by Andrew Novak
“The War Hounds are divine, I mean, mere mortals can’t defeat them. But I have a quest from Dark Necta, I can get her help. That’s actually what I’m doing. I’m working through the divine quest she gave me. The goddess spoke to me herself, not through a priestess. Have you ever met Necta? Well I chat with her. She gives me new stages for the quest and even unlocked the second set of dark skills for me.”
Ruger said nothing, which Jack took as a good sign and he went on.
“So, I’m in the middle of a divine clean-up. Here, on Gaerthon, a new phase of the questline began. The coolest phase, judging by the kinds of enemies I’m encountering. First, the giants. They were blocking us from the temple.”
“And what do you need in the temple?” Ruger asked sourly.
“I’m supposed to restore the divine fires in the temples across Gaerthon. Each temple is guarded by a boss, which is a separate quest. On the other island was a Hydra, fifteen hundred health.”
“What Hydra?” Ruger interrupted.
He was curious. Perfect. Now to just direct his curiosity in the right direction.
“Five-headed Hydra. I killed it already. On that island over there,” Jack pointed again at the distant fire. “Then the War Hound tore off for that island after me. All the interesting adventures seem to follow me, I guess. It’s a long quest and the main objective is… I don’t even know how to put it. Necta wants me to free her husband. To do this, I need to light the fires in all the temples on Gaerthon. Well, not all of them, probably… Anyway, access to each temple is blocked by a boss. Three Giants on this island, the Hydra over there. After defeating them, I was supposed to go into the temple and light the fire. Then move on to another temple, cut down another boss and light the fire again. But Ged’s War Hound dropped down on me from the sky and won’t let me past. I went to the other island specifically to test this out. Same thing. The Hound shows up as soon as I start heading for the temple. I wonder why it’s blocking me from completing Necta’s quest? I’ve already started learning a few things.”
“Yes, it’s interesting,” Ruger nodded. “Where might all this lead? And why is Ged interfering?”
Jack sighed heavily:
“And I’m probably going to die soon. I’ll never know what the point of all this is. My quest, the one I picked up in the old version of the game, will be broken.”
“You want to tell me that it’ll be the end of all this,” Ruger intoned morosely.
“Well, how come? There will still be all sorts of stuff. The whole continent, actually,” Jack said guilelessly. “Predators, like wolves and, over there, bears. Then again, maybe I’ll earn enough for the cure. And later, after treatment…”
“I don’t like this. The Giants aren’t respawning, by the way. It looks like you’re right, and quest was issued only once. But… an individual quest chain to return a god back into gameplay? If the player who received it can’t finish, then no one else will be able to? Because I couldn’t get the quest after you! I get the impression that it’s something artificially embedded in the game.” His face became very thoughtful, then he muttered, “What if… Do I really detect traces of the Immortals? The edges of their battles with the machines? Very interesting! So, here’s what. I have to do away with the fiery beast, War Hound or whatever it is. It’s killed me three times and now I would love to kill it. Me, no one else.”
Jack said nothing. He believed that he’d hinted enough already. If Ruger did anything, it was only according to his own desires. And that desire should have time to ripen.
“I ought to do it myself,” the necromancer added.
“This can be arranged. I think I can manage. As soon as I can fully return to the game, I’ll immediately start arranging it so that you are the one to kill the Hound.”
“How long am I supposed to wait?”
Jack shook his head.
“In New Atrium, they might be able to get me on my feet in a day or two. But a simple omega doesn’t have access to that kind of opportunity. What can I say? As soon as I’m up to snuff, the Hound will be my first priority. If I survive, that is.”
Jack already knew that he’d struck the right tone by promising to help Ruger deal with the War Hound personally.
“I’ll try to go through the procedures on my own as quick as I can. It’s my life, after all. Well, my life and revenge for Lisa. Right now, it’s unlikely that I’d be able to kill anyone in reality. I’ll hurry as best I can.”
“I’m not going to wait,” Eckerhart cut him off. “Meet here tomorrow and I’ll tell you when and how you can get into New Atrium. Write me in chat when you’re online. See you tomorrow! And see that you don’t die ahead of schedule, son.”
Jack watched for a minute as the gryphon’s black wings melted away into the night. Then he turned and strode down the slope. He hadn’t lied about the War Hound. The creature wouldn’t let him approach the temple on this island, nor any other. It clearly responded to one of the objects in Theokrist’s set. To something that Jack the Tramp, dark servant, had in his possession. Most likely it was the Rosary, because Theokrist’s Path began the moment he received the Beads.
But Ruger had to be the one to kill the Hound, which meant he would have to wait until everything came together. Jack had to get beyond the Barrier, cure his illness, and only afterwards would he be able to put Veseloth’s legacy to use.
Now he needed to chat with the Scand elder Nevil. Either to buy a lamb for sacrifice or hire a boat to travel to the neighboring island where the Dead Wind was waiting.
It looked like he’d found a path to salvation and vengeance, after all. The only thing now was not to stray from it.
Chapter Nine
Nighttime Rendezvous on the Run
JACK PEELED OFF the virt-helm and rubbed his eyes with his fists. He felt nauseated again, his head ached and he was overcome by a tremendous fatigue. That damned radiation sickness wouldn’t let him forget about its existence. What did he need health for, wandering around the Wastes and fighting with the Battle Seekers?
Whatever. As soon as he recovered, the Seekers would get their battle.. oh, they’d get it. Although he still had much to do. Just needed a little time and no interference from anyone. Hell, he was really planning on breaking into New Atrium! His life had taken an incredible twist… He caught the attentive gazes of Egghead and Goodwin and said:
“It’s alright. As much as it can be in this world. In a few days, I may possibly be in New Atrium. Old-timer, you with me? You have a chip, right? Without you, I probably won’t be able to operate the medical equipment you told me about.”
“Yes, but I’ll have to lie low there. I thought you would find a more covert way to get over the Barrier.”
“Nonsense, it’s been a while since you were there. They’ve forgotten you. Besides, we’ll have a good cover. Is General Eckerhart good enough for you?”
Goodwin frowned. He was estimating how right Jack was.
“Yes, Ruger probably wouldn’t get on with the Inner Circle,” he finally acknowledged. “He’s against them, more like. I wonder what he knows about the Inner Circle? The general is high enough in the alpha hierarchy to see that an unknown is issuing all the orders. Although, few even know about the Inner Circle’s existence, even among the ruling and military elite of New Atrium. Are you familiar with the term ‘eminence grise’?”
Jack and Egghead exchanged looks, shook their heads, and the old man went on:
“That’s what they call those who manage things behind the scenes, in the shadows. This is the essence of the Inner Circle: always keep to the shadows. And Ruger’s not with them, that’s for sure”
“Excellent. Everything is going well. As far as I know Ruger, he enjoys it when he can spit in someone’s face or ruin their plans. He’ll be only too pleased if he can do something to annoy these people.” Like protecting you from them, for example.”
“This is all rather unexpected,” Egghead announced, cheeks jiggling. “I’ve been thinking abou
t how to arrange getting you a chip, estimating how many of your relics I can sell, and you…”
“But I’ve already set it all up,” interrupted Jack. “Don’t worry, it won’t obstruct our business. You’ll get some Gaerthon loot today. Right now, I’ll take a breather and then we’ll log into Alterra together. I’ll come to Maxitown… No, let’s not meet in the capital. Too many eyes and ears there. Harness the pegasi and… Yes! I need all information regarding the Seekers. Contact them in the game, let them know you have new goods from Gaerthon.”
“After everything they’ve done to you?” the fat man asked, surprised.
“That’s right. And make it look like you don’t know anything about our little squabble in real life. Let them think that we only know each other in the game. This is in your best interest. You see how I care about your safety?”
“It’s about time someone started taking care of it,” Egghead muttered. “But until now, I’ve done well on my own. Why do you need this contact with the Seekers at all?”
“See who comes instead of Clive, because it’s unlikely he’ll still represent their clan. I put a few holes in him. Now we need to see who they put forward. And don’t forget to inform the Wardens. They’ll be needed, too.”
“Jack, you’re about to make a lot of trouble,” Egghead worried. “I don’t like being used as a puppet. I must know.”
“Quite the opposite, you’re going to come up with the entire operation yourself. I don’t have a plan yet, just an overall idea: to pit whoever I can against the Seekers. Not immediately, but gradually, so things will be especially hot for them when I’m ready.”
“So, why do this now?” Goodwin asked.
“Brandt Ironfist and his people need something to keep them busy and distract them from real life. Reality, of course, is more important, but all omegas love their game, their guild, and so on. We have to start trouble for the guild that will divert the attention of at least some of their gang. I’ve got to come up with something… Egghead, enter Alterra now. Prepare the coach and go to the city of Narim. I’ll appear at a nearby forest crossroads, and we’ll meet.”
* * *
The crossroads where Jack brought his first victim to Dark Necta hadn’t changed at all. As if nothing had… not Lisa, not Gaerthon or anything else… Jack could only shake his head, when he remembered just how much his life had really changed. Even he had changed. Where are you, old carefree Jack the Tramp? The Jack who wanted nothing more than to travel far out to sea and hadn’t been forced to outrace death…
Wings flapped overhead and the coach, blanketed in silvery light, dropped lightly to the ground. A decoratively carved door opened and he could see Egghead in his in-game guise, thin and elegant. Jack wanted to curse, but the most evil of curses was not able to convey the mess that started in his head, when he remembered the lump of fat behind this super-elegant pretty boy. Just chaos in his brain.
“Sit. I’ve scheduled a meeting with the Master of the Wardens in Narim. He should be arriving just now.”
Jack climbed into the carriage and handed his loot Egghead, the Hydra Stinger and Teeth.
“Ah, our product,” Egghead grinned. “By the way, I broke a sweat trying to find a use for this sharp little item. It is such a rarity that few people remember how much they are worth. The flip side of rarity.”
Jack simply waved his hand, uninterested. He waited a moment for Ruger to log into the game and announce how he would save Jack. But getting into New Atrium was only half the battle. After that, he would need to get into the Inner Circle’s secret laboratory, cure himself, then arrange a victory over the War Hound for Ruger, and finally… Well, then the fun would begin. If it began.
So he tuned out of Egghead’s idle chitchat. And surfaced from his own thoughts only when the carriage shuddered gently.
“We’re here,” Egghead announced. “Sit here and eavesdrop. Don’t touch the curtains and don’t open the door. You’ll be able to hear everything.”
Jack leaned back into the soft cushions, so that he wouldn’t be visible from the outside, and Egghead exited the carriage. Through the crack between the wall and curtain, Jack saw that they had stopped at Narim’s town square.
When Egghead was stood on the pavement outside his carriage, several players emerged from the shadows. Jack recognized the foremost player. Sango Lettis, Guild Master of the Wardens. His henchmen kept to the sides, watching the dark square, and Sango approached the coach.
“You don’t sleep,” the bearded Achaean grumbled. “Dragging me out this early in the morning.”
Early, thought Jack. But it was true, the whole night had passed in a blur. Dawn was coming.
“Not at all,” Egghead stood with his back to the carriage, but it was clear from his voice that he was smiling. “For such goods, you can miss a little sleep. Use this opportunity. You may soon be able to get a new batch of relics from Gaerthon.”
“Why’s that?”
“You know, you’re the only one trying to track down my provider. You did follow him, correct? Although, I thought we had an agreement.”
“I keep my word,” Sango said proudly. But there was tension in his voice.
“And I value your integrity,” Egghead replied. “I’m not even asking who pursued one of my regular clients from the port of Leuven. And just after I conducted a secret deal with him. It’s nothing, though. No offense taken. As you can see, I am offering you a product as before. Look at it, read the info-window.”
“A Hydra? A stinger from the tail, teeth… I’ve heard a little of such things, but…”
“They might serve as invaluable ingredients to enhance certain weapon stats. On Stoglav you simply won’t find this kind of loot. Check your chat. I sent you some links. Read at your leisure. They are descriptions about how these items will increase your stats.”
“Mmm… yes, thank you. Hey, about that ship from Leuven. You’ve misunderstood.”
“Hey, don’t worry, dear Sango. I could, of course, pretend that I’ve misunderstood, but we trust each other, do we not? So, why put on an act? You certainly acted more honestly than Clive.”
“What about Clive?”
“He plays dirty. I sent him an invitation, like you, but he didn’t even reply. Just be careful. It seems to me that he intends to take the purchases from your guild. Perhaps I’m mistaken, but it is strange that he doesn’t want to participate in trade.”
“He hasn’t got a chance,” the Achaean speculated. “Our guild is richer, we’ll outbid him.””
“That’s why the Seekers might orchestrate something. They can’t compete with you fair and square and decided to play in a different manner. What do you think, why have they set up a temporary base in Murray Hill? Is that their Cluster?”
“What does… whoa, hold on,” Sango thought for a moment.
“I believe it is in the vicinity of your holdings,” Egghead added.
“Actually, not to say it was to get close to us, but…”
“Of course! Clive isn’t such a fool as to openly interfere within your Cluster. That would mean war with the Key Wardens. No, he proceeds in a more subtle way.”
“Do you think he’s tracking down my players in real life? That he wants to capture someone and beat our secrets out of them?”
“I don’t know. If I knew, then I’d sell that information and for a healthy price. But for now, I have only conjecture, which I’m giving to you for free. Unlike the Hydra Teeth. Well, tell me, will you buy them?”
When the haggling was over, Egghead returned to the coach, winked at Jack and rubbed his hands:
“Seems like Clive’s got some problems brewing. Sango will send someone to watch the church.
“Whose Cluster is it, actually? Who holds Murray Hill? I kind of thought Brandt was on his own territory.”
“No, he’s an interloper there. I’ll try to suss out the details. Take your share of the gold and tell me, where should I drop you?
A deposit of 600 gold has been ma
de to your account.
Do you want to see the details of the transaction? Yes/No
You have 866 gold in your account.
Do you want to perform another transaction? Yes/No
A few days ago, the melodic tinkle of game gold dropping into his purse would have made him happy. But Jack was now concerned with entirely different things.
“Take me where no one will see me exit the carriage.”
“But don’t you need to port to your ship? I could drop you off in that direction. Not in the city itself, of course, but I can reduce the distance.”
“I found another way to travel between the continents. No, no, it’s not for sale, don’t look at me like that. Besides, I’m the only one who can use it and it took me a long time to get this ability. A shame that it can’t transfer over into reality and take us across the Barrier. Hopefully, by tomorrow, Ruger will have come up with a better, easier idea than Path of Blood. I really hope so.”
* * *
After racing around in reality and in the game, Jack had difficulty falling asleep. The next morning, Goodwin forced him to take some kind of pills, but he didn’t even bother asking what the medicine was called. He was only concerned about one thing — what was Ruger going to tell him? Maybe it was out of worry, maybe from his rapidly advancing illness or perhaps it was even due to the pills, but Jack was not himself. So much that even his hands shook slightly. He’d never taken medicine from consignments before. If he ever felt any discomfort he went to Old Greta. Even that had happened only a couple of times since sores didn’t bother Jack. But things happened out in the Wastes, sometimes he needed help. Then he, like every Walker, went to Old Greta. No one knew what her concoction was brewed from but Jack thought it might be better not knowing. But it was a fact — her teas worked. And here he had some pills. But at the moment, he felt so lousy that he didn’t refuse them.