The Way of the Clan 4 (World of Valdira)

by Dem Mikhaylov

  - Of course not! Gold is gold! I would have agreed to kiss a sweeper too.

  - Here I am saying the same thing— I agreed, and added— Nothing to say about me really. Everything is there on the site, there is a video. Simply look.

  - Yeah— Kaylen nodded— Video is simply ridiculous. And what are you going to do now?

  - Play— I smiled.

  - Such an answer is unacceptable— he girl inflated her lips— I understand that it’s not that simple. You ride from tournament to tournament, quest to quest. And you went to the breeding grounds not for experience, but for the cloaks. Right?

  - In principle, yes— I nodded— To improve my reputation with the village.

  - And why do you need it?

  - To get an appointment with a local landowner and patron Mr. Cedric— I replied. There was no sense in lying.

  - To Cedric? – Doc was surprised— Why to him? Do you want to lease land or a farm? This can be done through the headman.

  - Farm? – I was surprised— No… I just need to talk to him. And he does not accept, if reputation is too low. And what farm?

  - Well… -- Doc hesitated— I would like to have one. A piece of land, a little house. A small vegetable and herb garden. And start from there!

  - That’s a hell of a plan— I shook my head in amazement, and the others nodded in agreement.

  - I just want to become a herbalist, with time— said Doc— But running through the forests to collect herbs is not for me. They’d kill me there. I’m a doctor. SO I want to grow herbs on the spot. And sell them to the alchemists. Here, in this area, the land is very fertile. Best to grow all sorts of grass.

  - Grass? – Orbit piped in— What grass? Strong?

  - Hmph…-- grunted Bom— Oh! Burning moss! We never found it! Guys, can we stir up another rain right now? How about it?

  - You already visited your private rooms? – I retorted— Put away the gold?

  - Nah— wilted Bom— As for the gold, well… only one skin got very much gold! And the rest… But this isn’t a problem! Let’s go— first to the village, five minutes to visit the rooms and then here again! And to the prey! And we march to battle again!

  - I cannot— I shook my head— Though extra experience wouldn’t have hurt. And neither would money. Doc.

  - Eh?

  - I have one friend— I mused— An alchemist. A very enterprising guy. I should introduce you. Remind me later. By the way— let me put you in my friends list.

  - Heh. Comedian— boomed Bom— I already did it. If there’s another profitable little business that comes up— call me immediately!

  - And me too— butted in Kaylen, obviously annoyed that the conversation was flowing past her— I want adventure!

  Yes, the girl was wholly offended— all were ignoring her except Cray. But she does not realize that it’s because of Cray that they ignore her. Because the dwarf has an extremely negative attitude towards any attempt to draw away the attention of Kaylen. Basically, he’s in love— it seems to be. And jealousy guards the object of his affection. He shouldn’t be surprised when it leads to the opposite feeling.

  - If we plan new adventures, we’ll be sure to tell you right away— I promised. The group satisfied me completely. Besides, we already have experience with joint maneuvers.

  - So what was that quest about Grim? – asked Kaylen.

  It seems that I wouldn’t be able to wriggle out of this one. Well, right— this is probably what is expected of all gaming legends. Long and exciting stories of their adventures in full color. And fantastic details, and enchanting effects. And no one will know if I start to wander. I’ll have to improvise— luckily, I had prepared a story of my version of the events.

  - It all started with a small event. I won the tournament with an acquaintance, and there were no signs of trouble— I began, and Kaylen immediately interrupted.

  - And who is this?

  - Casual acquaintance— I shrugged, and again did not lie. I had met Kira by chance. And Gosha— So… we won that tournament, organized by Grim the Inconsolable. We received gold cloaks and were very, very pleased.

  - I would be too! – Bom muttered, sighing enviously…

  - And then— said I, in a deliberately husky voice— Immediately after the tournament I made a visit to the Mage’s Guild, where I was met with open arms… I was taken into a small and dark room, where I was told about the dark side of Grim the Inconsolable, the terrible and bloody Silver Werewolf. I learned that the werewolf was on a hunt for my head!

  I spoke for a long time.

  To the accompaniment of a crackling fire, throwing a dim glare on our faces and the tart sweetness of red wine.

  I told the story of Grim and how he stabbed his beloved, how he hunted after tournament winners. The fact that the lair of the dreaded wolf is under the Temple of Tribulation, and one can only pass through it through a blazing flame. I told about how Grim fled from the battlefield. In general, I tried to add as many colors and spectacular details as possible, omitting any mention of the mysterious medallion, of Kira, and the Albatross Clan. And I did not mention the legendary armor.

  It worked. They were fascinated and listened to everything. No one interrupted.

  I tried to sit straight and not to make any unnecessary movements— not scratch in a questionable area, for example. Because I was convinced that I was being “recorded.” Maybe by one person, maybe by everyone. I would not like to see myself later taking a pause from telling my heroic adventures to attend to an itchy groin. When I finished the story, it was four in the morning. And so the time had come to say goodbye— I had to go back to Algora.

  Getting up, I stepped up to Kaylen and handed her a scroll.

  - I return the favor— said I— Thank you, Kaylen.

  She nodded and instead of her, the gnome took the scroll and put it busily into their bag.

  - Where are you going? – Kaylen mused.

  - That’s it. Time to sleep— I smiled— And you as well. Best not to wait until Decay.

  - And it is a real thing? – she asked in disbelief— Never happened to me yet.

  - There is Decay— I affirmed— And it’s an unpleasant thing. Okay, guys, I have to go. Thank you for the evening. Everything was great.

  - See you later? – Kaylen demanded, and Cray grimaced in displeasure. Damn...

  - You better believe it— I promised— You are all in my list of friends. If something happens— I’ll call you for sure. And you don’t forget to write sometimes.

  - On your fan-site it said that your messenger is blocked completely— muttered Cray, and I put a checkmark— the dwarf had not only watched the movies, but also read the forum. What for? Simple curiosity? Or something else? Or am I completely paranoid? God knows…

  - A block— I said— For all except those with a checkmark.

  - Did you put a check on me? – Kaylen livened, looking at me through her glass— Am I marked?

  - Uh-huh— I nodded— Email me at any time.

  - If you ever want a donkey, you know where to find me— the orc shrugged— I am here for another week. Not less. I’m in the game very often. Sometimes I sleep here.

  - Me too— hastily said Doc— With Bom. I mean I do not sleep with him, of course! But also in the caves! I sit and wait! Awaiting a new adventure. So remember, Ros— the Doc will always be happy to see you.

  - I’ll find you— an echo came quietly from the fire, the bald elf sitting there, embracing a bottle— With you, life is in-interesting…

  It sounded scary… and sure. The bald elf could find me wherever I was, that’s for sure.

  Waving goodbye, I stepped back and activated the scroll.

  A soft teleportation flash and I was back in Algora, opposite a small hotel huddled between two arcades. Exactly what I needed. A few steps, and I was inside. Without stopping, I warmly greeted the bored lady at the counter and went into my private room.

  Equally quickly I picked out the bag of gold and again retreat
ed into the corridor, not looking at the precious objects of the legendary sets, so as not to tempt myself. In addition to the gold I picked up the collectible Wolf figurine— the adult Tyrant. I took this just in case.

  Walking down the cobble streets of Algora, my thoughts kept going over the plans. First, the Mage’s Guild. I required immediate training and improvement of spells.

  Then, the village of Selenium, where I intended to appear before sunrise. Farmers and villagers rise early, and the mayor is no exception. Complete the quest and then a short jog to the estate of Mr. Cedric, and an exciting conversation. We’ll talk, and I’ll find out the conditions— or the price. I am sure that he will not give up the legendary items just like that. Not for just any price. That means that the avid collector Cedric will give me an extremely difficult task, or… charge me a wild amount. Then I’ll have to think of where to get such money. I wasn’t going to take the existing armor with me— I didn’t want to give Cedric a chance to covet my treasure. If my reputation wasn’t enough— I’d offer him a unique statue of the wolf in exchange. I’d be able to receive at least one item of the set…

  I went cautiously to the Mage’s Guild, and tried to stay tightly against the wall. What if they would throw me out? As one unfavored by the gods…

  Once in the room with colored arches, I darted around furtively, slipping like a snake between the players, and nearly leaped into the passage leading to the master of elemental magic.

  The black bearded wizard was in his place. A critical glance at me and the mage grunted, and muttered—

  - Not bad young man. Your ability grows day by day.

  - Thank you, sir— I bowed my head.

  - You want to improve the rank of your spells? “Flaming Coal” and “Ice Needle” have long been ready to turn into something more… more deadly.

  - It is for this that I have come. I’m ready.

  - Good. You want to increase the rank of both spells?

  - Yes.

  - Twenty gold in full, young lad.

  - Here you are.

  Training costs were growing at a high speed.

  The magician ran a finger over the page inscribed in a thick tome, underlined a rune with his nail and nodded:

  - It is done.

  I became the owner of two elemental magic spells of the third rank. “A Handful of Coal” and “Ice Shard.”

  No achievements were offered, and I was not raised to the rank of a natural magician. Well, this was to be expected— the higher you go, the slower you grow. Sad, but quite logical. However, as far as I understood— the next increase was going to come at the next increase, and it would be at least to the second grade. The benefits promised to be good.

  I said goodbye to the mage, who had lost interest in me, and went back into the hall and ducked into another arch, in the faculty of natural magic. Here, too, was the same story— and I became the owner of “Thorn Wall.” Much more spiky, high, and barbed. Though one may still succeed in breaking through it, the price is a large number of life points. True, you can get around a thorn wall… but that depends on entirely different things, such as the rank of the enemy and their artificial intelligence. And if they are an enemy player… well, the surprise factor is not unimportant. When a wall of thorns appears right in front of your face…

  I had nothing more to do in the Mage’s Guild, and hurried toward the exit. And I walked quickly and hunched my shoulders. Though the old magician had told me that the attitude towards me was strictly neutral, who knows… maybe they’ll get me in the back, to please an angry goddess.

  As soon as I appeared on the threshold, I activated a teleport scroll and squinted against a transition that was too bright. Why not use the scroll right away? Well, on the grounds of the guild, the scrolls of this kind do not work. As well as many other scrolls of the same kind. For the “locals” here, however, the case is not the same— I have several times been thrown out of the guild with the help of a magical pink teleport.

  Finding myself in a small village square, I looked up at the lightening sky and, with a satisfied nod, hurried to the largest house in the village. Dawn was not far off. And that means the elder would soon raise himself out of bed and come to his doorstep… and then I will be waiting to surprise him. In the form of a bunch of purple cloaks delivered right to him. I am sure that, early in the morning, the elder would have preferred to see a luxurious blonde… but there’s nothing to be done about that.

  And so it happened. As soon as the first rays of morning sun lit the yard, the front door creaked quietly open and the elder walked out, yawning sedately. At the sight of me, he gave me an unhappy grimace— but the reputation had done its job, and he broke out in a gap toothed smile of welcome. I presented to him the same joyful grin, stepped closer and reached for my bag, in which was lying the precious loot— torn rags that were once the cloaks of spell casters.

  After the village of Selenium, the contrast was striking. Behind the giant gates of Mr. Cedric’s estate was a large courtyard which looked, most of all, like a miniature town square. Square in shape, lined with stone tiles in two colors, gray and white. On the other side of the yard— the rich façade of the high stone building, framed by magnificent flower beds. Neatly trimmed bushes and trees were everywhere.

  On the side, in the shadow of two great trees, was hiding a delicate white gazebo, located on a small island in the middle of a pond with small, agile fish— gold, silver, and emerald. Inside the gazebo were a few wicker chairs and a table. Under the ceiling was a lazily swaying silver cage with two singing birds— very beautiful, with richly colored plumage and ruffles at the neck. Beautiful… and not shutting up for a second! Chirping loudly… bastards! I should have just let them out… but one cannot do that. Mr. Cedric would not understand such an action.

  Why do I speak of these innocent birds so cruelly? Because, for almost an hour, I have been sitting in this very arbor and listening to their incessant birdsong! Chirp and chirp, chirp and chirp… I do not suffer alone— at the entrance to the pavilion is a guard. One of the village, who stands at the gate. He led me inside and stood close— like I was a guest of honor, who couldn’t be left alone without a proper escort. Which meant that I had to put up with the birds.

  Everything went surprisingly quickly and painlessly. Without the slightest delay. As soon as I was inside the gates of the estate, and voiced this request, I was immediately allowed inside. Not into the house, however— I was only left in the yard, able to temporarily occupy the master’s gazebo. Even wine was poured for me, into an iron cup with an inferior engraving. Right. A village is a village, even with Mr. Cedric.

  Seeing movement, I hurriedly put down the unfinished cup of wine and rose to my feet. I must meet the master of the house standing.

  From the front door a group of four was approaching. Ahead was a lean man with a powerful expression. His lips were pursed, eyes slightly protruding and a nose more like an eagle’s beak, hanging over his mouth. The master of the manor. On the sides were two guards— both unremarkable, except for the ornate armor. But behind the master there was… something Human. Man. But about these sort of people, one usually says that they are gorillas. And I would go further, as to say— King Kong. Incredibly tall and broad shouldered, with long arms and thick limbs. A wide forehead, eyes hidden under protruding eyebrows, and a square jaw which made him seem as though he could bite through anything, including nails and chains of wrought iron. An humanoid grown to slightly under two and a half meters. Against the background of this giant man, Mr. Cedric appeared like a pygmy. Oh— I almost missed one detail. The giant bully had only one ear— strongly protruding and large. The second was missing. For unknown reasons, about which I did not care to know.

  Most pleasing was the fact that the wealthy landowner was not accompanied by players. Only “locals” not in the environment. At least for now. And that’s great— I wouldn’t have liked to talk about the Silver Legend in front of any players. Lucky. But there could very well
be someone from the Crimson Cross occupying he district. As the Germans in July, forty-one, damn… Fraoline, where’s the hammer? Oh, haven ei ain schwein… das ist fantastic! Ugh!

  Having stopped peering at the accompanying “locals,” I focused on Cedric, feeling very strong jitters. Of course! I struggled so hard to get her! Killed so many and dug up so many gardens…

  The landlord did not did not disappoint me. The conversation was started from afar:

  - I’m glad, very very glad to see such a valiant warrior! I’ve heard of your name, the brave deeds for the benefit of civilians under my protection— benignly said Cedric— Hero! I’m sure your father is proud of you!

  - Yes? – I choked— Wow… oh! That is, I’m deeply grateful for such flattery and kind words, honorable Mr. Cedric! You exaggerate my merits.

  - I was always able to distinguish a real hero— Mr. Cedric didn’t agree with me— You’ll achieve a lot, young man! You’re honest, brave, kind and ready to help for free… a real paladin! A selfless spirit!

  - Oh, thank you— I bowed briefly— I didn’t have to help very much. Your people are already under the protection of your patronage. You’re very thoughtful, sir—I have heard it often from your villagers. All pray for you.

  - Such is the share of an honest man— sadly sighed Mr. Cedric, coming closer and putting his hand on my shoulder— Day and night, I care only for the welfare of my people. Day and night. Only thanks to the help of people like you, am I able to cope. Well, young hero, I heard you wanted to see me for a very important matter. Yes, you sit down, have a drink of wine.

  Having concluded his welcoming speech, Mr. Cedric carefully wiped the hand he had just removed from my shoulder with a laced handkerchief. At the sight of this, my happy mood vanished. That bastard! As if he patted a dirty dog’s neck, and is now hastily rubbing the dirt off his fingers!

  - Yes, it’s very, very important— I choked, barely able to keep the smile on my face.

  - I am listening carefully, Rosgard my friend— he flashed a toothy smile, barely noticeably stumbling at the word “friend”— But hurry up. I have a lot of important things to attend to. Moreover, today I am leaving to Algora. The king wishes to see me! Tonight, there is a big and important reception at the Royal Palace.