Digitized Online

by Richard J Thorn

  Reward: 1 silver, possible new quests depending on level

  Perfect.

  With a full belly and quiver, I set out upon the path that led pretty much straight to the quest objective. I strayed a bit into the forest to open up some more of the map. I could see a few mean-looking wolves off in the distance, but I kept away from them. Bunnies were bad enough.

  Along the way, I shot every single seagull that I came across. I needed a pound of feathers and it was the only thing I could get started on immediately. Plus I wanted to check out the new bow.

  Right away I could tell this one was superior. It was lighter, yet sturdier. It felt really good in my hands. I even tested it out with my double arrow ability and it worked like a charm. By the time I made it to Penelope, I had .1 pounds of feathers, a bunch of meat and a couple more copper. I have no idea where the birds got the copper from. And I wasn't going to ask.

  I was able to recover all my arrows but one, leaving me with 19. I really needed to get myself a pickaxe and wood ax so I could learn to craft my own. That would end up saving me tons of coin.

  "Penelope?" I called out when I got to the small hut on the edge of the shore. The only sounds that could be heard were that of the gently lapping waves and a couple gulls circling overhead. My fingers itched to take them out.

  Glancing around, I found some fresh tracks. Following them a ways, I found a young woman sitting down with her foot in a twisted position.

  "Oh thank you, sir! I thought no one could hear me and I would die out here alone!" The brown-haired Elven woman said, a tear welling in her eyes. "You look like a strong man, could you possibly carry me back to my hut?"

  I felt a stirring in my loins, but tamped it down. This was neither the place nor time for such things.

  "Sure!" I piped up. She didn't look like she weighed all that much. Maybe a hundred pounds.

  "I was just out gathering some pearls and..." She sniffled and clutched her foot.

  "Shh. It's okay." I carefully hefted her up and carried her back to her hut.

  She thanked me profusely and offered me something to drink. I declined, but handed her the note.

  "Oh! That's my sister!" She tore it open and read it silently to herself. "Oh my God, she's getting married! I just HAVE to attend." She looked up at me expectantly.

  Oh boy, I hoped she wasn't going to ask me to carry her all the way there.

  "Listen, I know you're probably a busy adventurer and all, but if I could get some healing herbs, I could make it to her wedding in time! Please?" She looked at me coquettishly with her deep-blue eyes. Eyes that I could not possibly resist. "Here's payment for the letter."

  Quest Complete: Letter Delivery

  Experience gained: 50

  Reward: 1 silver

  New quest objective: Bring back 5 healing herbs

  She drew me a picture of what they looked like and explained where they grew. It was in unexplored - to me, anyway - forest, likely teeming with a bit of hostile wildlife. I was just level 2 and this was a bit off the noob path.

  "I'll tell you what. Let me check the area out and if I can handle the animals, I'll do it. Otherwise you'll either have to wait for me to level up or find someone else." I saw the look in her face as all the color drained away. Then I remembered that there was no one else. "I'm sorry." I lowered my head. "I'll do my best."

  "Thank you!" She hugged me. "What did you say your name was again?"

  "Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe Darkwolf."

  Her eyes lit up. "You're the --"

  "Bunny slayer." I finished for her. "Yeah, I know." This was weird.

  "You sure you're going to be all right?" I indicated to her foot.

  She nodded. "Yes, now that I'm back home, I will be. I can't thank you enough." She gushed. I was getting some sexual vibes from her, but I wasn't quite ready for anything just yet. Maybe in a few levels.

  I headed off in the direction she pointed me to. It was a wide circle on my map and I was going to have to be careful not to rouse any wildlife. The walk took a good half-hour and by the time I got there it was mid-morning. I'd downed a few more birds, upping my feather weight .12. It was slow going, but I'd soon get there. I was going to have to sell some of this meat, though. There was no way I could possibly eat it all.

  At the edge of the forest, I stopped and scanned for any signs of beasts. I wasn't much of a tracker - not yet, anyway - but even a blind fool could tell if a wolf was in the area.

  Or - I shivered to think about it - a bear.

  Seeing nothing, I cautiously stepped into the forest. With the canopy above, it was darker and more foreboding. The sounds changed, too. From that of seagulls to other types of birds. The quick, elusive movements of unidentified animals skittered at the corner of my sight. Chills swept up my spine as I didn't know what to expect.

  I tightened the grip on my bow, arrows nocked and ready, as I crept cautiously forward. It was literally my only protection.

  My pace slowed and my heart quickened. I had a funny feeling that I was going to have to fight something. I just hoped that it was close to my level. And for Gods' sake not a fucking bear. Or a rabbit, for that matter.

  I was close enough to the circle now that I could start to see some glowing red flowers. These must be it. I gathered a couple and then stopped dead in my tracks.

  I could smell it. As sure as I was alive - for the moment, anyway - there was something behind me.

  Slowly I turned around, my heart thundering in my chest and sweat dripping down my face.

  I barely had time to side-step and release an arrow before a level 3 gray wolf leaped at me. Thank Gods I'd put all those points into dex. The arrow missed, but so did the wolf.

  With fangs bared and hackles raised this was a sight more scarier than the fucking rabbit.

  "Not this time, filthy beast!" I taunted it as I activated my double arrow ability and fired off two arrows into its skull. Two red numbers flashed above its body, one bigger and more pronounced than the other, indicating that I'd scored a crit. Booyeah! The first arrow slashed 10 points from its life, the second 3, bringing its health bar to 12.

  I nocked another arrow, but the angry beast howled in pain and anger and leaped upon me before I had a chance to react. 8 points of life instantly drained from my hp bar as the slavering wolf bit down on my shoulder. I cried out and rolled out from underneath it just in time. No doubt the next bite would've been at the jugular.

  In immense pain, I raised my bow and fired a weak arrow that glanced off its body. Fuck. How was I going to battle it with a lame arm?

  The wolf staggered to its feet and crept toward me, its yellow eyes gleaming dully in the low light. I leaped aside just as it pounced, sticking my leg out and kicking his out from under him. The large beast crashed to the ground. The two arrows were still stuck in its skull, blood dripping into its eyes.

  For several long moments the beast lay still. I lifted up my arrow, moved as close to it as I could and with all the strength I had left, pierced the back of its neck.

  It was dead. I collapsed on top of the animal, clutching my bleeding shoulder. I was going to have to invest in some bandages and healing salve if I was going to survive. Sitting there for several, long minutes, I gathered enough strength to carry on. I was in no shape to do anything with the carcass, so I left it there.

  I had gained some xp, though. 100 to be exact. I was now at 1300 / 1600. Soon enough I'd ding 3rd level. I wasn't certain, but I thought that I would get a new ability then. I had no idea if I was right or what that ability was, but it excited me to think about it.

  Gathering the rest of the healing herbs, I grabbed a few more for myself and headed back. This time I was even more cautious as there was no way I could take on a healthy wolf - or even a fucking rabbit - in this shape.

  By the time I'd arrived back at Penelope's hut, the sun was high in the sky and there were a smattering of clouds scattered about. I wondered how often it rained in these parts.

  "Oh my word!" Pene
lope cried as she saw the state of my arm. "You poor dear!" She fussed over my wound and I gave her a sheepish grin. "Did you get the healing herbs? You look like you could use them more than me."

  I nodded and grabbed them from my pack. "I brought extra. How long do these take to work?"

  She tended to my wounds carefully, cleaning it out the best she could and applying a poultice to it. "Just a couple hours and you'll be good as new." She also tended to her sprained foot. "Would you mind escorting a young lady to the town?" She handed me the 1 silver payment for the herbs.

  Quest complete: Bring back 5 healing herbs

  Experience gained: 200

  New quest objective: Escort Penelope Whishorn to Thronn Town

  "Sure, why not?" While we waited for the herbs to do their job, we talked about life out here on the beach. She told me that she'd grown up in the clutches of the town and that she'd always dreamed of living in a shack by herself on the beach.

  "So, I moved out here the moment I turned 18." She sighed wistfully. "Mom and dad didn't like it, thought it was too dangerous for a girl. But, I had to. You know?"

  I nodded. I could sympathize with that. I didn't remember too much about my own parents. I didn't even know if they were still alive.

  "Oh, I might have something for you." I rummaged around in my pack and brought out the pearl I had received from the fisherman. "You said something about pearl hunting."

  Her eyes lit up. "Oh my, yes!" She took the nondescript white pearl from me and studied it. "I make pearl necklaces to sell in the city. Can I buy this from you?"

  I smiled, relieved to finally be getting rid of it. "Sure, how much will you pay for it?"

  She looked at it for several minutes. "I usually pick them up for free, but I'll offer 5 silver. Is that good?" She looked up at me with her bright, sparkling blue eyes. She looked so beautiful that I could scarcely think.

  "Uh...sure, that's just perfect." She handed me the coins and I tucked them into my pouch.

  "Why don't you lay down for a quick nap." She suggested, hobbling out of bed. "I have some work to do and you look like you could use some rest. I'll wake you when you're all healed up."

  I shrugged. I really didn't have anything better to do. I took stock of my arrows and saw that I was down to 15. I was going to have to make gathering those supplies my top priority. The sooner I learned how to craft my own arrows, the better.

  I laid back on the soft bed and closed my eyes. Soon, the gentle lapping of the water lulled me to sleep and I felt a slight tingling in my arm.

  The next thing I knew, I was being awoken by a gentle shaking.

  "Ivanhoe? Are you awake?" My mind lazily drifted from my deep sleep, swimming up to the surface. I opened my eyes and saw Penelope's inches from me.

  She lightly brushed her lips against mine, then pulled away. "Oh, I'm sorry." She blushed furiously. "I thought you were still asleep."

  This girl was hot for me. But I wasn't ready for anything just yet. Soon, though. And I knew where she lived.

  "Is it time?" I asked, shaking the cobwebs from my head. I could still feel her silky lips on my skin.

  Penelope indicated to the darkening sky. "I...I think it's going to rain soon. You're pretty much healed up. Not fully, but I think we should get going."

  I looked at my HUD and saw that I was at 28/30 hp. Close enough. I rotated my arm and only felt a twinge of pain. I grabbed my bow and cocked an arrow all the way back. Good, I had most of my strength.

  "Yeah, that's probably a good idea." I agreed. When we stepped outside the hut, I could see what she was talking about. Where just a few hours ago there were only wisps of clouds in the sky, it was now covered in a thick, dark, ominous layer. No doubt it was going to rain.

  "Let's hurry." She said.

  The trip back was quick and uneventful. Other than getting a few large rain droplets splashed on us. I dropped her off at her sister's, who gave me a couple silver for my trouble.

  Quest complete: Escort Penelope Whishorn to Thronn Town

  Experience gained: 100

  New quest objective: none

  Finally! I dinged level 3.

  "Hey, congrats!" Penelope said, throwing her arms around me and hugging me tight, her large breasts pressing up against me. Jayla gave me a knowing glance and I shrugged.

  Maybe if I was lucky, I could have them both. Then again, Jayla was getting married. But that wasn't for a few days…Wait, what was I thinking. I mentally slapped myself.

  "Thanks! Do you girls know where I can pick up some wood axes?"

  The two girls pondered my question.

  "I don't know, maybe down at Mad Wolf's Metal Emporium." Penelope replied. "Be careful, he's a bit --"

  "Mad. Right, gotcha!" I turned to leave and just as I stepped out the door, Penelope caught my attention and blew me a kiss. "Don't be a stranger, please."

  I nodded and headed in the direction they indicated.

  "Wow, you've really got the hots for him, huh?" I heard her sister ask as the door shut behind me.

  Things sure were going great. My second day here and already I was level 3, bought a new bow and had a hot prospect for banging a chick. Nice.

  Congratulations on your new level, Hunter Ivanhoe Darkwolf, you have a new ability: Freezing Arrow. Use: Once every 2 min coat your next arrow with frost magic, freezing enemies up to 5 levels above you in place for 10 sec.

  Wow, nice! I immediately brought that down to my hotbar. That would definitely come in handy. I also noticed that I had more hp. I was now up to 40, though I still had my 2 hp wound.

  With a new spring in my step, I skipped all the way across town until I came upon a large warehouse with a rusty sign hanging from the front:

  Mad Wolf's Metal Emporium

  It read. Underneath it, it said:

  My prices are so low, you'll think I'm MAD!

  I laughed and pushed through the metal doors.

  I was startled out of my reverie when a large, burly man wearing a mask suddenly jumped in front of me, wielding two axes in his hands.

  Chapter 3

  "Welcome to Mad Wolf's Metal Emporium!" He cried out. "I'm Mad Wolf. How can I help you?"

  He was lucky. I had already pulled my bow out and nocked an arrow.

  "Fuck, man, you scared the shit out of me."

  His booming, fairly disturbing laugh echoed throughout the large warehouse. "That's what they all say!" He took off his mask, set down the axes and held out his hand. "Everyone thinks I'm as mad as a hatter, but that couldn't be further from the truth!"

  I cautiously shook his hand. I honestly didn't know if he was totally batshit insane or was just putting on an act.

  "Now, I don't think you came here for target practice. What brings you to..." His voice grew deep. "Mad Wolf's Metal Emporium?"

  I cleared my throat after nearly shitting my pants. "I...uh...need a wood ax and a pickaxe." I realized that I was likely going to have to find a place to store these, otherwise they'd take up too much precious room in my pack.

  "I have just what you're looking for!" He shouted each word slowly, then took off at top speed toward the other end of the warehouse.

  I didn't know whether to follow or stay. By the time I had decided, he was back with both tools, exactly as I had ordered.

  "I know exactly what you're thinking!" He boomed out. "I'll bet you're wondering how on earth you can afford these top-of-the-line tools. Well, wonder no more, Mad Wolf is TRULY insane! I'm practically giving these away! Hahaha!" He laughed like a maniac.

  "Uh, how much is practically free?" I wondered out loud. Seriously, this guy was giving me the creeps.

  "8 silver each or 15 for the pair."

  Crap. "I've only got 14..."

  Mad Wolf frowned, which made him look even more sinister. "Do you have anything to trade?"

  I looked in my pack, shaking my head. "Not really, just this gull meat, but you probably --"

  "Sold!" He shouted and handed me the axes. "The first three sh
arpenings are on me."

  Bewildered, I handed him every coin I had in my possession along with the gull meat I had acquired. Now I was as broke as a joke. But I had some tools at least.

  "Don't forget to tell your friends about...MAD WOLF'S METAL EMPORIUM!"

  "Yeah, okay." I said as I left with the two hefty tools in my possession. Fat chance. If I had my druthers, I'd never come back.

  Not only did I need to gather some stone and wood, I seriously needed to pick up some coins or I was going to be sleeping in the open tonight.

  I ducked into the inn and asked Patch if I could store the tools there.

  "Sure, no problem. Sleeping here tonight?" He inquired.

  "I'd like to, but I'm flat broke. You don't happen to have any jobs, do you?" I plopped myself down at a table and ordered an ale.

  Patch thought for a moment as he poured the glass. "You know, now that you mention it, I do have something."

  "Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.

  "Yeah, see, we've got a little rat problem..."

  New quest: Kill 10 rats

  Objective: Kill 10 rats below the inn

  Reward: 2 silver, free night's stay

  A half-hour later, I was crawling through a hatch below the inn into the sewers. Great. What had I gotten myself into?

  "Be careful, those fuckers are mean." Patch warned.

  "Thanks." I nodded and carefully climbed down the metal rungs to the sewer below. I just hoped that 15 arrows would suffice. They'd have to. Or I'd be bashing them over the head with my bow.

  Surprisingly, there was a bit of light down here. Enough to easily see by. I pulled out my bow and nocked an arrow. I was eager to try out my new ability. I figured if I combined the two, it could make for a devastating combo.

  I wondered just how big these rats could be. The way Patch described them they were as big as dogs. But I couldn't believe that. A cat, maybe. Dog? I'd have to see that for my own eyes.