Forming the Company (Alpha World Book 2)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Less than a minute later all the adds were down and the group focused on the Chieftain. It didn't take them long after that to kill the boss, though he did get one more stun off before the fight was over. Gerald took the damage this time as his mitigation ability was on cooldown, but as he had been at full life before the hit it wasn't life threatening.

  The group let out a cheer as the Chieftain finally fell over dead. “That was easier than the first time,” Gerald commented. “Being able to use my mitigation ability during a stun really makes a big difference in my life there. Also, making him use both his interrupt and stun right near the start of the fight made things easier as well.”

  “Summoners are the worst, though,” Alburet said sarcastically with a smirk.

  Gerald nodded, “Well, flat damage wise you really are, but you make up for it with a lot of utility. Every single fight we’ve done has been made easier either because of the off tank or the crowd control.”

  Fluffball chimed in, “People get so caught up looking at raw numbers they sometimes disregard the things that can really make a difference.”

  “But I like it raw,” Karen chirped with a wink at Alburet.

  Shaking his head. Alburet waited for his loot to pop as Marysue touched the boss. “I got a plus five ring of wisdom,” Marysue said, putting on her new find.

  Gerald ended up with chain leggings with five stamina. Fluffball got a single-handed axe with five strength. Karen ended up with a leather coif that gave five to agility. Alburet got leather gloves with intelligence on them.

  “Guess I can sell them,” Alburet said, holding up the gloves.

  “I'll give you five gold for them,” Marysue said.

  He tossed her the gloves and took the gold in return, “Always glad to help a party member.”

  Marysue and Gerald thanked them for the group, using their Homestones to return to Stormguard.

  Alburet turned to the other two, “It's coming up on time for Fluff to go and Karen needs to turn in the quest, so should we head back to the fort before we break for the night?”

  The others agreed and they set out. It didn't take them long to make their way back. Alburet swapped out the extra Bob for the extra Stacia again to help with the patrols they had to kill on the way. Once they reached the fort, Fluff sold off her loot while Karen went to turn in her quest.

  “Thank you for having me,” Fluff said with a smile. “It’s been really nice hunting with you and Stacia. You make me feel very comfortable and safe around you. Well, except for the Romeo quote the first day.”

  Alburet chuckled as a smile touched his lips, “It's been great to be around you, Fluff. Seriously, anytime you are on and want to hook up just let us know.”

  Stepping over, Stacia gave her a hug, “Ma' will be waitin' for ya whenever ya be ready. I know she can help ya, Fluff. I hope we can meet up again tomorrow.”

  Nodding, Fluff took out her Homestone, giving them another bright smile before she vanished. Karen showed up just as Fluff disappeared. “Aww, I was hoping to get another snuggle in first,” Karen said.

  “She had stuff to go do. What are your plans?” Alburet asked, a pronounced smirk on his lips.

  Shaking her head, Karen cocked her hip to the side, “Well, I’m thinking of getting clean first, then maybe, just maybe, I would consider getting really dirty.”

  Stacia slid over to her and nuzzled Karen's neck, “Ya be welcome to join us for the eve.”

  Karen snagged Stacia, bending her backwards in a dip as she kissed Stacia passionately. Bob, evidently enjoying the sight, wolf whistled.

  “Work that succubus,” Bob said before whistling again.

  “You are done for the day, Bob. You as well, Tiny. See you both tomorrow,” Alburet told them.

  “Yes, master,” Tiny rumbled, then vanished.

  “Spoilsport,” Bob sighed before he also vanished.

  Putting Stacia back on her feet, Karen looked over at Alburet, “So how about it, up for another go around with me and your 'maid'?”

  “Thought you would never ask,” Alburet said, pulling out his Homestone. “See you at the inn shortly.”

  Karen agreed as she vanished, leaving Alburet and Stacia at the fort. “Ready, Kitten?”

  “Yes, master,” Stacia said, taking a deep breath. “She can really work up a body.”

  The rest of the night was filled with the pleasures of the flesh for each of them. Karen dipped out after two hours, leaving the duo to continue on for a bit longer after she left. By the time sleep claimed them they were thoroughly exhausted and sated. When sleep did claim them, it was with Alburet spooning Stacia with both of them wearing smiles.

  Alburet

  Human Summoner

  Level 17

  Strength: 22 (17)

  Agility: 22 (17)

  Constitution: 30

  Intelligence: 54 (24)

  Wisdom: 57 (17)

  Charisma: 35

  Health: 1150

  Mana: 1420

  Spells:

  Demon Skin-Rank 2

  Demonic Retribution- Rank 2

  Summon Least Imp

  Fire Blast- Rank 2

  Sap Strength- Rank 2

  Demonic Haze

  Summon Lesser Destroyer

  Demonic Vitality

  Fire Burst

  Summon Lesser Succubus

  Abilities:

  Personal Spells

  Flame Weapon

  Copy

  Chapter Eight

  “Why, Seamus? Why did this happen?” David sobbed uncontrollably on his friend’s shoulder.

  “I don't know,” Seamus did his best to hold himself together for his friend as he looked at Kaylee, who lay with her face turned away from them on the bed. “I promise you I will make the bastard pay. You just do your best to stay strong, for her.” He disengaged his friend and marched out of the room, his anger rising to heights it had never reached before. He was ready to kill the man who had hurt Kaylee, even if it cost him everything he had worked for.

  ~ ~ ~

  Alburet jerked awake, panting, his heart rate fast and with sweat covering his body. His eyes scanned the room fast, trying to figure out where he was. Stacia's eyes were round as she quickly set the tray down and hurried over to him.

  “Master, are ya okay?”

  Letting out a ragged breath, Alburet nodded once, “Just a bad memory, Kitten. I'm fine now.”

  Stacia sat down on the bed and hugged him, “Be ya sure, master? Iffin ya want to talk about it I am here.”

  Shaking his head, Alburet tightened his arms around her, “No, it's fine. What’s in the past should stay there, we can't change it after all.”

  Stacia kissed the top of his head as she rubbed his back, “I have breakfast for us, master. I was thinkin' we might want to sell thin's before we go out huntin' again today.”

  He forced a smile to his lips as he reached up to tug her down for a kiss. After a few seconds he broke the kiss so he could get up. “Yeah, we should, Kitten. You seem ready to make a go of it today.”

  “Aye, we be huntin' tougher monsters today, then tomorrow me Ma' will have me all day. Tonight though, we go to the castle. Do ya think everythin' will be okay there, master?”

  “I'm sure it will be fine, Kitten. Ioaniss will probably just ask me a lot of questions about the book and letter opener and where I found them. I don't see how there could be any real issues.”

  Stacia seemed to relax a little as she poured them both coffee. Alburet got dressed and joined her at the table. Once they’d eaten the duo headed out, waving to Erin who was behind the bar as they left. Erin watched them go with a smile on her lips, glad her sister seemed to be doing so well.

  They stopped by their usual three shops to sell their loot, chatting briefly with Grimgar and Almira as they sold off the stuff. Just as they were about to leave Grimgar's Weaponry, Grimgar stopped them.

  “Alburet, a moment if ye please. Stacia, can ye wait outside?” Grimgar asked with a pleas
ant smile.

  Stacia paused, her brow creasing before she nodded and stepped out of the shop. Alburet turned to face Grimgar with a puzzled expression. “What do you need, Grimgar?”

  “Be wonderin' where ye be plannin' to live after ye take Stacia as ye wife. Have ye even considered tha'? I think it be mighty awkward iffin ye try stayin' at the inn more than a day or two after tha' event.”

  Shaking his head slowly Alburet replied, “I had not considered that, actually. Hmm, guess I need to start looking around tomorrow when Stacia is with her mom.”

  Grimgar coughed once, “Nay, it be fine, do nay worry about it. I just did nay want to step on any toes iffin ye had, lad. Have a good hunt. Also, watch ye back when ye go to the castle later. Them peacocks all have knives ready to stab ye in the back. Bunch of cold blooded jackals that look down on the rest of us.”

  Alburet felt warmth touch his chest for a moment before a wave of sadness washed over him. Grimgar had for a moment reminded him of his own father with the concern. Nodding once, Alburet met Grimgar's eyes, “Thank you, sir. I will make sure to keep my head on a swivel when we go up there tonight.”

  Alburet joined Stacia outside the shop, taking her arm, “Shall we? I’m thinking of stocking up on a bit more jerky and tea before we head out as we haven't heard from either of the other two yet.”

  “Aye, master,” Stacia said, taking his arm. After a few steps she spoke up, “Master, what did Unca Grim wish to speak about?”

  “He was asking about a wedding gift, in a roundabout way I think, Kitten. He also wanted to tell me to be wary of the petty politics of the court.”

  A bright smile filled Stacia eyes as well as her lips. “Thank ya master. Ya have no idea how happy it makes me to think tha' in a few days we will be as one.”

  A feeling of contentment and joy washed over him. “Me too, Stacia. I’m a little shocked at the sheer depth of the feelings I have for you. A little over a week in this world and I have someone I would set the world aflame for.”

  A giggle escaped Stacia, “I do nay think I be tha' hot, master.”

  A belly laugh escaped him, “Oh, but my dear little fire Kitten, you are indeed.”

  They made it to Pablo’s Provisions so they could stock up on travel food. Alburet greeted Pablo, “Hello again, Pablo, I'm back to get more of the fine goods you sell.”

  Pablo smiled, “Welcome back. You are the first two-souled to become a repeat customer. Do you need help again or do you want to give it a go yourself this time?”

  “I think we will give it a go alone this time, see you in a few with a hefty supply.”

  Alburet went around the shop with Stacia, going over what she thought was better. Eventually they ended up with a good two weeks’ worth of jerky and tea for several people. Stacia also had him pick up some rope and other traveling gear.

  “So, these camp tokens are good for a dozen uses and will make sure you aren't attacked while in the wilds?” Alburet asked, trying to take in what Stacia was saying.

  “Aye, they be essential iffin we ever stay out in the wilds. The tent be another thin, but it comes stocked with a bedroll when ya use it, also good for a dozen night’s sleep.”

  “Another money sink,” Alburet muttered, but still liking the way the devs had set it up for people to camp in the wilds if they wanted to.

  “Okay Pablo, all of this if you don't mind,” Alburet said as they placed it all on the counter.

  Pablo's grin widened, “Now that is a good haul. Let’s see what it comes out to. With the rope and sundries, it will come out to a little short of three gold.”

  Alburet placed three gold into Pablo's hand, “Sold and keep the change. Stacia, help me pack all of this away please.”

  Shaking his head slightly, Pablo put the gold away, “You are generous.”

  “As a two-souled adventurer I can always get more coin easily enough,” Alburet replied as they packed the stuff into his bag. “Besides, I don't know how many of the other two-souled come by here.”

  “I had a Lunari buy some things from me just the other day. Other than her you’re the only other two-souled I've seen.”

  “Since the rest of my kind hasn't started visiting you yet it behooves me to be an ambassador, as it were. More will stop buy in the future but many of them won't be as generous, so I do what I can to make up for it now.”

  Laughing, Pablo shook his head, “I won't turn down free coin. I wish you a pleasant day.”

  Saying their goodbyes, the couple left the shop. “Ya are always so generous, master,” Stacia murmured as they headed for the portal guild.

  “As I told Pablo, the coin is easy enough to come by, so why not spread a little extra happiness around? I wonder when Karen and Fluff will be on so we can do this thing. We also should put more coin on our travel accounts.”

  At the portal guild, they found the lobby mostly empty. Only a handful of people were lounging in the waiting area, probably waiting for their friends to show up. Alburet led Stacia over to the desk where Kim was sitting.

  “Hey Kim, how’s business?” Alburet asked with a genuine smile.

  Kim looked up from the book she was reading, a smile coming to her as well. “Hello, Alburet. Business is good, I think. I don't handle the accounts so I can't say for certain, all I do is add coin for people.”

  “Well, then you are the person we need to see. I want to add thirty gold to my portal account, and thirty gold to Stacia’s account as well.”

  Nodding, Kim replied, “Hold your portal stone above that clear spot in front of you. While you do that, hand me the coin please.”

  As soon as he handed the coin across to Kim the stone he was holding over the clear quartz sheet glowed. “There you are, thirty gold added to your account,” Kim said.

  “That is so quick and easy, nice,” Alburet stepped aside as he handed Stacia thirty gold. “You’re up, Kitten.”

  Stacia repeat the process, stepping back as she put her stone away, “Thank ya, Miss Kim.”

  Shaking her head, Kim let out a small laugh, “No need for the Miss. You always seem to be with Alburet these days. Is he a good person to be around?”

  Stacia's smile become broad as she took Alburet's arm. “Aye, the best. I be blessed to be part of his life.”

  “Even though he’s a two-souled? Most of them don't seem to be the best of people.” Kim asked the question simply, obviously not meaning any offense.

  “Aye, he is nay like most of them. He has always treated everyone the same regardless, be they normal folk like us or other two-souled. His friends be much the same as well.”

  “As I thought then. I hope your hunting today is pleasant and profitable.” Kim gave them another smile.

  “Question, how is Rolland doing? Now that we aren't being escorted to the runes I haven't seen him,” Alburet asked.

  “Oh yeah, most of them are busy powering the runes behind the scenes now. I'll let him know you asked after him if you want.”

  “Please do, he helped me out of a situation awhile back plus he was always pleasant to speak to.” Alburet put two gold on the counter, “Have a good day reading your book.” With a parting smile he led Stacia towards the stairs.

  “Master,” Stacia began as they moved away, “are we going ahead of the others?”

  “I figure we can use the rune and if they don't show soon we can see about the single wandering gnolls Karen mentioned.” No sooner had he finished speaking when the guild icon lit up. Chuckling, he tapped it to see the message.

  Fluffball:

  I'm headed to the portal guild now, if anyone is ready to go.

  As he pulled out his stone to reply another message appeared.

  Karen:

  Just about to reach the guild myself, so I'll wait for you in the lobby, Fluff. Now where is our lazy bones leader?

  Stacia:

  You didn't call him lazy last night, Karen. Besides, we’re headed up the stairs. We will wait for you at the rune room.

  Karen:<
br />
  Fine, be that way. I'll bring Fluff up with me. See you two in a bit.

  Not seeing a need to reply now, Alburet put his Guildstone away. “Well, it seems the band is going to be back together soon. Let's find the right portal room and wait for them.”

  Finding the room marked, Gnoll Encampments, they waited for a few minutes. Fluff and Karen came down the hall towards them, chatting as they did.

  “Morning, ladies,” Alburet hailed them. “You ready for more of a challenge today?”

  Karen bounced down the hall, “Hell yeah. Little worried about Tiny holding up with the big groups, but we should be fine, right?”