid down, enough to disperse Minda’s herbs as well as provide a good layer of coals for the bonfire they’d build up at night.
She applied a fistful of Bright-eyed Bluebells, a beautiful flower that Cade had seen blooming in Minda’s garden recently. After, a few shoots of Lemon Star, a tall grass that had an amazing citrus smell, were tossed in for good measure. The combined fragrance not only pushed back the stench of battle and decay, but surprisingly, gave everyone a buff.
Feeling suddenly clear-minded and less exhausted, Cade examined his change in status.
Bright Star Blessing: By inhaling the fumes of the Bright-eyed Bluebells and Lemon Star herbs, all friendly party members receive +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, and +2 Constitution. 2-hour Duration.
Damn! We should have thought of trying something like this earlier. And more importantly, what kind of temporary potions or elixirs could we be making to improve our combat abilities out here? Cade wondered. He remembered the potion he’d drunk before fighting Chandi. Without the additional Strength, he doubted he would have come out victorious.
The possibilities were endless.
As night began to fall, and the roaming guard was brought in, Cade set up a more stable guard formation.
In a half circle around the camp, the four boars were allowed to rest and feed. Bellows was recovering quickly, but could still barely walk. Still, should an attack occur, Cade knew he’d still be an asset. A guard was placed on either side of their boar companions, which allowed a little more than half of the others to rest at any given time.
The fire was built up and meat roasted in plenty. Extra had been placed on spits for the arrival of their guests, the Kotani Apes.
Shortly after, the beasts arrived, trotting on all fours out of the mists once again.
Knowing their arrival might be misconstrued, the first warriors to arrive stopped a hundred feet out and signaled with a series of grunts, their empty hands raised. Chandi had told Ketzal of the signal, and she commanded all to stand down when she interpreted the sign.
Only twenty warriors arrived, some limping heavily, their wounds infected and too serious to ignore.
Another thirty-some-odd apes c
ame after, a few old but most females. Only six youths remained, a fact that was painful to witness. The amalgam attacks had been worse than Cade had imagined.
Behind them came the dregs of their once-proud cavalry. Eight Brimstone Boars, all that was left of the dozens they’d seen on their last trip, were set to rest near their Casmeeri cousins.
Having a surplus of food, the boars were allowed to feast themselves sick.
When the beasts were taken care of, Chandi approached Cade and Ketzal helped with the necessary translations.
Mole, Havasham, Satemi, and Ketzal held a meeting with the great ape, a few of his proudest alphas standing guard behind him.
After waiting for a few minutes of back and forth speaking and gesticulation, Ketzal turned and addressed the four members of the Council of Five and Cade. “He thanks you for defeating the elder turtle and so many of the other amalgams. Also, he is happy we have agreed to give them shelter at our camp. Chandi said the broken beasts, as the apes call the mutations, came in large packs for weeks. They were too close to Tanrial to withstand the onslaught. He also said that the apes will carry a large amount of meat with them, and other materials from the remaining corpses, so they will not be a burden on us.”
Nodding to the others, Cade answered, “That would be appreciated. Let Chandi know that our healers can provide some care for his wounded. Whatever herbs we have left, we can share as well. And tell him… tell him that his father’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. That without the Kotani Ma, all would have been lost.”
Ketzal replied, the speech of the apes making the process lengthy and cumbersome. When the proud ape heard Cade’s final words, his face pulled back into a grimace. Chandi’s fangs flashed in the bright firelight, and he moved a few feet closer to Cade.
Translating the ape’s response, Ketzal spoke directly to Cade. “Chandi wanted you to know that the Kotani Ma is no more. His father, Chinro, has died. Chandi will become the Kotani Ma this very night, and his name will be no more. Until the day he dies for his tribe, that is. And he thanks you for honoring the fallen.”
The discussion progressed, going back and forth a few more times until both sides had satisfied the logistics of pulling guard, food, and sleeping arrangements.
When all was settled, Chandi asked the Casmeeri to stand witness as he became the next Kotani Ma.
All agreed, Ronden chief among those who seemed honored by the suggestion.
The ceremony itself was short and to the point. An elder ape blessed Chandi and painted his body with mud mixed with the juice of a few herbs.
When it was over, the lines on Chandi’s body began to glow, and he roared. Trembling, as if in great pain, the ape grew before their eyes. He’d been large before, but when he was done, he was head and shoulder taller than his fellow alphas, and was in all ways, just as formidable as his father had been.
His name shed like an old skin, the new Kotani Ma pounded the earth with his great fists and screamed up into the night sky.
The exhilaration of witnessing such a transformation brought Cade to the topic of his own progress. He’d gained two levels during the fight. He could only assume he’d gained the first after the initial invasion, and the second after the turtle fell.
Before he turned to the task, he thanked the Kotani Apes once more for their help, and then set their healers to work on the injured apes and newly arrived Brimstone Boars. Finally, he took the time to speak to each of the guards, setting Vrin as Captain of the Guard once more, both to manage the bonfire and changing of shifts. Dan would relieve him halfway through the night.
Then he met Satemi and Ketzal in their shared tent.
Lying exhausted on his back, the unfamiliar smell of the field tent and the sandy gravel of the plateau, sleep was a distant thing.
By the constant shifting of the other two, he knew he wasn’t alone.
Tentatively, he probed to see how the others were faring. “Bellows is recovering nicely… still, that must have been hard for you, Ketzal.”
The demoness sighed, and her hand reached out and touched his arm. “It was. I thought he was gone. To be honest, I thought we all were. How that thing healed, and kept coming, even after the bombs…”
“It was a nightmare. Still, you most likely saved the boar’s life, Ketzal. And the charge that Bellows performed was most heroic,” Satemi added, her voice husky with emotion. “How is your arm healing?”
“Fine. It’s fine. Hurt like hell, but Fenian stitched me up. Just a little sore now. Good work, by the way. You held the plateau like a general.”
Satemi, situated opposite Cade who was lying between the two, moved closer, sandwiching them all together. She reached over Cade’s waist and held Ketzal’s hip. “Thank you. We got lucky, many times over. Poor Ronden was ugly enough before that acid attack.”
This produced a laugh, one that was sorely needed.
Cade remained quiet for a while, relishing in their proximity.
Then he moved to brighten the mood further. “I know the price was high, but we’ve saved the Kotani. They will be fierce allies. Who knows, Chandi… the Kotani Ma that is, might even agree to accompany us in the lower reaches of the dungeon. We would be unstoppable.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Ketzal mused, pulling up one of Cade’s hands and kissing its palm.
“Also, I don’t know if it’s too soon, but I gained two levels. I’m Level 11 now! And I have no idea what new traits might be available,” he added before kissing the back of Ketzal’s neck, soft and intentional.
“No time like the present,” Satemi said, her voice more cheerful than it had been. “I’ve already assigned my Attribute Points and chosen two new skills. You should do the same, Cade. Let us know your choice of trait and weapon upgrade. Should have both.”
“Well, I’m thinking a dash of Strength and Wisdom, then a ton into Intelligence and Charisma. As to the Weapon, I promised Pablo I’d choose one called Recharge Booster for the blast staff. It will double the rate at which my blast staff recharges. Twice as many shots fired is a game changer.”
“And he made you promise this because you should have chosen it last time, am I right?” Satemi mused, rubbing a hand over his belly soothingly.
Cade chuckled. “Maybe, but you saw what Burst Clip did out there. That machine gun option is great for a large number of enemies. Changed the course of modern warfare in my world. Seems like it might do so again in Antinium.”
“Fine, just choose the Recharge Booster this time like you promised. What of your axe though,” Satemi said, her tone playful.
Eager to find out what his axe might evolve into next, he read the two potential modifications.
Grip of the Gladiator: Your axe will be modified to ensure perfect balance and grip. You chances of dropping or slipping during attacks is greatly reduced. The increase in your ability to manipulate your weapon grants a passive increase of all attack speed by 5% and an increase of all attack damage by 10%. Chances for causing critical damage is also slightly increased.
Etheric Polearm: Your existing Mana Spear is enhanced even further. The spearhead is transformed into a two-sided pole arm blade which allows for slashing as well as piercing damage. The weapon’s overall reach is extended an additional twelve inches and all damage is increased by 50%.
“Tough choice, love. Are you willing to adapt your fighting style? The polearm could be deadly, but it would not be an easy transition,” Satemi asked analytically.
Cade sighed. “I’ve already had this choice once before. I think Grip of the Gladiator is a safer path to take. Besides, though the damage potential of the polearm is significant, any increase in attack speed is preferable. I’ll choose that. Now, wanna hear what new traits are up for grabs?”
“Wisely stated, my king,” Satemi said in a courtly voice. “And please, don’t keep us waiting a minute longer.”
Cade scanned the long list of traits and found the three he felt were most promising. He read them aloud, using the same h
aughty accent Satemi had invented.
Hardy Hardshell: With the boundless strength of the elder turtle, your skin will become as hard and impenetrable as the shelled master of the lake. If this trait is chosen, your passive endurance will increase as will your Constitution by a total of one Attribute Point.
Reptilian Rage: In merging with the dauntless lizards of the Niyan Highlands, you may come to understand strength like never before. By selecting this trait, your combat power will evolve and one Attribute Point of Strength shall be rewarded.
Lemur’s Grace: By channeling the uncanny grace of the jungle lemur, your footing and balance will skyrocket. If this trait is chosen, your ability to dance through the battlefield shall become enhanced and your Dexterity will increase by a total of one Attribute Point.
Satemi hummed for a time, pondering the traits Cade had read aloud. Surprisingly, it was Ketzal who spoke first. “I know less of tactics than Satemi, but I feel that you must choose Hardy Hardshell. The elder turtle wasn’t always warped and dangerous, I think. It was most likely a force of good. You would honor it by choosing the trait.”
“Tactically, I suggest the same,” Satemi added. “The other two seem good choices for someone like me. But you have both a leadership role as well as ranged attacks. Besides, you could use a little toughening up.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m a total wimp. But remember,” he quipped, “who puts up with your shit. Okay, I’ll choose Hardy Hardshell then. As for Attribute Points, I have 10 Available. I’m going to go with a mix of Pablo’s advice and yours, Satemi.”