“PKP,” one of the armored people waiting in the wagon said.
Florence sat up and cast her gaze around.
“I’m sensing about twenty or so. Looks like they’re coming from both directions. Once they meet, they’ll probably hit us from all sides,” another said.
“Contact Dwayne. We’re going to get hit,” another said.
Florence didn’t say anything, not wanting to give anything away as she flicked her reins ever so slightly, making the wagon pick up speed.
***
“The rare gear we sent off to get repaired at Zolun is about to be stolen by the PKP. They tracked down the caravan and it looks like they’re going to hit it any moment!” Dwayne burst into Josh’s room, where he’d been sleeping.
“Those motherless fucking arseholes want my bloody daggers! All right, shit, how can we get anything there? Dave!” Josh found the man and opened a chat with him.
“What’s up? Bit tired right now,” Dave said.
“Dave, the wagons carrying our rare gear from Zolun is about to get hit! That drop pad—what can we move through it?” Josh demanded.
“Well, you can send things that are alive one way, but then they can’t come back the same way. I wouldn’t trust it with more than one person,” Dave said.
“Fine, but we can send anyone, right?” Josh asked.
“Yeah,” Dave said.
“Good!” Josh cut the channel and opened up another to parties that were on watch.
“Our people are going to be hit by PKP. We’re going to use a drop pad to ambush them! Go to the teleport pad room!” Josh said, running and looking to Dwayne. “Tell them to get that damned drop pad put together!”
“Might I suggest taking potions to deal with motion sickness? Most people get severe nausea when exiting the drop pad,” Shard said.
Josh opened a channel to Lucy. “Lucy, we got anti-nausea potions?”
“I’ve got a few—why?”
“We need them in the teleport pad room, now!” Josh jumped into a lift and pressed in his destination. Dwayne was right beside him, talking to the Stone Raiders who had gone with Florence.
“When we’re done here, I’m calling open season on PKP. Damned bastards are a right pain in my ass,” Josh muttered.
“Agreed,” Dwayne said.
***
“They’ve stopped,” one of the assassins said, slowing down.
“Hurry up. They’re probably up to something.” Hevard pushed onward.
The Dark Lord had taken his blessing back. Hevard once again felt weak and pathetic as he stalked through the forest. Even in his weak form, he knew that he was one of the finest assassins of Emerilia.
He had brought forty guild members with him. Another fifteen were closing in from Zolu Mountain.
Hevard pulled out his blades, ready to meet the traders. He would take the Stone Raiders’ gear from them, forcing the traders to tell him where the Raiders were hiding and strike terror into their very hearts.
Hevard continued to creep up, looking in confusion as a half-dozen armed and armored people who shouldn’t have been there were putting pieces of something together on the ground.
“What are Stone Raiders doing with the Exdars? What the hell are they doing?” One of the assassins asked the very questions that Hevard was thinking.
They were still too far away to attack, when there was a flash of light. It seemed as if a window had opened in the middle of the forest, right over whatever the Stone Raiders had been working on.
Moments later, something jumped out. They collapsed to the ground and started throwing up before forcing a potion down.
“What the hell?” Hevard asked out loud. He picked up his pace as two more came through the portal, coming through and throwing up.
The Raiders moved to protect the wagons, a number of them pulling items from a large box.
“Well, thanks for letting me borrow this, Clevus. I swear I will do you proud and give it back to you,” one could be heard saying.
Hevard’s eyes widened as he realized that they were pulling out the unique and rare weapons from the sealed chest they had received in Zolu.
“They’re getting reinforcements! Hurry up! We need to kill them now!” Hevard rushed forward, giving little care to his stealth.
More Stone Raiders poured out as the assassins made their move.
***
Florence looked up from her position with the other Exdar’s Traders right next to the “drop pad” that was spewing out Stone Raiders.
They pulled themselves together, drinking their potions with fire in their eyes. There was no time for greetings as people moved into their positions.
The PKP’s attack was announced with a throwing blade hitting a shield.
“Have to try better than that, you useless shit!” the defending Stone Raider said as magical spells bloomed in the night air. Arrows were flung everywhere as Florence and her traders hid and watched the Stone Raiders in action for the first time.
The assassins seemed to materialize out of the dark.
To the Stone Raiders, they might as well be screaming out their names and have a shirt saying “Stab Me Here.” The Stone Raiders had gotten stronger while they were away; it was clear in their actions. There was little wasted effort, striving to kill threats as fast as possible.
Parties coordinated with one or two words. The assassins around them might be rated on the same level, but the skill and stats that the Stone Raiders had earned and not just put into their character sheet after gaining a level showed.
Stone Raiders were brought low here and there but a mages group buffed and healed them up enough that they wouldn’t immediately die.
The drop pad’s portal disappeared as the last Stone Raider came through. She downed her potion, howling out her anger as she ran right into the middle of the battle. Her mace slammed an assassin into the ground before another Stone Raider stabbed them in the neck.
***
“How, how is this possible?” Hevard asked. He watched his guildmates being slaughtered, as if their stealth skills bore no effect. Hevard had wounded and hurt many of the Raiders but few had fallen; none had died.
His attacks didn’t count as stealth attacks, taking much of his power from them. His attacks were meant to kill someone with a single attack. He, like the rest of his guild, had stayed away from investing in Health. A good killer was one who hit and killed with one attack.
Now, it was coming to bite them in the ass. The Stone Raiders met their attacks head on, their skills not working for some reason.
Hevard felt a familiar burning through his body. It’s this curse—it has to be! Somehow, they can see us and know where we are.
Cold sweat fell down Hevard’s spine as every one of his guildmates were being hunted down.
A cynical person might see the tactics similar to how the PKP hunted down and killed players until they quit Emerilia or changed for a new character.
The Stone Raiders looked up from their work; they looked to Hevard. Some looked at others who were trying to flee.
Hevard saw the bloodthirsty looks beneath their helmets. It was the same smile he had worn when PKP had attacked Selhi Capital.
A shiver ran down his spine as he started to run.
“Hunt them down,” one of the Stone Raiders said. The defending force started to sprint.
Hevard looked back to see them rushing after him. How are they so fast? This is impossible! Hevard looked ahead, running with all his might and using all his skills. It wasn’t long until he ran out, the Stone Raiders still gaining on him.
“When you run, you just die tired. Don’t worry, PKP—we’re coming for you all soon enough,” one of the Stone Raiders said, her fellows laughing.
A blade buried itself through Hevard’s ribs and into his chest.
He heard a wet sucking noise as the power of his body gave out and toppled to the ground in pain. He clawed his way through the fresh mud until his screen turned black.
/> You have died in Emerilia
You have been returned home.
You have 5:59 hrs (game time) until you can respawn at (Moumihara)
Or
1:59 hrs in real life
Would you like to play a different game while you wait?
“That’s right—it’s only a game. Holy shit, that was intense!” Hevard laughed nervously to himself and sat down in his Player home.
He looked at his hand; it shook as he tried to control his fear.
It might be a game, but it sure as hell felt real.
Emerilia will be continued in New Horizon.
Want a bigger map of Emerilia and the continents? Check out http://theeternalwriter.deviantart.com/
You can check out my other books, what I’m working on and upcoming releases through the following means:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00WCAOQME
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
Twitter: @chatfieldsbooks
Facebook: Michael Chatfield
Goodreads: Goodreads.com/michaelchatfield
Thanks again for reading!
Continue on for Character Sheet!
In Alphabetical order
Ankol
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art: Metal Spinner. Lives in Grorart Mountain.
Boran-Al
Lich
One of the Dark Lord’s Champions. Works directly under the Dark Lord. Creates Creatures of Power and carry’s out the Dark Lord’s orders. His Citadel was destroyed.
Cassie
Elf/Human Halfling
Holy warrior. Leader of the Golden Sabres. In a relationship with Josh Giles.
Dark Lord
God
Embodiment of the Dark affinity. Created Demons. Normally an ally with the Earth Lord. Always looking a way to tip the power balance of Emerilia in his favor.
Dasano
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art: Metal Press. Lives in Grorart Mountain.
Akatol Dracul
Dragon
Water Mage. Was the second Dragon, Denur’s husband. Went mad and started a genocide, disappeared.
Denur Dracul
Dragon
Fire Mage Hailed as ‘Mother of Dragons’. First of her race, a creature of power created by the Lady of Fire. Seen as her daughter. Sister to Oson’ Deia.
Gelimah Dracul
Dragon
Dark Mage. Brother to Induca, Louna and Malsour
Fornau Dracul
Dragon
Earth Mage. Quindar's mate Malsour and Induca’s grandnephew.
Induca Dracul
Dragon
Fire Mage. One of the youngest from the first generation of Dragons. Sister to Malsour, daughter of Denur, aunt to Quindar, great aunt to Fornau. Member of the Stone Raiders and Party Zero.
Kinal Dracul
Dragon
Louna Dracul
Dragon
Induca, Gelimah and Malsour’s sister.
Malsour Dracul
Dragon
Dark Mage. One of the oldest Dragons in existence, first born of Denur. Deia and Induca’s Guardian, Stone Raider and Party Zero member. Brother to Induca. Great Uncle to Fornau Dracul and Uncle to Quindar Dracul.
Quindar Dracul
Dragon
Wind Mage, wife to Fornau, Niece to Induca and Malsour.
Wokui Dracul
Dragon
Water Mage
Xednai Dracul
Dragon
One of the first Dragons, had several Dragons. Her son is Fornau.
Gorpal Dunsk
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, lives in Aldamire Mountain, created 3 Weapons of Power - Mace of Fury, Tower Shield, Boots of Smash. Smithing Art: Paint Copy
Earth Lord
God
Embodiment of the Dark affinity. Created Earth Sprites.
Edmur
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Had been in the Dwarven War Bands as a Shield Bearer. Former pupil of Quino's Brother to Endur. Smithing Art: Metal’s Song
Endur
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Had been in the Dwarven War Bands as a Shield Bearer. Former pupil of Quino's, brother to Edmur, lives in Zolu Mountain. Smithing Art Hammer Blows
Esa
Human
Melee fighter. Member of Mikal and Jule’s party. Fought at Boranl-Al’s Citadel.
Member of the Stone Raiders. Going out with Jules. Works under Dwayne as a fighter. Being trained for a leadership position under Dwayne.
Fend
Dwarf
Lord Under the Mithsia Mountains.
David Grahslagg
Dwarf/Human Halfling, in-game character of Austin Zane. Dwarven Master Smith, Resident of Cliff Hill, member of Party Zero and the Stone Raider’s Guild. Other names: Austin Zane
Josh Giles
Human
Rogue. Leader of the Stone Raiders. Was a investment broker on Earth, became an E-head. In a relationship with Cassie from the Golden Sabres.
Gorrund
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith in Benvari Mountain with Jesal, teaching four apprentices. Smithing Art: Blood Bender.
Gurren
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg, Kol’s Grandson. Member of the Stone Raiders.
Helick
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith.
Kim Isdola
Human
Cleric/alchemist. Lieutenant in Stone Raiders.
Arch-Mage Jekoni
Human/item
Soul bound to Staff of Growing, over 2,000 years old; missing legs. Held within Dwarven Vaults with other Weapons of power.
Jesal
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, Dave's master smith trainer. Smithing art: Nature's Guide
Jules
Human
Healer. Member of Mikal and Esa’s party. Fought at Boranl-Al’s Citadel.
Member of the Stone Raiders. Used to be an army medic, E-head without legs IRL. Going out with Esa. Works under Lucy as support, leads the healers of the Stone Raiders.
Joko
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend and trainer of David Grahslagg.
Deceased.
Anna’Kal
Wolf Beast Kin/Administrator AI24681
Air mage. Originally a program meant to assist Lo’kal with the running of Emerilia. Anna was uploaded to a Player body and inserted into Emerilia. She became emotionally attached with her charges. When the Beast Kin people were wiped out from Emerilia she went into cold storage, waiting for her father to awake her when a chance came to fight against the prison they had created.
Member of the Stone Raiders and Party Zero. Daughter of Bob.
Lo'kal
Jukal
Scientist, created Emerilia. Awarded the position of the Gray God, maintains Emerilia, its people and Players. Other names: Bob, Bobby McMahnon, The Balancer, Gray God.
Kol
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Gurren’s grandfather. Resides in Cliff-Hill. Taught Dave how to Smith. Runs his Smithies. Smithing art: Blind Man’s Touch
Lady of Air
Goddess
Embodiment of the affinity Air. Known for causing mischief. Her Champions act as spies and information brokers, tilting the balance of Emerilia.
Lady of Fire
Goddess
Created Dragons, Mages Guild and College. Gave gift of ‘knowledge’ to the people of Emerilia. Mother to Deia, Lover of Oson’Mal and best friend with Bob.
Other Names: Ignil
Lady of Light
Goddess
Sent Players to kill/capture Dragons to make her own Creatures of Power. Created the race known as Angels. Large ri
valry with the Dark Lord.
Lovan
Dwarf
Mithsia Mountain Warclan leader
Lox
Dwarf
Shield bearer. Was the commander of the War Band sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg. Member of the Stone Raiders.
Suzy Markell
Human (IRL)
High Elf (Emerilia)
Austin Zane’s secretary and best friend. David Grahslagg’s best friend and assistant with running Cliff Hill Smithy and Factory. Summoning Mage. Steven’s contractor, member of Party Zero and the Stone Raiders.
Max
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg.
Deceased.
Melhoun
Water snake made by the Water Lord.
Sealed away.
Mikal
Human
Rogue. Jules and Esa’s party member. Member of the Stone Raiders. Friends with Party Zero.
Oson'Deia
Elf/Demi God Halfling
Elven Ranger and Fire Mage. Daughter of Oson’Mal and Lady Fire of the Affinity Pantheon. Resident of Cliff Hill and member of the Stone Raider’s Guild, Leader of Party Zero.
Other names: Ouluv'Deia
Quino
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, lives in Zolu Mountain. Trained the brothers Endur and Edmur. Smithing Art: Internal cutting.
Tounk
Dwarf
For The Guild (Emerilia Book 2) Page 45