by Tony Corden
“Yes, Sir.”
“Denis is fine. Now, I will either ask questions or have them appear on this board. You are to speak or write the answers, also on the board. If you get them right, I will progress to harder questions or different topics. I won’t have time to cover everything in four hours but will get a good grasp of where you are up to in your studies. You are not permitted to interact with your AI in this time. Are you clear on these instructions.”
“Yes.”
“If more time is required for the testing, when must you log out?”
“If you need the time Denis I am available for the next five hours and fifteen minutes, Academia time.”
“Wonderful, let’s start. Please find the surface area and volume of the following shape?”
For the next five hours, Denis tested Leah in geometry, algebra, calculus, various number systems, statistics, number theory, matrices and vectors in multiple dimensions and more. Toward the end of the time, the questions were well beyond anything that Leah remembered from her Australian exams, but she was still able to answer most of them as she had studied areas of interest to a deeper level than required in the curriculum.
Finally, Denis said, “Well Atherleah that was a treat. I cannot tell you at this time what the results were, but I think you know you did extremely well. I have been informed that your next testing will be focussed on the social sciences. Whenever you are free then come to the MIT office and the testing will begin.”
Leah walked from the room and found herself back in the Tower. Gèng said, “Welcome back Leah. I was aware of your answers, and I am convinced you have proven that the scores, in fact, are not an accurate representation of your ability but rather they understate your achievement. Well done.”
“Thank you Gèng. I’m going to have a quick dinner, and then I should make my way out of Göskel-Orman and see how far I can get toward the coast. I know I am making good time, but I want to get rid of the quest's time constraints so that I can better get my life in order.”
When Leah left her room she found her family sitting and eating, they apologised for starting but said they weren’t sure when she would be arriving. She enjoyed the meal with her family and loved hearing about their day. After they had finished eating, Leah excused herself and headed out outside to see John and check if everything was okay. She then gave Jimmy a call.
“Hey Jimmy, you asked me to call, how can I help?”
“Leah, thanks for calling back. I know you are busy, so I’ll get straight to the point. The other bosses and I met last night, and we want to know how we can help to get your new facility up and running. We have hundreds of people who had terrible experiences, but some are keen to restart their studies. The family that we don't say out loud arranged for them to have Pod access even without doing their studies. We have checked, and they will no longer be subsidised by the Government, but it is possible that some would be able to attend one of the community colleges with some help. We are already in your debt but how can you help us? And how can we help you?”
“Jimmy, I’d honestly love to help but even a basic model new Pod cost just over 200,000 Australian Dollars, full time at the community college is forty-thousand, and then there are all the living costs.”
“I understand. Each boss is prepared to buy one Pod if you house it. We will pay the living costs and education. Leah, we need some of these kids to succeed, or no one will ever escape the poverty we live in. I don’t mean me, I have enough, but I do think of the kids. Not everyone has your tenacity and drive.”
“Okay Jimmy, how does this sound. I will match you one for one. For every Pod you supply, and I mean a basic new Pod, then I will provide a Pod. There will be a clear understanding that there are no factions on this property, no gangs or gang influence. People who come will have to spend some time working in the gardens to help supply their food. If they play games, then 40% of what they make is a tax to pay for what they receive, half for the boss and half for me. If they pay off their debt, then they are free of the tax and will only pay cost plus ten percent for staying here. If any of them want to continue working as a miner, I will give them access to several mines that I own. At the moment I can match you for ten Pods. Any person not passing their courses will lose the privilege but will not have an outstanding debt with the bosses or me. Finally, my mum and dad will meet the people chosen and have right of veto. My folks will manage the facility, and if someone needs to be kicked out, then there is no blowback. Also, any theft, violence or prejudice will mean an immediate expulsion. What do you think?”
“Leah, are you saying you can access another two million dollars right now?”
“I will match you for up to ten new basic model pods and one year of course fees. Jimmy, I need that money for my studies and to pay the lease next year. I may have opportunity to make more, but this will clean me out, again. What do you think of the proposal?”
“Me, I think its great. Do the bosses choose the people for your Pods or do you?”
“How about the bosses choose one and then let people apply for the others. The person will come from the bosses area but be chosen by a committee made up of me, my folks, the boss of the area and you. I get to meet them, mum and dad have to oversee them, the boss has his say and you, well you get respect.”
“Leah, my girl, you know that I will owe you if this gets off the ground. Ok, I’ll draw something up and send it to your dad. You get the lawyer to look at it and then I’ll take it to the bosses.”
“Great! I best see mum and dad and see if they are interested. I’ll let you know. Bye!”
“Bye! Leah. Take care girl.”
Leah went back inside and discussed what she had talked about with her parents. They agreed to think about it and to look over the agreement. Leah then showered quickly and entered the Tower.
Mĕi was waiting for her inside and wanted to play. Leah stopped and stared at Mĕi who was visibly larger. After Leah had gotten over the shock, she spent some time playing with Mĕi and playing ‘chase Leah’. Leah looked up and saw Gèng watching them play. She stopped and turned to Mĕi and said, “Mĕi, go get Gèng!” Mĕi looked around and seeing Gèng started after her. Gèng glared at Leah and then ran outside followed by Mĕi.
As soon as they were both outside Gèng appeared next to Leah and said, “I’ll let her chase me for a while and then she’ll need sleep. For a moment I felt what I surmise is frustration with you. There was no reason for that fluctuation in processing, but you caught me unaware. I think it is almost time for me to have a small period in which to undergo a full build. Do you think we could schedule some time in the next day or two?”
“Sure! What will I be doing during the build?”
“You will either need to be out of the Pod, or we can find a substitute AI for that period. There are specific AI who take minimal space and have been designed for short-term interactions with a person. They are uploaded to the Pod and will help with the Gameplay only. The world space is reduced to a simple box for the period of hire.”
“How long?”
“With the processing available in the new Pod, I expect the build to take around four to six hours.”
“Then we will find that amount of time when I am out of the Pod. I have no desire to enter the virtual universe without you having my back. I wouldn’t feel safe.”
“Thank you, Leah. I appreciate the sentiment. Don’t forget to take the Death Stones. I did some study of the Dunyanin Gods, and it might be appropriate to take a gift for Olme.”
“Any ideas?”
“She is the goddess of death. She is revered for helping those who die to reach their final resting place. While her devotees are often found among assassins and killers, she is also revered by medical personnel and those in the military. Many palliative care hospices are run by her priests and priestesses.”
“That is good information. How do Zombies, Necromancers, Lichs and your everyday undead relate to her?”
“They are her s
worn enemy as they seek to escape her hold or destroy her power?”
“Ok, can you include the Two death spells Wisp and I received from the Ant Princess and the two spells from the Bukalemun Crypt. I will give them to the Priestess to destroy as well. I’ll be off now. Take care of Mĕi.”
Leah walked up to the Dunyanin portal, and after checking her backpack and weapons, she grabbed the stones, spells and Merdiven before entering Dunyanin. She arrived in the Guest Suite, she packed her belongings, including her new dress and jewellery, and made her way into the palace proper. Leah had grown used to V’fali helping her, and it took a few moments before she found directions from the palace to the temple of Olme. Before she reached the exit to the palace, a guard approached her and said, “Excuse me Markiz, the King asked if now was a suitable time to meet with him? He hoped to see you before you left the Palace precinct.”
“Now is suitable. Could you escort me as I don't know the best way to reach his Majesty.”
“Please follow me, my Lady.”
Leah followed the guard and shown into the king's study. He was seated behind a large desk with the Princess at a smaller side desk. V’fali stood behind the King, and C’sur stood by the window. There was another elf seated in front of the desk and a spare chair. The King waived Leah to the empty chair and said, “Markiz, welcome. Beside you is the Minister of Finance, Lord H’zine E’dar. I am sorry to rush you but would like to see you on your way to the Deep Forest to take control of your Royal House, and before you go, I need to clarify my expectations.”
“I am honoured to meet you again your Majesty. Good afternoon Princess C’skun, and to you, Lord H’zine, may ask about the urgency of a journey to the Deep Forest. I was planning on fulfilling a promise to a friend before visiting the Royal House.”
“Until you take control of the House then the Deep Forest remains inaccessible to my people. In the far past, there were many resources to be gathered from the forest, and various mines on the slopes of the Duvar mountains brought wealth to the Kingdom.”
“I understand your Majesty but wonder if two months might make such a great difference.”
“It would not, except news of your arrival has reached Kum Intikam, First Prince of the Dunes in Esir Sehri. He is the direct descendant of Kum Firtinasi and was informed by the High priest of Suzluk that you are the same Atherleah who initiated the War of the Peasant and brought low the Desert Elves. Their ambassador has expressed outrage at your ascension to the Royal Houses and seeks your extradition to Esir Sehri to face justice. My people are unsure of you because of your mixed blood. If they were to see the benefit of your presence, then this spectre of war will seem less dark, and I will have greater leverage in my Court to reject the Desert Elves.”
“I will leave for the Deep Forest today. What is involved in taking control of the House?”
“In the centre of your lands is the Ebony Castle. There is a room at the lowest point of the castle with a circular table. The Ebony Sceptre is spelled so that when inserted in the centre of the table, you will have full access and control of the Castle and lands. You will be able to set taxes and will control of the treasure vault. Whoever inserts the Sceptre, becomes Master of the Deep Forest. Be warned, this land has become wild over the centuries, and I am sure that dangers fill the Castle that they will resist your control.”
“Do you have a map of the Deep Woods that might show me the best route to the House.”
“I have no detailed maps, only a set of coordinates for the House.”
“Is there anything else your Majesty?”
“Yes, we need to agree on an appropriate yearly tribute and the number of warriors your land might supply if there is a war. Lord H’zine and I have discussed this and suggest that the levy of warriors be excused for two years to give time for the small hamlets, towns and cities to gather inhabitants. The tribute, however, must be in proportion to the size of the estate and the growth of population. I have decided to set the tribute at ten gold per square league. This is in accord with the rest of my Kingdom. I know it will be difficult until the land is developed but it will make it easier to protect you in court.”
“I understand your Majesty. When is this amount due?”
“It is usual to pay each year on the anniversary of the House Ascension. This allows the Kingdom a steady flow of coin.”
“If Lord H’zine will permit then I will attend the bank this afternoon and transfer the amount. I would like to know the appropriate account.”
H’zine gave Leah the information, and after she copied the coordinates for the Castle left the palace and headed for the temple. She had almost reached the Temple when she heard her name called. She turned around to find Eli walking toward her.
“Atherleah, I wanted to apologise for my behaviour before. You were right, all the information was available, and I was able to find it with only a few hours of searching. The information was enough that I am going to wait awhile before I try and walk the Road. I need to rekindle the sense of discovery and curiosity rather than simply progressing in the game. When I got home, my wife tore strips off me for my behaviour, and I realise she was right. Will you accept my apology?”
“Certainly, and I thank you. You have restored some of my faith in players. I was becoming disheartened by how people play the game. How did your wife know what happened?”
“She was standing beside me. She is an earth and nature mage. We try and play at the same time but had got in a bit of a rut.”
“Would you like some adventure?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I’m heading into the Deep Forest, no players have ever been in it and they can’t until I tame the house in the centre. I don’t know what is there, but I’m sure you and your wife would be a great help. My friends are all on the other side of the Mountains, and I’ve left my companions in the Palace to serve the King. I would welcome a warrior and a mage and maybe a ranger if you know someone trustworthy.”
“When are you leaving?”
“I have to visit the Temple of Olme, go to the bank, buy some potions and trail bread and then I am ready to go. So maybe an hour from now.”
“Let me talk with my wife and a friend. I’ll message you if we can come. Thanks for letting me off the hook.”
“No worries.”
They exchanged information, and then Leah hurried to the Temple. She entered through the gate and into the porch of a marble mausoleum. A priest was standing before the open door, and he said, “Only those who worship the Goddess may enter. Do you wish to Serve our Lady Orme?”
“No! Thank you. I do however wish to pay my respects to Olme and to meet with the High Priestess. She asked me to come today. My name is Atherleah.”
“Please wait here Markiz, and I will inform the High priestess of your arrival.”
After several minutes the High Priestess from the day before came from the temple and said, “Welcome Markiz, on behalf of Lady Olme I bid you welcome and grant entrance rights.”
“I thank you for your welcome and greeting. Know however that Olme is not my Goddess and while I hold her in esteem, I do not wish to enter her service.”
“My Goddess understands and has declared you are free of the restriction.”
Leah stepped through the doorway and found herself in a grey and empty landscape. In front of her was a river upon which a variety of boats were travelling, each of them moved by the current. To her right was a stone dock and on it a woman was helping a man onto a boat. As Leah watched, the woman pushed the boat from the shore, and it joined the others in the current. The woman turned, and Leah saw she had the face of a young woman. The left-hand side was full of life, energy and humour. The right-hand side was the face of a corpse, the skin was desiccated, and she could see the skull through rents in the flesh. The eye socket empty and lifeless.
The woman said, “Welcome Atherleah, Friend of Utsal, Counsellor of the Gods, Champion of Hope and Slayer of Suzluk. I welcome you to my realm. I
thank you for sending Suzluk through my gates. It opened a whole new tributary on the River Tukenis. The other gods are for the first time aware that immortality can be tested and broken. Suddenly I am more than a mere gateway attendant to them, and they treat death with greater honour. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
“Lady Olme, I and my companion retrieved 900 Death Crystals from Hayalet, mage of Zerten Zele, Last Overlord of the Bukalemun. He was using them to raise the Lich. I was tasked with returning them to a Priest of the Goddess Olme. I merely wished to do this, to ask a boon and to offer a gift.”
“Give me the Death Crystals. Place them in this basket.”
Leah took a crystal out of her backpack and carefully placed them in the basket which appeared. It took her almost ten minutes to transfer all the crystals. She noticed that Olme would take one from the basket, walk to the dock and a person would appear, sometimes human, sometimes an elf, sometimes a dwarf and even a Bukalemun. She would help them into a boat, and after a quiet word or two, she would push the boat into the river.
When Leah finished, Olme paused and returned to Leah’s side. She said, “You have done well to complete this task and to save these souls so they might continue their journey. Added to the many you have sent through my gates you keep me busy. What boon do you ask?”
“I have found some death spells in my travels, neither I nor my companions have a use for such spells, could you tell me how to destroy them safely, or do you have some advice?”
“You could sell them.”
“I could, but that merely transfers the power to someone else. I do not like such spells and would feel responsible if they were used.”
“Even though this is merely a game? Yes, I know what Suzluk said, many of the gods are aware of the nature of our existence.”
“Yes Lady Olme, even in a game. I desire to be in this world who, and what, I would be in my own world.”
“Give them to me.”