by Eden Redd
The druid watched as the gazer gave a wicked grin, its eye glowing. Daven cursed in his mind. Their party was going to wipe after being tormented by sexy gazer monsters. Being taken advantage of wouldn’t be a bad death, but it still stung to know they made it this far only to be killed.
The gazer’s eye glowed brightly before its shoulders trembled. The glow faded away and the monster girl looked around confused. She fell to her knees, hands out. Holding herself up, the gazer breathed in heavy gasps. The druid turned his eyes to the other gazer as the same thing happened. It fell to the ground with its eye wide and filled with confusion.
Long moments passed and the gazers could barely move. Daven wondered what was going on. Did Kai and Wynter succeed? Were they on their way back to help them? Was there still a chance they could win? The druid felt his fingers twitch. Feeling returned to his limbs but slowly. Nikki rolled onto her side, arms shaky as she tried to push herself up to a sitting position. The brush at the edge of the clearing rustled. Daven turned his eyes to it and managed to smirk.
Wynter stepped from the edge, light bathing her pale skin and lustrous dark hair, to the left and right of her stood two ebony skeletons with purple fire blades. The necromancer held her metal staff in one hand, a sinister light glowing from the eye sockets of the skull at the top. The black skeletons bent their knees and moved forward, blank eye sockets centered on the weakened gazers.
“Spare us! We were only following our lover’s commands!” One gazer whimpered loudly.
“You have freed us! We won’t hurt anyone ever again!” The other moaned.
Wynter took steady steps forward, shadows covering her eyes. Each skeleton moved to each of the gazers. Bone hands reached down and took hold of strange spectral hair. The gazers whimpered and gasped as the ebony skeletons put their mystical blades to the creature’s throats.
“You’re right. You’ll never hurt anyone again,” Wynter said in a soft, sardonic tone.
The ebony skeletons reared up their sword arms and brought them hard across in unison. The gazer’s heads separated from their necks, bodies falling away. When their heads and bodies fell to the cavern floor, they shattered into shards of greenish light. Purple blades disappearing, each skeleton moved to a fallen friend. Black boney hands reached down to help Nikki and Daven sit up. The druid tried to move his lips and they parted slightly. With the death of their captors, the countdown in the corner of their vision sped up. When it reached zero, the players began to move on their own.
Wynter stepped closer as Nikki and Daven smiled. The necromancer hugged Nikki since she was closest. Daven stepped over and Wynter uncurled one arm for him, hugging both of her raid mates. Vell was to his feet with his two soldiers to his side. They moved over just as the group hug finished.
Daven briefly looked around, “Where’s Kai?”
Wynter’s eyes widened a little, “He’s still in the forest. Bryce turned him to stone. I’ll tell you everything but we go to him now.”
The necromancer turned and marched into the forest, the party close behind.
***
Kai stood like a statue in a long-forgotten cemetery. The party surrounded him, the look of grim determination still frozen in time.
“This is an easy fix,” Daven said as he raised his hand. Emerald light glowed around his hand. Rays of light shined on the stone statue. Wynter watched, hoping it wasn’t too late. She knew if a status attack was in effect for too long, the player would be classified dead so they didn’t have to be stuck in the game. Gripping her staff tight, she waited until gray slowly turned blue. The cracks disappeared and digital flesh returned. After a few moments, the troll ranger stumbled forward before righting himself.
Unable to stop herself, the necromancer flung forward and hugged the ranger close. Kai smiled as he hugged her back. Daven and Nikki grinned while Captain Vell barely smirked. After several long seconds, Wynter pulled back but kept her arms around the troll’s neck. Kai’s hands fell from around her, finally resting on her almost bare hips.
“I’m glad you didn’t log out,” Wynter said with a whisper.
Kai smirked, “I knew you would come back for me.”
“All the gazers are dead,” Wynter said and then paused. “We need to talk.”
“Did you get the Eyes of Harkkon?”
Wynter nodded, “That’s what we have to talk about.”
The necromancer stepped back with the staff in her hand. Kai looked to the metal skull at the top, white stones glowing in the eye sockets. The ranger let out a relieved sigh but quickly noticed the dismay in Wynter’s eyes.
Vell stepped closer, eyes drinking in the top of Wynter’s staff, “You found a unique item.”
“It’s not an artifact. It didn’t have a purple star next to it,” Wynter added.
The captain nodded, “I know. We wondered if the Eyes were in the dungeon in the first place. Master Kurss will want to see the item but I’m sure he will give his blessing for you to keep it. Only a powerful necromancer could effectively use such a magical item.”
The fire once again flared around Wynter’s heart. She turned to the captain, her face a blank mask but eyes burning with controlled power.
“Captain, why are we here?” the necromancer asked plainly.
Vell returned her gaze, “To find artifacts lost long ago and gather treasure. This is to help in the war effort.”
Wynter’s lips curved downward, “That’s bullshit. We are eighty-eight levels down and we haven’t come across any artifacts. We have fought all kinds of monsters and only found one rare item. What’s so important that we are risking our lives for such little reward?”
Vell crossed his muscled blue arms, “The information we have is mainly in legends. The dungeon changes from time to time. A majority of the treasure may be on the last few levels.”
“You expect us to believe that?” Daven barked as he moved to Wynter’s side.
“Wynter’s right,” Nikki said in a low tone as she stood next to Wynter, Daven and Kai.
The captain kept his gaze steady on the necromancer, “We’ve never made it this far in centuries. There is no way to know exactly what is down here.”
Kai stepped closer behind Wynter and put his hands on her shoulders, his gaze connecting with Vell’s, “Come clean with us.”
Vell’s brow formed into a sharp V, “I cannot come clean. One of you is a dragon spy. For everyone’s safety, we should continue on until the quest is completed and the spy is found out.”
Daven shook his head, “Dragon spy? What evidence do you have that one of us may be a spy?”
“We don’t and that is why we must keep going. I do not answer to you. My master has made it clear that all will be revealed once the spies are uncovered. On the other raids, my master was forthcoming with information but we soon discovered that dragon spies were sabotaging our efforts. You understand why there must be secrets.”
“Is that why you and your soldiers have been holding back?” Nikki said in a scathing tone. “You want us to do all the dirty work so you can move in and claim any artifact we come across.”
Vell let his hand rest on the pommel of his sword, “Everyone is being rewarded for their service. You all volunteered.”
“We can’t keep the rewards if we die down here,” Daven sneered.
Wynter stepped forward, Kai’s hands falling away and shadows covering her eyes. The necromancer stood before the troll captain with staff in hand. The air grew still as the two troll soldiers next to their captain flexed their fingers.
“I wasn’t sure until I picked up the Eyes of Harkkon. You don’t have to reveal your secrets, Captain. We all know why we’re here. Harkkon isn’t just the name to some ancient ruin. Harkkon is a Dread Lord and we are on our way to wake him from his slumber.”
Vell’s eyes contained a sharp intensity but he remained silent.
Wynter continued, “We’ve all heard the rumors. We know two Dread Lords have been awakened and taken to the troll capi
tal. Another one is north of the road, destroying small towns and striking fear in his wake. I knew something was odd when Master Kurss asked us to ignore voices and report on anyone being controlled. I’m assuming that if anyone was controlled, your special spell would be a sword in their chest.”
The corners of Vell’s mouth curved into a slight smirk, “That is where you are wrong. We do indeed have a spell to quiet the mind if something got in. I can understand your paranoia but I must keep my master’s secrets for the good of the quest.”
“What happens now?” Daven asked with arms crossed.
Kai tilted his head forward, “We continue with the quest. We made it too far to turn back.”
“How can we keep going, knowing this troll is going to stab us in the back?” Daven said annoyed.
Vell eased his stance, “You have it on my honor that I will not betray you. I only wish to fulfill my master’s objective and keep you all safe.”
“And we should believe you?” Nikki asked with contempt.
Vell eyed her, lifting his hand from the pommel of his blade and letting it drop to his side, “A troll without honor is nothing more than a wild beast. I must keep to my master’s commands but that doesn’t mean I won’t give up my life to help protect all of you.”
Kai stepped forward, “We need each other even more so now. We are almost to the end and we have lost many of our forces. Everybody will be needed if we are going to survive the dungeon. For now, we keep going and when it’s all done, we can decide what to do next.”
“This stinks,” Daven said under his breath as he barely nodded.
Nikki reluctantly nodded but kept silent.
Wynter turned and stepped closer to Kai, “Can we talk?”
The ranger nodded, “Everyone, take a break. Wynter and I need to speak for a moment.”
Kai turned and walked toward the forest edge, Wynter close behind. After about thirty feet, they both stopped and looked back to make sure they were far enough from the group. Even through the trees, they could see Daven and Nikki to one side while Vell and his soldiers were to another in the clearing.
The ranger turned his attention to his fellow guild mate. Wynter stood before him, head tilted forward but eyes visible with tired sadness.
“I need you to be honest with me. Are you a dragon spy?” Wynter asked as she looked up into the troll’s dark eyes.
Kai was silent for a long moment, “I think you already know the answer.”
A grinding anger rushed through the necromancer. Lifting up her fist, she brought the palm side down hard on the troll’s thick chest. Across her vision, she saw that she did one point of damage but she wasn’t trying to hurt him. Anger surged along her limbs as she wanted to strike him again and again. Instead she kept her closed fist on his chest.
“Don’t play games with me! I joined this guild to fight the dragon threat. We are going to free all the races from their rule!” The necromancer growled.
Kai’s hands reached up and rested on her arms. The ranger eyed the pale beauty and let out a sigh, “Leopold said those words, not you.”
Wynter’s eyes widened, “No…those are…..”
Kai kept his stern expression, “Do you remember when you first joined the guild? Leopold said those words any chance he could to show his support. The guy had a confidence problem and we all kind of saw it for what it was. You were always at his side, smiling and being friendly but he was the one who showed his support by talking endlessly how the dragons would suffer.”
Shock flowed into the necromancer’s eyes.
“Leopold always hated anyone with too much power,” Wynter said as she turned her gaze and looked to the forest past Kai’s neck. “He is like that in the real world too. He would talk all the time about the president messing up or if a world leader was caught in a scandal. It was like he was addicted to treating people with power like shit.”
“We all saw that you were the good girlfriend, standing by your boyfriend. He watched you like a hawk and it wasn’t our place to say anything otherwise,” Kai’s grip tightened a little. “When I kissed you at the guild hall, I felt awful for it. Not because I didn’t want to but because I broke one of my own rules. Even here in the game, I never chase anyone who’s in a relationship.”
“You broke your rule for me……” Wynter let the last word hang heavy in the air.
“I know your break up was recent but I don’t regret kissing you when we were running from the gazer. I had to touch your lips one more time. I thought I was going to die and couldn’t bear the thought of waking at my keep and you still down here, not knowing when I would see you again.”
Wynter took in the soothing touch of Kai’s strong hands on her arms. It was a small comfort compared to thoughts waging war in her mind. She joined Lewd Saga because Lucas wanted to play. She stayed at his side, following his rules because she wanted him to be happy. The more they played, the more she liked being in the game, the more important the guild had become. Deep down, she didn’t care what side she was on. Playing the game was the important part. Her libido was high but the fantasy of the virtual world put it over the top. She remembered telling Leopold that she was increasing her soul shards but selfishly, she liked the virtual lovers despite a little uncanny valley she felt with them. She liked how Leopold watched her as digital monsters took turns until she passed out from bliss. It was a time where she could be free and stay loyal to her boyfriend. Now that he was gone, nothing was stopping her from enjoying everything the game had to offer. The thought scared and thrilled her at the same time.
“The entire guild loves you,” Kai said in a soft tone. “I……” the tall troll trailed off.
Wynter’s fist unfurled and she pressed her palm to his chest, “I don’t know how to process this. It’s a lot to take in.”
Kai’s eyes softened, “Take your time. There is no rush.”
“Whether you’re a dragon spy or not, you’re still a member of the guild. My loyalty is to the guild first,” Wynter smiled.
Kai let his hand drop. Taking Wynter’s hand into his, he lifted it up and kissed the back of it. “The guild comes first. No matter what happens, I will be at your side.”
“We should get back before Nikki carves up the Captain,” the necromancer smiled.
Kai nodded. The two players let their hands drop to their sides. Warmth coiled around the necromancer’s heart as she walked along. The pain of her previous relationship seemed to sting less with every step. It was almost like a fog lifted and she saw Leopold for what he truly was, a sad powerless man.
The two players reached the edge of the clearing. Daven smiled and winked at Kai. Nikki’s angry demeanor softened when she saw Wynter. The troll’s shoulder’s relaxed as they were all reunited. Before anyone could get a word in about their next move, the sound of armor and heavy footfalls filled the cavern. The raid unsheathed weapons and stood closer together, not sure what to expect. Time slowed down as the sound grew louder and louder. Brush rustled and blue bodies appeared mixed with paler colors.
Trolls, humans and other races loyal to the troll kingdoms appeared. Eyes locked on Wynter’s raid group and quickly filled the area. Troll soldiers moved to one side, forming a wide path. A shirtless muscled troll walked down the middle with his captains close behind.
Master Kurss gave a wicked smile as he looked to Wynter and her raid group, “It would appear we have a party who has gotten here first. Bravo. I’m sure we have a lot to discuss.”
Ten
Wynter was the center of attention as Master Kurss and his captains looked to her while she explained their journey. As she spoke of their adventures, more players began to show up from the cavern mouth. The murmur of conversations filtered into the air as players huddled in groups, friends and guild mates reuniting after the long journey down.
Wynter spoke of the gazers and finding the Eyes of Harkkon but left out bits of information like the rat, Kai and the confrontation with Captain Vell. It seemed to swing both aw
ay since Vell made no move to tell his master anything. When Wynter was finished, the troll master was all smiles.
“You indeed have a powerful spirit Lady Nightkiss. I commend you on surviving and getting here first. The Eyes of Harkkon will serve you well in the battles to come,” Kurss grinned.
Wynter bowed, “Thank you Master Kurss.”
“You have earned your rest. We will be here for some time to let the remnants of our forces trickle down. The remaining levels will require all of us to move as one force.”
“How much is left of our forces?” Wynter inquired since she hadn’t had time to check herself.
“Of the three hundred that have entered the ruins, one hundred and twenty-five trolls survived and only 40 adventurers are left. It has been a hard fight but we should have just enough to see it to the end.”
The master looked the necromancer up and down, drinking in her curves, “With your power, I know we will be victorious.”
Wynter bowed, “Again you flatter me.”
“When this is over, you must visit my palace. You will be my honored guest with delights to satisfy all your needs.”
Wynter smiled politely but said nothing. Kurss eyed for a long moment before a captain came over and reported on another raid group entering the cavern. As they spoke, Wynter slid away; glad she didn’t have to fight off the master’s obvious advances. Small groups gathered all around as Wynter went looking for her own. Stepping past bodies, she saw Kai’s handsome blue face and made a beeline for him. Players parted and joy filled the necromancer as she saw many of her guild mates mixed with her raid group. Jakar turned his head, smiled and waved her over.
“So good to see you again,” the handsome knight smiled at Wynter.
“Same here!” Wynter smiled back.
“You and Kai did some great work getting the Eyes of Harkkon. It might be the edge we need,” Jakar said enthusiastically.