Crystalfire Keep

by J. A. Cipriano

  Wazif: You have to stand firm here, Shale! I know I’m the true newbie here but I know something when it comes to navigating egos like this.

  Crysta: But Amethyst is right. The most secure place to have this meeting would be our guildhouse and her interview room.

  Burndall: Crys, no offense, okay? But your boss is coming on firehouse strong and besides, El Rec would actually give us all guild offers, not just offer to help us out. Don’t you want to be with the best?

  Crysta: Like, I get that, Burnie, but best doesn’t always mean the highest ranked, right? Loyalty and family are more important.

  Kayla: I couldn’t have said it better, Crysta, which means what you have to do should be obvious, Shale. You know what that is, right?

  Shale: I think so. Is everyone willing to back my play, no matter what it is?

  It was a lot to ask. This wasn’t just a fight in the game, after all. For everyone here, this could lead to lost opportunities, strained friendships, or even losing or gaining a guild. I think everyone knew, Kayla and Crysta most of all, that I wasn’t the best at these tense social situations. So, I wouldn’t have been exactly cross if anyone had said no.

  Kayla: I’ve already said my piece.

  Crysta: Well, okay. I trust you, Shale.

  Wazif: You’re the leader!

  Burndall: Just don’t drop the ball, dude. You know what I mean.

  Shale: I do. Don’t worry, I’ll make it right and I’ll handle this right.

  I hoped I sounded more confident than I was. Still, the first thing to do seemed obvious to me and I doubted anyone would argue with it, at least on our side.

  The gossip crackled like lightning all around us as I raised my hands and stepped a little closer to the two catty guild leaders. “Look, I have a compromise I think everyone will at least find tolerable. We want to hear from both of your because, honestly, we would be idiots to not want to hear you out. You wouldn’t want idiots working with you, right?”

  Thadivus rolled his eyes slightly. “No need for that kind of suck-up crap. I’m willing to listen to anything, though.”

  “As long as it doesn’t involve doing things El Rec’s way, I’m open to hearing it out,” Amethyst added with a shrug.

  I nodded, sending Kayla a message over our private channel as I glanced between the two guild leaders. “Fine. Accept these invites then and we’ll get going.”

  Shale: When they join the raid, be ready to teleport us to the Tamiroth Life Crystal when I say so.

  Kayla: Not exactly what I was expecting, Max, but it’s in the spirit of it. Ready!

  There were a few gasps of surprise was I flipped through the Group menu and converted our solo group into a ten-man raid structure. As soon as the game registered the shift, I sent raid invites to Amethyst and Thadivus with a glance and a mental command. Fortunately, it didn’t take any prompting or nudging to get them to accept. A moment later, we were now seven and just to make sure we wouldn’t have any power plays, I quickly shuffled the groups, moving Kayla and Burndall to the same group with the guild leaders and promoting Kayla to that group’s leader position.

  With all that done, I flipped over to the full raid channel, I cleared my throat.

  Shale (Raid Leader): Thank you for doing that.

  Amethyst: While I appreciate that this is a private channel, I find this goes much smoother if we can actually, well, talk.

  Thadivus: For once, I agree with Ammy here.

  Shale (Raid Leader): Don’t worry, this is only the first step. Kayla?

  Kayla (Group Leader): Here we go!

  With that, she chanted a few words and extended her hands wide, opening a watery, dripping portal to Tamiroth. See, as I said, instance MOBs don’t respawn but more importantly, an instance won’t reset for a particular group until the end of their two-hour play timer. For the next forty-seven minutes, Tamiroth would be the most private place in all EO for the seven of us.

  I gestured toward the portal. “Follow me and we’ll get this started for real.” As a proper show of good faith, I hopped through first, feeling the usual stomach shift as my senses were pulled through space, back to the very start of Tamiroth. As Lucar was still dead, the tides had receded from here, leaving the floor littered with rotting kelp and broken shell but fairly dry.

  One by one, everyone followed me, guild leaders included, and we settled into a rough circle, Amethyst and Thadivus taking up opposite points on that circle.

  “Tamiroth, huh?” Thadivus murmured as he touched one of the slick shell walls. “Funny, we had a group going through here the same time as you folks and didn’t find anything strange.”

  “I’m sure we’ll all figure out how this part works soon enough, Thad,” Amethyst shrugged. “There is always a trigger to these things … but that isn’t what this is about, not at all.”

  “Nope,” Burndall answered as he leaned against the right wall, Crysta leaning on her bow and obviously nervous to one side of him. “You guys have both been following us and you want something.” He grinned. “Yo, there’s no harm in pointing that out, because you’re also here to offer us stuff in return. That’s business.”

  On the opposite wall, Wazif took up a position on one side of me, trying to meld a bit into the background will still looking resolute while Kayla flanked my other side as she said, “Well, I don’t know if I would use those words but, in essence, you’re right. So, I guess what’s important now is who do you want to hear from first, Max?”

  I mulled that over for a second as I regarded each of them. Thadivus seemed surprisingly laid-back for someone with his reputation so I hoped that he wouldn’t feel insulted if I didn’t start with him, while Amethyst had obvious skin in the game with guild members already in our group. On top of that, she already struck me as being the more prideful of the two.

  “No offense intended, Thadivus, but I want to give Amethyst the floor first,” I nodded. “Whatever else is going on, you can’t argue that she has a vested interest in our group already.”

  He inclined his hooded head in a nod and gestured toward Amethyst, giving her the floor. She nodded back politely and rested her hands on her hips. “Thank you, Shale, and I’ll even force myself to thank you as well, Thad.” That the two had a history was obvious as she grinned cat-like at him before glancing around at the rest of us. “I don’t think it will come as a surprise to any of you Firsters as to why Thad and I are here, especially after this latest little triumph you’ve managed.” She nodded to Crysta specifically. “Thank you for keeping the guild informed even if it didn’t cross the mind of certain other people.”

  Amethyst didn’t need to give Kayla a look for me to know what she meant. Kayla shrunk back, almost flinching from those words, while Crysta beamed a smile.

  “When I first learned that your little pickup group stumbled into the start of the Crystalfire quests, I wrote it off as luck or coincidence. Who wouldn’t?” Amethyst shrugged to herself. “But after not only hearing but later experiencing the fight at the Shadowyard for myself, I know that you must be talented and skilled players, the kind of people that it’s smart to keep an eye on. Now that the Keep is about to be opened, the Sisters could use allies who obviously understand the content we’re about to go into and can hold their own in it.”

  She spread her arms wide as she walked slowly into the center of the circle. “Even the miner over there had to be important to your victory today or you would have sent him packing back to the fan club. At the same time, though, there’s only five of you. You need people to have even the smallest shot at beating the Keep and winning any of the prize money. Not that the money is what I care about.” She shook her head. “It’s the prestige for the Sisters.”

  Thadivus decided that was the moment for him to interject, even without being given the floor. “Does that mean you’ll break your rules and let the boys be part of your guild?” Even through the shadows, his grin was evident. “That will play havoc with your branding, Ammy.”

  “Wh
ile that was out of turn,” I added, “I have to say that the question is an important one.” I cleared my throat and tried to put it as diplomatically as possible. “Some of us aren’t exactly, uh, equipped to join the Sisters.”

  Amethyst gave Thadivus a scorching glare before sighing and looking over at me. “Obviously not, Shale, but you seem to understand the concept of principles that this knuckle-dragging baboon never has. Not being part of the guild wouldn’t diminish the glory and the money you, Burndall, and Wazif would get from joining forces with the Sisters on this one.”

  It wasn’t the worst offer in the world. Still, the shades I had seen in the Vale of the Three Wolves made me wonder if being in the Sisters was good for Kayla in the long run. All the same, I wasn’t going to reject it immediately.

  Burndall rolled his eyes and let out a bark of a laugh. “That’s nice and all but what if we want be a part of a cool guild instead? You’ve gotta admit that your offer is kind of radishes compared to Thadivus’s … assuming he’s going to offer a spot in El Rec to us.” Burnie’s glowing eyes flashed over Thadivus. “You are gonna do that, right?”

  Thadivus rubbed his chin with theatrical flair. “Oh, well, I believe that should wait until it’s my turn to speak.”

  Amethyst snarled. “As if you’ve let that stop you so far!” Her hands curled into fists before she planted them back on her hips. “Being in a guild doesn’t mean anything unless it is a place you belong, a group with which you can bond. That is what I offer the women who join the Sisters and that’s why I won’t budge on this.” The sigh that followed was an honest one. “Look, that’s the truth and I hope that doesn’t come off as an insult. You would have my guild’s gratitude and goodwill, which means a future of assistance, help, and, well, everything that might go with that. We all win, and no one is forced to change guilds.”

  Kayla was silent at that and even I was finding it hard to read her. Crysta, though, nodded enthusiastically at that. “Yeah, I totally don’t want to change guilds. The Sisters have done so much for me.”

  I glanced sidelong at Kayla and poked into our private channel.

  Shale: Is the beef between you and Amethyst that bad?

  Kayla: There’s no beef or anything like that. Just … don’t let this influence your decision, Max. Hear them both out and do what you think is best. I’m too close to the situation to judge that myself.

  I was used to Kayla trusting my judgment, but this wasn’t that. Kayla was giving up her agency, something I had never seen her do, because she didn’t trust herself. That fact disturbed me more than I wanted to admit.

  Meanwhile, Thadivus stepped into the circle as well. “This sounds as good a point as any to make my own points.” He nodded towards Amethyst. “If that’s okay with you, Ammy?”

  She rolled her eyes in frustration. “Sure, go ahead. I think I’ve made my points well enough.”

  He nodded as he pointed his staff at Crysta. “To address this young lady’s valid concern, I would never ask anyone to change their guild. Let’s get that off the table to start with.” Planting his staff in front of him again, he rested his hands on it. “Of course, let me also make it crystal clear that I would extend an offer to join Elementalis Reclaimed to each and every one of your Firsters. Ammy’s not telling tales when she said that you four have caught the notice of every big guild leader in the game.”

  “Four?” I arched my eyebrow as I looked closely at the guildmaster. “I think you meant to say ‘five’.”

  Thadivus turned to face me, that roguish grin gone. Completely straight-faced, he shook his head. “No, I said ‘four’ and I meant ‘four’.” He off-handedly gestured at Wazif. “I’m sure your craftsman buddy is great at mining or smithing or whatever but that doesn’t mean I want him in El Rec.” His focus turned back fully on me as Wazif scowled at him. “Look, it was you four that did the big deed. One weird boss fight does not a raider make. You’ve proved your stuff to me but he hasn’t.”

  Considering how much he seemed to be leaning towards Thadivus’s side earlier, it was Burndall who responded first and he didn’t sound happy. “Are you saying we should ditch our friend because you think he’s dead weight? Would Wazif even get to go with us to Crystalfire?”

  Thadivus spun to meet Burnie’s gaze. “Come on, dude, you know the answer to that already. Dead weight is dead weight. If you want to make it to the finish line first, you can’t let that kind of sentiment hold you back. You can take your buddy here through Crystalfire after we win the big prize but until then, we have to be totally focused and ruthless.”

  My Herald pinged as multiple private messages seemed to hit all at once.

  From Wazif: Look, maybe he’s right but I don’t think so. Still, if you want to go with him, I’ll understand.

  From Burndall: They’re both full of breadcrumbs, dude. I say to Pluto with both of them.

  From Crysta: Amethyst is obviously the best bet, Shale. We can’t work with Thadivus! I know her offer isn’t perfect, and she and Kayla aren’t getting along but of our choices …

  I let out a deep sigh. I had to be honest with myself; I didn’t feel either of their offers was the right one. Admittedly, if I had to choose between the two of them, I would have to side with Amethyst. While I wasn’t sure I liked how she treated Kayla and there had to be more going on here, at least she had a stated principle she was standing behind. Thadivus was simply the epitome of the hardcore raid leader, utterly without a care as to who he insults or what feathers he ruffles to find success. As much as I wanted this, needed this victory, there were prices I wouldn’t pay.

  What good was winning when I wouldn’t want to look at myself in the mirror afterward? Especially when there was another way to follow. That was what I needed here. Another way to go, one that was better than what they had to offer.

  Looking up at the two guild leaders, I took a deep breath and said, “You’ve both made your points, I think. Can you give me, give us, a few minutes to think this over?”

  The fact that they wouldn’t let this go without a decision was something neither one had to say.

  Amethyst nodded. “Of course. Take your time … but not too long.”

  Thadivus chuckled. “Another thing we agree on. We’re busy people and we’ve got another hidden quest to figure out.”

  “Okay, well, play nice then.” I reshuffled the raid setup, putting all five of us Firsters back together in one group, then locking chat permissions just to be certain.

  I now had maybe ten minutes to come up with an option three … assuming there was even a realistic option three. How could we say no to having the backing of one of the top raiding guilds in the game?

  The first inkling of an answer came almost immediately as everyone began to flood into group chat once more, and it naturally came from the mouth of the most newbish among us. As they say, from the mouths of babes.

  Wazif: I told Shale this already, but I will step aside if you need me to … but I don’t think that’s necessary. I mean, I was able to help with Lucar. Doesn’t that mean that we could get anyone to help fill out the ranks as long as they play well?

  As debate started on that point, it came to me, the start of a possible third option. I ignored the chat for the moment and checked my friends list. There it was, near the top, and lit up in the bright green that meant that he was online. I immediately sent off a private message.

  To Nahma: Hey! I’m sorry to bother you, but can you help me with something? Like, immediately.

  From Nahma: Oh my gosh, Mr. Shale! Of course! What do you need?

  6

  The answer to our dilemma was as simple as it was utterly insane, at least at first thought. It was easy to get Nahma to agree to it, though that wasn’t hard. The Ember Shadow was not only the head of our fan club’s guild but was certainly epitomized the concept of ‘biggest fan’ without going over into pure ‘crazy stalker’ territory. Convincing the others would be harder, a lot harder.

  Concluding my quick back-
and-forth with Nahma, I refocused on the back-and-forth chatter going on in our group chat. The discussion was turning into one of those circular arguments, the kind where it is immediately obvious that no one is going to give an inch, no matter how reasonable they sound. At least it was spirited without getting into a fight over it. The only one of us other than me keeping out of the discussion was Kayla. She remained with face downcast and silent, no doubt sticking to her guns.

  It was not what I wanted but I wasn’t going to try to force her into the discussion. I respected her too much for that.

  Shale: Okay, can I get everyone’s attention?

  Burndall: Dude, it’s about time!

  Crysta: Yeah, we aren’t exactly getting anywhere here.

  Wazif: That’s one way to put it, especially with Kayla being quiet too.

  She looked up slightly at that before turning her gaze back down.

  Kayla: I just don’t feel as if I have anything to add. I’m backing whatever Max wants to do.

  No one was exactly happy about that. I was already upset myself at her reaction, unchained from what she had told me earlier. As for the others, we were all friends and it didn’t take a genius to understand that something had upset her. Maybe my idea would bring her around.

  Shale: Okay, well, this idea is going to sound a little odd, but I am pretty sure this is the best way for us to go right now.

  Burndall: Our buddies are getting impatient so maybe we should skip the preamble, yo?

  Wazif: There’s no point in rushing him. This could all be important.

  Shale: It’ll go faster if no one interrupts me.

  The truth of that was enough to quiet everyone and let me get my idea out.

  Shale: It’s simple. We don’t go with El Rec or the Sisters … and we don’t go with anyone else, for that matter. Not any of the raid guilds, at any rate. They are all going to want us to do things we don’t want to do, and we don’t actually need anything they can offer.