by Eden Redd
The party eyed the master as he took one step closer to the edge of the cliff, his dark eyes staring directly at Jayson.
“I’m sure your first thought would be to give the star to the Sindrell. They have the power and might to protect it. I’m sure the humans could protect it for a time before their greed took over. As for my people, you would be a hero for many generations if you simply handed me the star. The choices are clear but the heart and clarity are not. All sides have those who would betray others for their own gains. Could you live with yourself if you handed the star to the dragons and they misused it?”
Jayson was silent as was the rest of the party.
Kurss continued, “I have a thousand of my elite troll soldiers here. Behind them, five thousand undead soldiers, a gift from my fellow allies. I assume you would need the portal to return to any of the kingdoms. Your fellow adventurers will die if you try to test my strength. Give me the star and you will have safe passage. No one will be harmed and you may carry on to explore Lukken as you will. No one need know of your actions and you conscious would be clear.”
Jayson held the star tight as his fellow party members eyed him and shook their heads.
Kurss’s face melted into a look a kind uncle would give, “I know these decisions can be difficult to answer quickly. Perhaps I can sweeten the pot? Hand over the star and I will withdraw all troll forces from the Middle kingdoms and release every prisoner in our dungeons. You would still be the hero in their eyes. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted, Sir Reed?”
Jayson looked down at the star and his heart hardened. Lifting his head, he stared at the troll and let a smirk stab into his cheek.
“How about a wager?” Jayson shouted.
Kurss raised an eyebrow.
Jayson stepped forward, his fellow players parting to each side of him.
“Honor demands I return the star to the very dragon that sent us on this quest. I believe we can make it to the portal and deliver it back to her.”
Kurss smiled, “What are your terms?”
Jayson smiled, “We make it to the portal with the star, you not only withdraw your people from the Middle Kingdoms but send diplomats to reinstate the truce between all of the kingdoms.”
The troll master’s smile widened, showing his teeth, “And if you do not make it?”
“What do you want?” Jayson shouted back.
“The prize is the Star but I could use an honorable knight like yourself. Pledge your loyalty and the loyalty of your brothers and sisters in arms to me and the Kunarr kingdoms. I know death evades your kind but death will not prevent you from honoring our agreement. Once I have the star, you will belong to me.”
Jayson nodded, “Agreed!”
Kurss crossed his meaty arms, “Then we have a wager. You have until sunset to prepare.”
“How do we know you will keep to the agreement?” Jayson shouted.
Kurss nodded. A troll moved to his side and handed him something. The master lifted up something small between his fingers.
“This is a message stone. I will dictate our agreement and send it to my fellow masters. The judgment will take place should I arrive with the star or not.”
Kurss began speaking, dictating word for word of the agreement for all to hear. Once he was done, the stone floated from his fingers and blurred out of sight and was gone.
“I wish you and your people the best of luck, Sir Reed.”
“You too!” Jayson said with an edge of sarcasm.
Kurss turned on his heels and walked from view, the three dread lords following him.
Renner tilted his head, shadows covering his eyes, “Did we just fuck ourselves and all of Lukken?”
“No, we didn’t,” Thorrin said. “We just bought ourselves time to come up with a plan. I don’t believe he will keep the agreement but it couldn’t hurt to place his honor on the line.”
Jayson took in a deep inhale, savoring the salty ocean air before he spoke, “Just because he sent the message, doesn’t mean the other masters will agree. For now, it isn’t about the wager but getting the star to the dragons. They are the only ones powerful enough to keep it safe.”
Wynter looked to Jayson, “Do we have a plan?”
Renner looked up at the cliffs, “I’m sure they are watching us right now. Whatever we do, they have the advantage with numbers and the high ground. I know you knights can call your concubines but the moment you do, they will know and be prepared.”
Jayson turned his eyes to Oksuna. The troll sat with unblinking eyes and body stiff. Behind her, sea serpents remained above the water line, writhing from side to side as they gazed upon the holy platform and the heroes gathered. The knight was about to turn to the party when ocean water began to bubble once again.
The party turned their gaze outward as water rose up. Unsure what was happening, the group took a defensive stance as the water raised beyond the platform edge and above them, forming a green hued dome. The sun was blocked out and became a hazy ball of light as the ocean water connected above their heads. Jayson looked to Oksuna again and she let a small smirk appear.
“We wish for a little shade from the sun,” the troll said with a neutral tone.
The air cooled and Jayson bowed his head and turned to the team, “I have a feeling we can start making plans now.”
The group gathered close. Outside of the dome, the Sormir began sinking into the ocean one by one. The green trolls on the beach stayed, their eyes focused on the cliffs. Seagulls swooped and flew, taking in the unplanned gathering at the western tip of Lukken. The sun blazed on as it reached its zenith in the clear afternoon sky.
Jayson looked to the party, new energy snaking through his body, “We need to put everything on the table, a list of concubines and allies, powers and abilities. We need to talk about every ace if we are going to win this.”
The party nodded.
Jayson continued, “I won’t lie, we’re all not going to make it but if one of us can get to the portal, then we win. I have some ideas but everyone needs to contribute. We will have to mix in all our strategies and stick to our parts.”
Jayson touched a crystal on his belt. The air vibrated before Dalya appeared. Cat ears perked up until she saw the grim expressions of the party. The kitra bowed, her long tail swishing back and forth.
“What can I do for you, my lord?”
The knight moved to the concubine and took her hands into his, “I need you to go to the local shops in town and buy as many magical shields as you can; enough to equip every party member and every concubine. We only have a few hours so you need to be quick. I will summon you in two hours so have the equipment ready. When I send you back, inform the concubines of the plan and have every one equipped and ready.”
“Can you give her the star? We could all recall back to our keeps and avoid this whole mess,” Renner smiled.
Jayson looked to the rogue and gave his own smile, “I doubt the game will let us but let’s try, just in case.”
Jayson handed the star to Dalya. The kitra took hold and nodded. Jayson tapped the crystal at his belt and the concubine’s body vibrated before it flashed away. The star hung in the air for half a second before it began to fall. The knight snapped his arms out and took hold, inches before it hit the white floor.
“So much for an easy win,” the rogue shrugged.
Jayson turned to the group once again with the star in hand, “We need to go up the small pass before we engage the army. They have the advantage until we reach even ground. Let’s start with ideas.”
“Kell is a mage. He has area of effect spells and can possibly cover us until we make it to even ground,” Sonja said as she smiled at the dark elf mage.
Kell gave his lady an uncomfortable nod.
Wynter stepped forward, “Kai and I have had some experience fighting through tight spaces. I can raise a group of shadow knights to take point and cut through the troll lines. I will need cover as I raise them.”
Jayson no
dded, “I can be there with you. I have a sword technique that may be able to keep them off of you for a bit and buy us time.”
“Their numbers are going to be enough to keep us stuck if we don’t push back. I have an idea on how we can cut our way through,” Lance said.
“What about the small pass? They will cut us down with arrows before we reach the even ground,” Vass mentioned.
“That is what the shields are for. We can’t tip our hand so when we get the shields, everyone needs to auto-equip them from inventories as soon as combat starts,” Jayson said as his mind worked.
“Jayson, Lance and I together have about sixty concubines. Our forces can make up the bulk of our army. Does anyone else have allies they wish to bring to the fight?” Sonja asked the group.
Eyes shifted away and a silence filled the air.
Thorrin looked to Sonja and bowed his head, “I can’t speak for everyone but I don’t feel comfortable bringing my allies to this fight. With their lives on the cusp of awakening, it doesn’t feel right to ask them to join.”
Thorrin shifted on his feet before he lifted his head and looked Jayson in the eye, “I feel bad that I didn’t step forward and take the seat at the serpent throne. I’m sure we all feel bad that your lover was braver then all of us put together. Despite that, I know I will fight by your sides for as long as I can.”
Renner, Vass and Rekt nodded in agreement. Lyra looked off. Kai looked to Wynter and the necromancer’s lip wrinkled as if she was trying to find the words to say something. Looking to her skull staff, she cleared her throat.
“The…the man with the blindfold…..he’s Harkkon,” Wynter looked up at the glowing sockets of her skull staff, “And I have his eyes.”
Jayson looked to the necromancer and then to her staff. In his mind, he could see the connections. They all had a part to play and the knight needed to bring them together or their fight would end before it even began. Uncertainty touched his heart but the player quickly pushed it away. Despite his misgivings, he knew they all needed a focal point. They had to believe they could win, even if they didn’t have a chance.
Jayson stepped in the middle of the group with a confident smile, “I know we are here for all of our own reasons. There are things at play here that could shift everything. Before I started playing this game, I was a loner. I spent my time by myself and avoided people as much as I could but since I started playing, my entire life has changed.”
Jayson turned as he looked to the party, “Sonja and Lance could tell you when they first met me, I was still suffering from panic attacks. I even had one in Lady Slytha’s castle after meeting her. The line between reality and the game was blurred and I acted like I did in real life. But after spending so much time here, I realize that I was just scared. I was scared of people judging me and treating me bad.”
Jayson stepped over to Lance and Sonja, looking to them as he spoke, “I found love in so many people, and I can’t picture my life without them. We have adventured with each other from the beginning. We have loved each other from the beginning. I know we can overcome because I not only believe in my fellow knights and lovers….”
Jayson turned to the rest of the group, “…I believe that all of you were chosen to fight this impossible battle because you each know you can overcome your fears just like I have. I’m no leader but for now, I feel we can fight the masters and the dread lords and win. We reach the portal; we beat our fears and never have to worry about judgments because we would have done something no one has done yet.”
“And if we lose?” Wynter said with a drop of sadness in her voice.
Jayson looked to her and smiled, “We won’t lose as long as we work together.”
Renner folded his arms across his chest, “That has to be the corniest speech I have ever heard but I have to admit, I’m jacked to kick their motherfucking asses!”
The party stood straighter as they nodded and turned their eyes to Jayson.
The knight grinned, “Let’s get this plan together. I feel tonight is going to be one hell of a party.”
The group stepped in close and began bringing their ideas to the party. Sonja was all ears until Kell moved to her side. The knight looked to the dark elf mage as he took her hand and lead her away. Standing by the edge of the platform, the knight could see the concubine’s eyes moving erratically and one hand pulling on the fingers of the other.
Sonja took his hands into hers and held them tightly, “Kell?”
The dark elf looked off as he spoke, “My lady, I have been with you for a long time. I have never backed down from a fight or from protecting you……..but….I don’t think I can…do this.”
Sonja watched as the dark elf fidgeted and was unable to make eye contact. Worry bled into the corner of her eyes as she watched him. None of her concubines had shown they were waking up and it surprised her that Kell was the first. The bravery she felt before faltered as her heart went to her scared concubine.
Kell continued, “I can’t explain it…..I feel….”
“Scared,” Sonja whispered.
The dark elf looked to his lady, “Yes….yes…that is how I feel. I…have to ask you…send me back home. Please…don’t make me do this.”
Sonja’s heart twisted in her chest, “Kell, we need you.”
The dark elf looked away with watery eyes, “I know but I…..I am having a time with it. I fear I will…fail you. I fear…for my life. I know you’re immortal. I have seen you rise from battle after falling.”
“You will rise too after some time,” Sonja said but the words felt hollow as the dark elf looked like he would break down.
“It won’t be me. I won’t be the same. I….” Kell trailed off.
Sonja moved in close and held the thin dark elf close, “I will protect you. I will always protect you.”
“My lady….” Kell whispered.
Sonja pulled away and looked into his wide red eyes, “Kell, I would send you home but we need you. I need you. I promise to never leave your side. I know you’re scared but that doesn’t mean we hide from it.”
“I’m…not as strong as you….” Kell whimpered.
The realization fell over Sonja as she held him. If he was truly awakening, asking him to stay was like asking a child to go to war. A chill filled the player as he whimpered against her chest. Looking down at him, she ran her hand through his white hair, only wanting to protect him. Death was not the end but becoming different was.
Sonja tightened her arms around him, laying her cheek against the top of his head, “You don’t have to fight if you don’t want to. I won’t make you. I do have to ask you to do something when I send you back.”
“What would you have me do my lady?”
Sonja closed her eyes, “Ask all your fellow concubines if they will join me in the battle. I will call you back in an hour with their answer. Can you do that for me?”
The dark elf nodded.
Sonja pulled back an arm and touched his crystal on her belt. The dark elf’s body vibrated before it faded away and he was gone. The blue knight stood up and turned to the group. Talking stopped as she moved to the edge, looking to Jayson with sorrow painting her eyes.
“Kell will not join the battle. He’s…scared.”
All eyes were on the blue knight.
Jayson rubbed his jaw, “This complicates things. We need him to help push through the small pass.”
Sonja nodded, fighting back her own tears, “I never saw him like that. I can’t ask him to throw his life away, no matter how noble the cause.”
Jayson looked to Sardyna and Lunatina with concern, “How do you feel about what we are going to do?”
Sardyna stepped closer, her red eyes on her lord, “I would sacrifice my life for yours until the end of time.”
Lunatina gave Jayson a nod, “I am your concubine. I live to fight and love you.”
Luk looked to Lance, anticipating the question, “I’m not leaving your side and neither are any of our harem brot
hers and sisters.”
Balog nodded in agreement.
Jayson looked to the party, “Without Kell, we will have to alter to plan a little. We can….” The knight stopped when the air next to Sonja vibrated.
Kell flashed into existence and fell to one knee before Sonja.
“Kell?”
The dark elf kept his head bowed, “I know I had an hour but my harem brothers and sisters already made their decision after I asked the question. There was no hesitation in their answer; they will fight by your side.”
Kell was silent for a second before continuing, “I…I have been a fool. Seeing how my harem brothers and sisters reacted surprised me. They could see my fear and promised to help protect our lady and each other. I had forgotten my place and I am here to fight by your side.”
Sonja touched his arm and helped him up, “Your place is in my heart and that will never change.”
The dark elf looked to his lady with soft eyes, “Forgive me for my weakness.”
It was Jayson who spoke next, “Kell, we are all afraid for many reasons but it won’t stop us from doing what we need to do. We will all protect each other through all of it. You have our word.”
The party looked to the dark elf and smiled.
Kell nodded, “Thank you Sir Reed.”
The dark elf turned to Sonja, “Thank you my Lady. I will fight by your side….as you put it with your fellow knights…..till the end.”
Sonja hugged the dark elf and he pressed the side of his face to hers.
Jayson looked to them, his heart and mind drifting to all of his concubines as he knew they were in danger. As much as it pained him, he pushed the feeling away. Staying positive, he started the conversation again, bringing the plan together. Kell broke away but held Sonja’s hand as they all went over each of their parts again and again. The sun dipped further into the afternoon as the party prepared for war.
Twenty-One
The sun touched the horizon. The dying light turned the sky vibrant pinks and yellows as it sank beyond the edge of the world. The water dome covering the ancient platform faltered and fell back to the ocean around it. A dryad looked out from the edge, her green skin glowing and a faint smile appearing. The setting sun’s light touched her emerald skin and the leaves covering some of her body trembled to the loving warmth.