The Way of the Clan 4 (World of Valdira)

by Dem Mikhaylov

  - So listen well! – solemnly began Mohrusha, uncorking the jug and flopping into the dirt, to the great joy of the dibilids.

  The gramps turned out to be excessively talkative. Whether it was his age, whether the conditions of the job or something else, Mohrusha’s story began from the beginning. I didn’t dare to hurry the old man, and I had to take a brief excursion into the modern history of the bog creatures.

  For centuries the creatures lived in the many swamps of the world of Valdira, preferring muddy waters. They were peaceful folk, relying on the principle “do not touch me and I will not hurt you.” The most terrible punishment of the bog creatures was considered exile. And exiled creatures could not join any other tribe. Nobody needs an outcast. Rejected by one tribe— rejected by all.

  Expulsion cases weren’t isolated. They could be cast out for various reasons. More and more outcasts tottered around the world of Valdira. It was difficult to survive on one’s own, half-starved and in constant fear. The creatures do not know how to work. With other races they are not particularly aggregable. But then a bog creature rogue made a great discovery, and a miracle happened! The creatures found the municipal sewage system! And thus they were introduced to civilization.

  The sewage system was a saving grace for the bog creatures. A new house, where everything was just like the native tribe. Warm stagnant and smelly water. Abundance of debris. And the fish! Various living creatures lived in the wastewaters. In addition to all these benefits were the robust stone walls, plenty of hiding places, and many useful things brought from the surface. More importantly— not a lot of people went into the sewers. A quiet isolated place with an inexhaustible supply of food and stinking water— what else in life is necessary for happiness? This is the life! This is how the bog creatures of the marsh have become urban residents— just living on the ground floor.

  In the life of the creatures, a new chapter had begun. News about the new home soon spread, and real communities formed in the sewers of large cities. The creatures studied all the inputs and outputs of their new bearings, quickly located the danger spots, and arranged themselves in their favorite spots to live in the grand style. How else to live in a place where there are abundant fish, and from the ceiling literally fall the gifts of heaven?

  Mohrusha was banished years ago from his native home, but now he was glad of it. There he had to catch small fish all day, and give most to the tribal elder. Whereas, in the blessed water drain, in half an hour you can catch a whole bunch of fish! And there were no problems with communication— the creatures managed to establish contact with other similar communities and were always aware of the latest news.

  But as it so happens, happiness does not last forever. Trouble came from a deadly ocean.

  At this point I snorted, because I couldn’t remember Algora having an ocean. But Mohrusha added more and more details until the whole puzzle fell together.

  It was about the city called Akalrome.

  The Venice of Valdira— if we are to take into account the waterlogged streets of this ancient city. The community had bog creatures here and there— in the depths of the underground catacombs. More than convenient, especially due to the waters of the river running along the western edge of the city and flowing into the ocean. The happy bog creatures flourished and multiplied, until one day trouble came knocking.

  Krabbers! Aggressive inhabitants of the ocean depths came unexpectedly to pillage and destroy the homes of the bog creatures.

  At this point in the sad story I involuntarily shuddered and raised a hand, asking Mohrusha to repeat himself.

  I knew about the Krabbers.

  Intelligent Beasts. No other way to put it.

  Inspiring fear with a single glance. From the distance, their silhouette is almost human. But when they come near, there are immediately obvious differences. They are wholly enclosed in a solid exoskeleton. Instead of a left hand— a giant crab claw with incredible powers of compression. The right arm is normal, but has four fingers. Below the belt their body has four powerful legs, which can carry a Krabber on any type of terrain at high speed. The head is more like a rounded knight’s helmet, upon which are stuck two burly round eyes. Just below the eyes— a slit shaped mouth with plenty of needle-teeth. Amphibians. They can easily live in air as well as water. Yes, they still need to dip regularly into the water. But they do not know how to swim. In the sense that, while in the ocean, Krabbers move only along the sea floor. In addition to their natural claws, they often use tridents, and other pole weapons. Including throwing ones. Among them are occasional mages.

  The Krabbers have poetic names— Barbara of the Coast or Beech of the Coast.

  I knew the Krabbers, because I often ran into them when I played as Crashshot. Krabbers regularly leave the ocean and attack coastal cities, bringing death and destruction. Barbarians they are barbarians. And players can get, from the mayor, a job to defend the city.

  I still remember the fierce battle in one of the coastal cities, the battle that we did not win. The Krabbers got through all the defenders, took their prey and slowly went back into the ocean, stepping right over the bodies of their fallen bretheren. Hm…

  The Krabbers aren’t so strong by accident— In Valdira, for a long time there have been persistent rumors that this strange cross between a person and a crab was originally available as a race for players. A race able to operate successfully both in water and on land. But something didn’t work out and the Krabbers remained “local.” They say it is because of too steep a body deformation. Something goes wrong in the brain when one sees, instead of his right hand, a huge crab claw— and as many as four legs instead of two. But these are only vague rumors. Nobody knows…

  Mohrusha drank from the flask and with anguish in his voice continued to complain about the miserable fates of the bog creatures.

  Currently the Krabbers were flushing the creatures out of the sewage systems of Akalrome. To be honest— one didn’t need to flush them very much. The bog creatures are peaceful people, and almost none of them are soldiers. While in the league of Krabbers, warriors are all. Same as a knight fighting against a peaceful farmer.

  - … So there’s the problem! – said the bog creature, shedding a tear and looking at me with moist eyes.

  - But what can I do? – I asked hopelessly. I really couldn’t do anything at all. This job is not for me. There are no Krabbers below the hundredth level. They are extremely fast, well protected and incredibly strong. And they never walk alone. At a minimum in threes.

  - Yesterday, several of my brothers saw a group of Krabbers going through the sewers of Algora— Mohrusha told me silently— A whole party. And armed. The walls shook from the roar of their feet! My friend Rosgard! They will find our home! They’ll kill us!

  - But what do you want from me? – I asked again, since I had not even received a job.

  Kill the Krabbers in the sewers of Algora? Seems to me that this digital world has gone mad…

  Even if a manage to destroy this group, there will soon be others. A large number of them.

  - We seldom ask for help from you… from those who live on land— said the elder, dropping the empty jug into the mud. The whole crowd of dibilids instantly plunged to it— to see if anything still remained in the flask.

  And the elder, paying no attention the domestic creatures, instantly continued

  - Residents of the dry plains, shady mountains and mountains do not care about us. But you’re different! Twice, you have come to the aid of your fellow! You helped the bog creature when he was banished from his tribe. You helped him twice! Protected him from the harsh clutches of detention! So help us again! Deliver us from the Krabbers! I’m not saying— kill them! There is no need to shed blood. Only if absolutely necessary. Just make them leave and never come back! If they are looking for something— find it and give it to them! Let them take it and get out!

  - And what if they need you? Your lives?

  - Then let them die— Mohrusha said
shortly, crushing a lump of dirt in his hand.

  But the Krabbers are not malleable mud. You won’t get rid of them so easily…

  - I have long been living in this world. And I know, that one can’t forget about friends— added the elder— Therefore, I ask not only on my behalf but also on the behalf of the community, which lives under the city of Akalrome. Help them too. This is my request, dear Rosgard. Will you help us?

  - Yes— I nodded heavily— I’ll help.

  You have received the quest “Krabber Invasion!”

  Rid the bog creature community residing under Algora and Akalrome from the threat of Krabbers!

  Minimum conditions for the task: to completely destroy Krabber search parties in the sewers.

  Reward: Information about the right glove of the legendary set of the Silver Legend.

  So… I found a lead, it had seemed, about the legendary equipment.

  About the whole situation only one thing bothered me— how did the bastard elder know that I was looking for the Legendary Set? I specifically didn’t blabber. Especially not to bog creatures. And I was at the swamp without the equipment.

  Mohrusha saw a part of the Silver Legend on me and instantly “remembered” where he had seen such a thing before? I deeply doubted this.

  And why think about it anyway? I better ask away.

  - Thank you, oh great hero! – said the elder in response to my silence— If you need our modest help, then the kind sympathetic bog creatures will be happy to help you!

  - I will need it! – I immediately responded.

  Mohrusha grimaced involuntarily— I see that he didn’t particularly want to help. Well, right— he put all his problems on the back of a dirty hero and his cub. Way to go gramps!

  - I want answers to questions— I began busily— And a guide to the places where the Krabbers are now. And it would be better not to get there on foot, but on your marvelous water horse!

  - I won’t give him! He’s still little— severely said the old man— I will give you answers— if I know, I’ll tell you. There is a guide also. Stump-eyes.

  - Eh!

  - And why is he not good enough?

  - The fact that he can never stop thinking about fish!

  - Fish are good… - sighed Mohrusha mechanically, rubbing his belly.

  - A guide thinking only about the fish— that is bad!

  - There is no other— sighed the elder bitterly— So Stump-eyes it is. He is wiry! You can swim on him like a horse! Wrap your arms around his neck, press yourself to his hot back…

  - No thanks! I’ll do without a horse! Just let him be a guide only!

  - Okay. So what did you want to ask about! Ask, dear Rosgard!

  - How did you know that I’m looking for the Silver Legend?

  - Oh! This is a good question! A wise question! I’ll start it order! First Stump-eyes came to us— exhausted by fear and hard work! I warmed him up, gave him fish, let him soak among the gentle dibilids. And then he told us his sad story. About how he store a piece of fish for which he was expelled. About his hapless wanderings. And about how you defended him twice. That’s how I found out about your heroic name! And then, I pondered how to have you help us end our terrible grief. How to persuade you to come down here. I thought and thought, thought and thought, thought and thought…

  - Dear Mohrusha!

  - And thought up nothing! I sat, pouring tears of grief… that’s when my old lady showed!

  - Stop! Your old lady?!

  - Who else’s? Ever since she washed in here on that rainy day, we have lived here! Mine!

  - And what did she say to you?

  - At first— nothing. She sat in a puddle, mud smeared thickly on her cheeks, two white leeches of her neck for beauty, her head sprinkled with sand, and started waiting.

  - For what?

  - HER attention! – Mohrusha almost howled, his feelings overflowing— And she got it! She appeared! My woman’s eyes lit up with fire, snakes came out from everywhere and began to dance around her, drawing patterns in the dirt! A pillar of steam above her! Snakes! The dibilids cry!

  - Fire in her eyes? – I asked— Snakes? The wailing of dibilids… Oka-a-ay…. And who exactly answered the call of the old lady?

  - SHE!

  - Who she, gramps? What is the name?

  - One living up high, who patronizes us, the unhappy and miserable bog creatures! The goddess! The merciful and great goddess Snessa! She came to the call! Eh… I call and I call, but she never answers me… and I am the oldest here! And once she called— then the Great one responded immediately, and the mouth of my old lady began to move! She told me that such a hero like you isn’t lured by money or treasures, iridescent shells won’t soften your heart! But if you say two magic words loud and clear— Silver Legend— then you will surely listen! I was told where to find the thing— she sent a vision right into my head! I saw it with my own eyes! And it was she who told me where you are! She went with me in search of you! Wants to exchange a few words with you herself!

  I thought back to the old lady, swimming up the vertical falling water at a breakneck pace. And as the log falls on her head the elder saying cheerfully: “she’ll swim out… she always does…”

  Making my frozen lips move with difficulty, I hardly uttered

  - Gramps… and your lady, will she return soon?

  - My old lady?

  - Uh-huh…

  - Yes, very soon! She is fast! And you’ll talk!

  - Gramps!

  - Eh?

  - And where is the exit here? Where’s the exit?!

  - When you decide to leave— Stump-eyes will show you.

  - I’m leaving now! Stumpy! Stump-eyes! Where have you gone, damn angler?! Come here!

  - In a hurry to do heroic deeds? – joyfully jumped Mohrusha.

  - Exactly! I just can’t wait, right now want to go and do something heroic! Granddaddy, call Stumpy here, and we will rush towards victory!

  - That’s a hero! That I understand! Stumpy! Bulgly, govosyuk Matyuk, shukra mabsula!

  - Here! – I heard a cry, accompanied by the wet slapping of feet on dirt— And there are fish here!

  - So long that you haven’t completed the objective he’ll always be there – Mohrusha spoke kindly— He will help you explore and show the way, catch fish, help carry the load. And you care for him and protect him!

  - Alright! – I nodded quickly— Consider it done! Stump, go!

  - Stumpy! Stump— my older brother!

  - Fine! Stumpy, let’s go, show me the exit! The hero is in a terrible hurry! Feats do not wait!

  The urgent evacuation was successful. I was sitting cross-legged aboard a crooked raft, linked from rotted boards and logs. From the raft came a rope ties around the waist of Stump-eyes, who served as the driver for the whole structure, working with might to pull me and snorting loudly. The underwater passage leading to the monastery we had safely passed— and we would have to dive again, which Tyrant would not like.

  After this, very little remained to many of the exits leading directly to the city. Soon we would have to walk a little. No worries. Tyrant could hunt on the local residents. It was time to transform my pup into an evil wolf. So that the name would match at least. To think that right now, he only terrorized butterflies and rabbits…

  I absolutely did not want to meet with the old lady.

  Moreover— I was afraid of this meeting.

  Because I was now aware of what she was. As soon as the elder stammered “fiery eyes” and “dancing snakes” I immediately smelled napalm. And accelerated my exit, trying to leave the sewer asap.

  This isn’t just any old lady. She is a Temple Priestess. The combination of words was only ever uttered with respect on one’s face, and preferably in a whisper. It could be loud— so long as you are not in the temple. Because the priestesses leave the sanctuary very rarely. The Temple Priestess in the drain meant only one thing— she was exiled from her tribe and the reason was most likely seriou
s. That’s if you believe the words of the old bog creature. The Priestess was banished, but the patronage of Snessa was not lost. Tribal squabbles are one thing, but Snessa is another.

  Temple priests and priestesses without the help of their deity are extremely skilled warriors and mages. Well trained, and superbly equipped. But sometimes, when they cannot handle a situation themselves, they call upon their God.. And their prayers are not unanswered. After that, the priest has the power of not just a blessing but also of a particle of divine power! And the priest becomes a monstrous machine of death. Though, for not very long— the game legend and rules both state that earthly bodies cannot stand a particle of god for very long. But even a few seconds is enough. Hence, such a reverence for temple priests. An attack on a temple is the same as jumping into a meat grinder.

  This was Myrta. Only Gravital’s fall could explain the fact that the Priestess could be slain by some werewolf. If Gravital hadn’t fallen— Myrta would have torn Grim to pieces with her bare hands. But Gravital fell, and Myrta lost everything and fell prey to Grim’s beastly nature. The result was already known. A love story with a dramatic Finale, as told by many books in Valdira.

  Not only a “local” could become a temple priest, but also a player. However, it is very difficult to attain this honor. Again, the attention of god cannot be used for any goal. The gods will no understand if you ask them for the power to attack a peaceful caravan in a sleepy town. And the dark ones will not understand if you use their power for good.

  I wasn’t going to become a priest in a temple, but what was important to me was another matter— that, from the mouths of the temple priests, God can express his will. The same body can be controlled immediately if desired, as a living puppet. But this so only for “locals”. Players are not affected. In any case, if I were to speak to the possessed woman, I am sure she would ask me about the sleeping girl in my private room. I would have refused to hand over the child and, as a result, would have been sent to the nearest revival port by the woman. Personally Snessa cannot harm me, of course, she cannot kill or curse me. But she has fanatics… even without divine power, the old woman is enough to kill me. If she is, in fact, a Temple Priestess— which I am almost certain of.