by Andrew Novak
Only, the architecture here was different. Homes with pointed roofs were crowded at the foot of palaces with staged towers reaching toward the sky. And the vessels along the Chand were completely different. Now they met junk ships. Their sails resembled a fan, the bow and stern were raised above the water. These were generally small boats, but sometimes they came across huge ones, with several masts.
"The Principality of Mo," explained Sartorius, who, in preparation for the trip, had carefully studied the route. "Here the river forks off and we will turn onto the northern one, which flows to the Fasheer marshes. There, where the fork is, is the capital of the principality."
"Is Fan-Go a part of the principality?" Lisa asked.
"No, Fan-Go belongs to the principality of Lu. They often fight with Mo, but there is peace for the moment. About a month now, since they signed the treaty."
The farther along the river, the more quaint the cities looked, the more motley the ships became, and the more flags there were on them. Jack heard that there were relatively few players who played Carensi. Most of the inhabitants of this place were NPCs. Why was that? It was likely that few liked to play in the peculiar little world of the Taunites. They differed in their strange customs, which not everyone was interested in participating. Well, and there was also their god, Faceless, whose pilgrims trekked to monasteries across all of Stoglav with their offerings – questions. The god of questions required exactly this sacrifice from his faithful. Strange, really!
In the Scand states, Havian and Maxitor, the Taunites rarely made appearances. Jack, of course, had met with them, but somehow hadn't had to talk about life in their principality. All told, he didn't know these people at all. It was known that many Taunites devoted their lives to the study of martial arts and hone their skills in the endless wars between the Taunitian principalities. Sometimes they offered their services as mercenaries, and they were always excellent warriors. If a Taunite decided to go to a foreign land, then he believed that he had reached a high degree of military skill. The services of Taunite mercenaries were expensive, but people always willingly hired them.
A joyful cry from Eloise broke Jack from these thoughts. The Runner had reached the spot where the great Chand split into two branches. This was the real crossroads of the world. Several dozen ships, not including the boats of local residents, were maneuvering, converging, diverging, catching the wind in their sails. All this was accompanied by the bellow of pipes, ringing of gongs, and the drums beating on the galleys, setting the tempo for the rowers.
On the shore, on the gently sloping hill, was the capital of the principality, the city of Mo- Sai. The homes climbed up to the top of the hill, on which palaces and pagodas towered – the temples of Faceless. There were thousands of buildings, squares, streets, markets. All enclosed by fortress walls. It was a large city, though smaller than Svetlograd. The Chand spread out here to a few miles across and looked more like a lake. Two of its branches hugged the city on the hill, and, of course, each channel was much narrower than the river up to the fork. The Runner had passed the widest spot. Oh, this was something to see...
Zambal maneuvered for a long time among the dozens of ships and hundreds of boats, a number that would have crowded even the widest river in Alterra. The skipper did this while either swearing or invoking the assistance of each god in turn. Eventually, the ship found its way to the northern branch of the Chand.
After the river crossroads, where the water seemed to boil under the bows of the many ships, it was almost calm here. Although, if he had to guess, the number of ships was a little less than what had been at the harbor in Vincent. But on the expanse of the northern channel, they seemed few.
"But this branch isn't as full as the one that turns toward the ocean," Jack murmured to himself, out of habit.
"The Chand is a mighty river, even after the fork," Sartorius joined in. "But we're getting close. Look, there's the border between Mo and Lu. Another couple of hours, and we'll be in the port of Fan-Go. What was it you said about crossbows?"
"Yeah, I have an idea that I'm going to test next time there's a fight. Those chu-ko-nu got me thinking."
"They don't have much damaging potential," the mage reminded him. "But if the idea's there, then, of course, you need to try it. So, you're going to the weaponsmith's shop? Then I'll go to the prince's palace to meet with Captain Khao Nai without you. We'll split up to save time."
Jack liked that Sartorius didn't meddle in his affairs and didn't mind that he was going to the weaponsmith. Sartorius, lowering his voice, went on:
"Listen, I understand that you have a relationship with Eloise. But believe me, onlookers see more than just the players. Be careful."
"What do you mean? Do you know something about Eloise that I don't?"
"I mean, she's a woman... well, a girl. They always make it difficult to concentrate. Think about our business, I beg you, don't get distracted."
"Yeah, I'm always..." Jack was a little taken aback by the turn in the conversation. "I'm always about business first."
"Yes, yes," the mage persisted, glancing at Lisa. She was absorbed, watching the shore. "I'm just very curious about your participation. You yourself don't notice how you stop thinking about business when the girl is near. I'm not against it, but... But I've put a lot at stake, going on this quest. It's my whole life, you know. I don't want it to fall apart, but the girl... she's more of a hindrance."
What a touching mutuality, thought Jack. Not too long ago, Eloise had spoken in roughly the same tone about the alpha, and now this.
"Well," he tried to speak convincingly. "Tell me, what do you know about necroportals? How do can we activate one?"
"Well, the portal, it's... in general..."
"That's about what I know about them. And who in our team is a necromancer?"
"The girl," Sartorius was obviously having second thoughts.
"Right. That means we need a necromancer on the team."
"True," the alpha nodded. "I hadn't thought about it. So, that's why you needed her."
"And I did think about it," Jack finished. "As you can see, I always think about business."
Let Sartorius think that Jack was cynical, calculating, and that he was leading Eloise on this trip just because of her necromantic abilities. Everything else between them was none of the alpha's business.
"Look, what's over there?" Eloise called to them.
Ahead was a line of five large ships, anchored across the channel. Farther behind them was another line of ships, but under different flags.
"The border!" Zambal shouted to them from the stern. "Those are the warships of this the two principalities. Right now, there is peace between Lu and Mo, but they are always prepared to start some fun, lock their horns."
The Runner slipped past the three-masted ships, guns glistening on their decks, and found themselves between the two battle lines. Sartorius shivered involuntarily. It was very uncomfortable here, from the front and rear of a fleet ready to start a fight for the slightest reason... but everything went peacefully, and Zambal led his ship on.
When the sun bent to a ridge of hills along the western shore, swelled, and turned crimson, Sartorius announced:
"There it is, Fan-Go."
In the light of the setting sun, the city seemed as if it were painted red. It stretched freely on the plain by the river. Moorings clawed into the water of the northern channel with thick, gray fingers. Vessels whisked by them, like gnats, their clumsy fingers unable to catch them. Zambal shifted the steering wheel, directing the Runner toward the shore.
Sartorius checked his inventory. Jack saw that the letter from the merchant Hiji appeared in his hand and immediately disappeared. The Master was worried.
The captain called to Jack:
"Hey, traveler! Are we going to the weaponsmith's shop? I promised you a chu-ko-nu, and Zambal does not forget promises."
"I need four more," Jack replied.
"That is too much for a poor seafarer!" th
e Achaean lamented. "So many losses, so many losses... No, good man, I promised you one crossbow and I will buy it for you at the shop of the weapons merchant, Gao Su. For the rest, you will pay yourself."
When the Runner had docked in the port, Sartorius went to the prince's palace, while Jack and Lisa went with the skipper to the shop. Purchasing the crossbows did not take long, but finished before them. They had just left the shop when Jack got a private message from the mage:
I'm done here. Captain Khao Nai is already on board the Runner with the guards. We set sail as soon as you return. Hurry, but be careful. There are players from the Brotherhood of Gravediggers in Fan-Go.
"I can see them myself," Jack mumbled darkly, reading the stats above the heads of the group moving purposefully toward them from the shadows of a nearby breezeway.
Chapter Fifteen. Hiji's Quest
THERE WERE four Gravediggers, none of them very high-level. Moreover, the encounter took place inside city limits, where player fights were forbidden. So Jack was more irritated than alert. What was with those guys? Wasn't there a way to get rid of them? Were they going to be in the way forever?
“What do you need?” he shouted to the ones approaching.
“Jack the Tramp, our guild has declared war upon you!” proclaimed the lead Gravedigger solemnly.
Godwin, Scand
Expertise: 33
Health: 45
“So, I find out at last. If you hadn’t told me, I would’ve never guessed.”
“But I’m authorized by the guild to offer a peace treaty with you. Our terms are…”
“You know Godwin, I’ve heard your terms already. You need some kind of quest that I have no idea about, and some relics I know nothing about. I have a counter-offer: don’t get in my way.”
Jack stepped aside to go around the Gravediggers, but they also moved, blocking his way.
“You have some idea about the quest. Don’t lie to us,” pressed Godwin. “You’ve obviously gained some experience since you first encountered our people. Listen, we know what ship you arrived on. And once you sail out of the PvE zone…”
“Of course, I’ve gained experience!” Jack snapped. “You get quite a lot of points for dead Gravediggers. When I take care of you, I’ll get another one. Now get out of the way!”
One more person joined the Gravediggers, rushing up from the harbor side. While he was approaching, he started shouting:
“Godwin, everything’s changed! You hear? The City Guard is loading onto their ship! Six troopers and a captain!”
“That’s right,” Jack confirmed, “and I will tell them that the Mo Principality recruited mercenaries from the South to orchestrate diversions against Lu. Your name, Godwin, will be first on the list.”
He stepped towards the Gravediggers and this time they backed off.
“Who are they?” Zambal asked worriedly.
“You’ve heard, haven’t you? They’re Mo’s mercenaries. Ferocious thugs, I must say. But don’t worry; we have nothing to worry about because Captain Khao Nai is already onboard the Runner. You hear? As I understand it, he’s going to go north with us and catch the outlaws who hijacked the Honorable Hiji’s ship.
“I will tell the captain about these outlaws,” the Achaean stated firmly. “Let the Lu Guard take care of them!”
They had just stepped onto the mooring when Jack saw Zambal’s ship. Indeed, Sartorius was walking about in front of the gangways, and Taunite soldiers were on the deck. Zambal sped toward his ship, and Jack approached the mage.
“Jack, um…”
“No need to discuss the quest. I see you’ve got everything under control. But where did the Gravedigger’s come from?”
“Well, you see,” the alpha muttered, “they always do their trading here. That’s why the Gravediggers have completed our quest. Their people have long done business along the Chand and that’s how they came across Hiji. I met them in the palace while requesting an audience with the captain. And they know about our guild, as you remember.”
“Sure, but never mind them. I’ve already taken care of them. While the Lu Principality’s guard is with us, they won’t do anything.”
“Yes, but after that! When we step off the Runner, Gravediggers will trace our steps. They’ve already completed all the quests I’ve decided on, you see? They know these parts; they will know we are approaching the city of demons. They will prepare.”
“Better for us then!” grumbled Eloise not being able to hold back anymore. “That’s when you’ll get XP points you need.”
“Easy, El.” Jack turned to her, almost feeling sorry for Sartorius. How worried the alpha looked. “Let’s get on the ship and forget about Gravediggers for the time being. They are here for the trade after all, not for spying or fighting. Moreover, I’ve already taken measures. Let’s go.”
They went up the gangway, and Sartorius hastily introduced them to Captain Khao Nai.
The chief guard turned out to be as typically Taunite as Gao Su, the armorer who Jack met while buying crossbows. Khao Nai was just as composed and short-spoken – he showed some emotions when they started talking about the outlaws who stole Hiji’s ship.
He frowned sternly and clenched his teeth:
“I can’t wait to get even with those thugs, too. They killed two of my soldiers, and I don’t forgive such atrocities. Now that we are at peace with the vile Mo Principality, I can leave the city for a short while. Let me and my people handle the outlaws.”
“If you don’t mind, we would like to participate,” Jack objected. “So that our journey is not in vain.”
Captain nodded, and then Zambal distracted him and started speaking about the Mo spies who called themselves the Brotherhood of Gravediggers.
Soon Gao Su’s couriers appeared delivering goods to the ship. Zambal began shouting at the sailors ordering them to get ready: it was almost time to unmoor. Even though night was approaching, the journey continued.
Lisa went offline. Jack and Sartorius stayed to watch for a bit. At that time no pirate intrusion was expected, thanks to the guards’ presence. But Jack was glad he could talk to alpha without the girl around. People just don’t get along sometimes, and you can’t do anything about it. But he needed to comfort Sartorius: their Master was too anxious, and Jack needed him to stay on form and keep it together.
An exceptionally high pagoda came into view on the shore. It was illuminated by dozens of lights of various colors which were entwined through the building’s numerous floors.
“Do you know why these pagodas are tiered?” the mage asked suddenly.
“No. What’s with them?”
“It’s a symbol of belief in The Faceless One, the god of questions,” Sartorius was happy to talk about what interested him, just like in Maxitown. “Each floor is yet another question. One question brings forth another, meaning the next floor, then another, and another, and one more on top of that one. Questions lead to new questions, and so the one who is asking ascends to the heavens. That’s what the in-game legend says. The scriptwriters made this world very... deep and harmonious. There are things to be learned – and things to be amazed about. But who needs that now? Everyone only cares about one thing: fighting each other.
There was bitterness in alpha’s voice. Jack felt the same in some ways. Alterra truly holds a lot of mysteries, but few are interested in them.
“Yes, it really is a beautiful idea,” he agreed, “and to think just how many mysteries still await us on Gaerthon.”
“But will we get there, though?” Sartorius replied wistfully.
“Sure we will,” said Jack with all the confidence he could muster up. “And I sure don’t like your brooding, Master. So far, everything has worked out great, hasn’t it? Never better. We’ll find the Necroportal in the Black City, teleport to the shore, to the Dagon castle, and there will be a schooner waiting for us. We will go to Gaerthon like the wind. Very soon.”
“Yeah, very soon,” the alpha agreed. “So, shall we go of
fline? We need to get enough sleep and be ready tomorrow.”
“Right!”
Sartorius left the game, but Jack stayed for a bit longer to give a little something to the goblins. These green monsters were happy to get their new toys, of course – a personal Chu-ko-nu each; and Jack freed up some inventory slots this way. It’s good that he’d had that small chat with Sartorius. The mage had gotten his worries about Alterra’s mysteries off his chest and calmed down.
But Jack was now puzzled himself: was Hiji’s quest really just a big waste? Adventures on the Chand were very well thought through: both Zambal and Khao Nai were multifunctional characters taking part in all kinds of different stories; they had quite a lot of freedom and could easily leave objects like ships, even though one might think they were “attached”... And against a background with all these luxurious images, they had a quest with such a measly prize? No, it was just that the Gravediggers weren’t able to do their job properly, and now Sartorius was blindly following their lead. There’s something more here, something to think about. But after Lisa greeted Jack in reality, all his thoughts about the Hiji’s quest completely vanished.
They came back again only the next day when he was standing near the Runner with Sartorius, feasting his eyes on the shores swimming by.
Lisa found a place aside, not wanting to talk too much with their guild’s Master. Jack asked her not to bother the alpha, and that was her solution. Fewer words, so that no one got hurt.
The Taunite guardians weren’t wasting time: they were racing around on the deck with weapons, training. In Jack’s opinion, it looked more like a dance than a fight. Split up into pairs, the warriors just wiggled their bodies and twirled their swords and spears slowly for a while, changing grip in different ways – and then changed position swiftly, again and again. There were almost no hits. Captain Khao was walking among his subordinates looking stern but supportive. No doubt he was well-versed in all these frills. At the very least, his stats were impressive.