by Eden Redd
Lance eyed the beautiful half-troll and stepped closer, taking her hands into his. “We are all simply amazed you survived. It’s taking some time to get used to.”
Juna bowed her head to the white knight, “I know. I saw you all for a brief moment before I was…slain.”
Sonja stepped to Lance’s side, eyes on Juna, “We are happy you came back. I’m sure Jayson was thrilled.”
Juna’s eyes sagged. “He goes by the name Jinn Frost now. It’s still him but…He’s changed.”
“After what happened, I’m not surprised,” Lance said kindly before letting Juna’s hands fall from his.
Sonja’s brow hardened, “He will have a lot of explaining to do when he comes back.”
Juna eyed the blue knight as Lance crossed his arms.
“She’s hurt that he left us,” Lance said simply.
“He hurt you too,” Sonja stated matter of fact.
“He needed time to process all of it,” the white knight said with a soothing edge.
Sonja’s brow softened as she looked down. “I know but he could have told us. He didn’t have to run and cut all contact.”
Lance turned his attention to Juna, “We are still a little raw about it. I’m sorry you have to listen to it.”
Juna looked to Lance, her digital heartwarming. “I understand the pain. I missed all of you. I have some of my parent’s memories and he loved you both so much. I know it hurt him to leave.”
“It hurt all of us,” Lance smiled. “But we are back together again. When Jinn resurrects, we can give him a spanking.”
Juna’s eyes widened before she started laughing. Sonja cracked a smile, her own anger subsiding. Lance joined in the laughter; hand on Juna’s armored shoulder. Renner, Vass and Thorrin smiled, watching the tension bleed away. The gathered crowd turned their attention to Juna’s laughter then eyes turned up to the thrones, the rulers of Elora appearing.
Edric led the way as Faye and Rayna flanked his sides. Leeta, Thalia, Dumadin, Lunatina and Sekka followed. The room grew silent as the rulers and their courtesans stepped past the thrones and descended the dais steps. Edric didn’t want them to appear like some lords over the people. Time was running short to stand on ceremony.
The crowd faced the rulers and pumped their fists in the air with a maddening cheer. Edric couldn’t hide the smirk as positive energy washed over the entire throne room. Juna looked on the summoner, her own fist in the air. Rayna blew a kiss to the crowd while Faye simply smiled. When the cheering died down, the chamber grew quiet. Vanya stood tall as did Skalor in nalik form. Players bowed their heads in respect. Beyond the throne room doors, lines of players and awakened tried to peer in to see what was happening.
Lunatina gazed down on Sonja and Lance, giving them a wink. The two knights smiled broadly to the jester as Edric looked out to the crowd. The summoner glanced down to the fabled heroes next to Juna, not feeling worthy to be in their company.
“The war is over,” one player shouted.
“We won,” another player shouted.
The crowd grew rambunctious as the murmur grew to a fevered pitch. Edric took a deep breath, readying himself to address the crowd. He still didn’t understand why he had to do it but Rayna made it clear she was tired and Faye simply shook her head no.
“Heroes! Thank you for coming to Elora’s aid in our time of need!” Edric projected.
The room erupted in another cheer.
Edric put his hands up and the cheers died down.
“It has come to our attention; the war across Lukken has died down, the trolls taking heavy losses at Valtis, kingdoms along Journey Road and our very own Elora. They have retreated back to the south, their armies broken!”
The crowd cheered again. Edric let Rayna’s news whisper in his mind as the crowd reveled in their victory. Valtis held against the invading troll armies but strange allies turned the tables on the advancing hordes. It was enough to shatter their armies and route the enemy. With word of Elora and Valtis standing up to the troll legions, defending kingdoms rallied and pushed the enemy south, back to their kingdoms.
Edric continued, “We all have dealt a blow to the enemy but the war is far from over. For now, please celebrate our victory in the streets of Elora! Today will mark the turning point in the war and a step closer to reclaiming Lukken once again!”
Thalia heard her cue and slithered down the dais steps. Guards moved within the crowd, directing them back to the streets. Outside, people threw petals into the air and sang to Elora’s strength. Servants and guards moved carts of wine, liquors and spirits from Gray Haven Keep and into the streets. Bottles were handed out as the people rejoiced. Bards played while many drank. The sun shined bright in the morning sky, bathing the realm in magnificent brilliance. Citizens danced and laughed with players and heroes. Clothes fell away as lips and bodies embraced, drinking in the sweet victory.
Edric, Faye and Rayna watched as the throne room cleared out of all but several guests. Guards left with the remaining crowds until the throne room cleared. Heavy doors closed shut and locked into place. The remaining guards and servants in the throne room slowly vanished until the large chamber was sealed.
Edric sat on the stone steps, drinking in their remaining guests. Sonja, Lance, Renner, Vass, Thorrin, Juna, Vanya and Skalor remained along with Rayna, Faye, Lunatina, Dumadin and Sekka. The sudden silence was deafening as everyone took the moment to relax.
“Good speech,” Lance smiled.
“I came up with it on the fly,” Edric returned the white knight’s smile.
The summoner’s gaze lowered to the floor. “I don’t know how to thank you for coming to our aid.”
“No thanks needed,” Sonja smiled. “We came to find a friend and found so much more.”
Edric looked up to the blue-eyed knight. “I still can’t believe you’re all here. You guys are legends.”
Lance and Sonja kept their smiles as Renner stepped next to them.
“You’re damn right we’re heroes!” the rogue laughed.
Faye cracked a smile while crossing her arms. Rayna stared at Renner with starry eyes. The mood took a pleasant turn and Edric found it infectious. He couldn’t believe the stories but now, in their presence, it felt to real.
“Not to brag, but my part turned the tide,” Renner said with faux elegance.
“With my help,” Lunatina coughed.
Eyes turned to the jester and she simply bowed. Edric’s brow rose as he had some of the details but not all.
Sonja and Lance looked to Lunatina and then to Renner.
“You knew where Jayson was all this time?” the knights said in unison.
Renner’s face melted into a sideways glance and threw his hands up, “Now, let’s be calm about this.”
Sonja’s fingers curled into fists. The blue knight nearly charged the rogue when Lance stepped up and pressed his hand to her chest. The burning need to pummel the rogue flared in the blue knight’s eyes as she struggled against Lance’s hold.
“He dropped off the face of the earth months ago! Tell us everything!” Sonja demanded.
Renner let his hands fall to his sides, “He wanted to keep it a secret so no one would worry.”
The gathered group was attentive as the rogue puffed out his chest and began to explain what had transpired after Jason’s persona left and the player created Jinn.
“Jayson…erm…Jinn came to me with a plan to help turn the tide of the war. Since the Long Night, I had acquired the Star of Sormir. Jinn thought we could put it to use to aid in dealing the trolls and dread lords a deadly blow.”
“We acquired the Star of Sormir,” Vass and Thorrin stated in a low voice.
“Like I said, we acquired,” Renner said without looking back. “Jinn knew if we could get the Sormir on our side, the trolls and dread lords wouldn’t have a chance. The problem we had to overcome was the sea serpent’s insanity.”
Lunatina stepped forward, “That is where I come in. Jinn found me i
n Valtis and we discussed using my potions to help the Sormir overcome their madness.”
Rayna looked to the black and purple jester, “How?”
Black lips curved into a knowing smile. “My former lord in the Middle Kingdoms was quite insane. I managed to keep him lucid with my potions for years until he met his fate at the hands of Master Ulkur. Jinn thought my potion could be used again. I fine-tuned it for the Sormir. Renner and Jinn used the Star to summon them and Jinn laid out the agreement.”
“The Sormir were very interested,” Renner grinned. “They sampled the potion and it spread to all of them through their hive mind. For a long moment, they were free of their madness. They made a secret agreement to aid when called upon. The only thing they would not do is exterminate an entire race, only disrupt their armies.”
Vass stepped to Renner’s side, “Jinn wanted to save it for the time when the dread lords and trolls advanced on everyone. He needed to keep it secret to ensure we could pull it off when the time came.”
“And we did it,” Renner laughed. “Ravens and my sources informed me that the Sormir devastated the troll and undead forces. Valtis’ defenders chased what was left of the enemy legions. With so many troll forces destroyed, it will take years for them to recover to their full strength.”
Sonja and Lance stood at attention, a warm smile blooming between them.
“The war is over,” the white knight said simply.
Juna’s eyes lowered, her heart thudding in her chest. The half-troll stepped into the middle of the group. Eyes turned to her as she faced Edric, shadows covering her eyes.
“The war isn’t over. I have to tell you all what happened when Dread Lord Wormwood shot me down from the sky…”
The mystical half-troll gave every detail of her encounter. She told them of the dread lord’s intentions. She spoke of the consequences if she was not captured or surrendered. Fingernails dug into palms as she informed the gathered heroes of what was to come next, a march of the enemy on the Cursed Coast and stealing away her mother so they could use her in their plans.
Edric stared as the pain coiled at the edges of Juna’s eyes. He witnessed it twist her spirit as she fought it back down so she could finish the events she endured. The player stood up and stepped to the half-troll, warmth in his eyes. Juna looked to the summoner, sadness clouding her dark eyes.
“You are not only our friend but you fought to keep the people of Elora safe. I think it’s safe to say, we will do everything we can to make sure the Dread Lords never lay a single finger on your mother.”
Faye and Rayna moved to either side of Edric, nodding in agreement.
“You don’t have to do that,” Juna said with a shy grin and a tear rolling down her cheek. “I must prepare for my journey to the Cursed Coast. Thank you for giving me a home for a while but I could never ask you to endanger yourselves for me and my family.”
“You are part of our family,” Faye said.
“We kicked their asses and we can do it again,” Rayna smiled.
“We could never forgive ourselves if you left without us,” Sonja said as she stepped closer.
“We are your true family,” Lance said with a bright smile.
Renner and Vass remained quiet.
Thorrin stepped forward, “Any chance to end the Dread Lord menace and I’m there.”
A loud sob filled the throne room. All eyes turned to Lunatina as her shoulders shuddered and she let out another loud sob. Pulling out a long handkerchief from a hidden pocket, she dabbed the corners of her eyes and sobbed louder.
“It’s so beautiful…” The jester sniffed.
Juna bowed her head, “Everyone, thank you.”
“Aye, I hate to break up this touching moment but the Cursed Coast is months away,” Dumadin stated. “Even on horseback, it will take a very long time to get there. The dread lords and trolls have access to portals.”
Edric nodded. “We can build the Wyvern Towers. It will take about a week to construct and a few days for the wyverns to reach maturity. With Ralis’s help, we can have flying mounts rather quickly.”
“It still leaves us the problem of getting there. I’m sure flying will be quicker but we are still looking at weeks,” said Faye.
“I believe I can help,” Sekka said as she stepped closer.
The group watched as Sekka’s body morphed and shifted before their eyes. The scantily clad succubus’s body changed, a fine robe blanketing her. Eyes glowed green as hair turned jet black. The rulers of Elora gazed upon Lyndra as she glowed with pale skin and a small smile.
“I am using Sekka’s body to project my form,” Lyndra stated. “It will make the conversation easier instead of simply using her voice.”
Edric bowed his head, “We saw what you did on the battlefield, having your people cave in traps for the enemy. We appreciate the help.”
Lyndra bowed her head, “It was the least we could do to ensure our continued friendship.”
Lyndra continued to speak, gently turning and making sure she made eye contact with everyone in turn, “As you may know, my people comprise of kobolds and dark elves. Dark elves were one of the few races to rediscover the power of the mystical portals. I just so happen to have a few that can build a portal for the kingdom of Elora.”
The image of the dungeon core turned her eyes on Edric, Faye and Rayna, “I can dispatch my dark elves to build the portal if we can reach a new agreement.”
Edric glanced to Faye and Rayna.
Lyndra let out a haughty laugh before centering her eyes on the three rulers. “Nothing too outrageous, I assure you. Since the war is far from over, our continued survival depends on the bonds we maintain. The trolls may not attack again but the undead outnumber the living by a large margin. One dread lord could raise an army with the snap of their fingers.
“I propose the Kingdom of Elora allow my dungeon core to reside under the city and allow my people to mingle with your citizens. With our combined power, we can repel any attack and ensure the continued propensity of our people.”
Edric felt the invisible hand of politics taking advantage of the current state of affairs. Lyndra made sure to assist to endear herself to the kingdom. The summoner could see that she most likely already planned to help so she could push her agenda. Edric didn’t get mad like he thought he would. The dungeon core was shrewd in her planning and took every available advantage. The player couldn’t help but feel impressed.
“If my fellow rulers agree, we will accept the new agreement,” Edric smiled.
Rayna and Faye looked to each other and then to Edric.
The summoner turned to them, confidence glowing. “We need that portal to help Juna. I think if Lyndra meant us ill will, she would have done it already.”
“She is a little crazy,” Rayna smirked. “But that makes her fun.”
“At least she will be closer and we can keep an eye on her,” Faye nodded. “But Claudia can’t agree until she resurrects.”
“I’m sure she’ll understand once she is updated with all of this new information,” Rayna said.
“Then we all agree?”
Faye and Rayna nodded.
Edric turned to Lyndra, “We have an accord.”
“Excellent,” Lyndra smiled. “I’ll have my people meet with your people. It will take a few days to get my dungeon organized but my core will be under your city in no time. Sekka will handle the details. Such exciting times, don’t you think?”
Lyndra turned her eyes to the blonde paladin and gave him a wink, “Come see me when I move in. As I’ve said, there is no succulent fruit like a holy man on his knees.”
Thorrin’s brow rose as Lyndra turned away. Lyndra melted away and Sekka stood in her scantily clad body. The succubus turned around and bowed, eyes glancing to the paladin and licking her lips.
Edric nodded as he faced the group, now gathered. Everyone held a light in their eyes, knowing what they were about to embark on. Juna gazed on Edric, her heart beating with hope. The
glow was felt by everyone but Edric. The summoner tried to chase away the pain crawling back into his heart. When he looked to Juna, it faded slightly, knowing they were going to help her reunite with her family and possibly end the war for good. The player clung to that shred of hope, anything to chase away the darkness in his heart.
“Let’s get to work,” Edric mustered a smile as a sliver of pain stabbed at him, again and again.
Seventeen
The wind picked up as a small group moved through the northern gate of Elora. Edric looked up see the gate barely held together with splintered wood and damaged iron bands. The city had taken a beating and Edric was thankful for the help when it arrived last night. Had they fought any longer, the city would have been overrun. The summoner turned his gaze back to the road and walked on, leading the small group.
Rayna, Leeta, Faye, Juna, Thalia, Ralis, Lance and Sonja followed the summoner. In the distance, the grape and wine farms stood. Edric knew it was only a matter of time before people returned to their farms. Everyone was thankful the northern farms and mines were untouched during the battle since most of the fighting was to the south.
Edric reached about a hundred feet from the southern gate and stopped. The rest of the group stopped with him. The summoner stepped off the dirt road to the west, hand calling up a 2d screen. Flicking a finger across the moving screen, the player searched for the schematic they all needed. When it appeared, the player tapped it a few times.
The ground vibrated as earth elementals rose. The group gathered at Edric’s side as the elementals began shaping stone and mortar. Five elementals began working, piling on stone and shaping it to specifications. A ring formed and soon began to raise, layer after layer. Edric looked down at the 2D screen, seeing the timer.
Ralis stepped to the summoner’s side, eyes on the growing tower. “Construction won’t take too long but it will take time for wyverns to come and roost. Once a pregnant female arrives, it will take about a week for the young to grow to full size and a day to tame them. Once they are tamed, you can ride them.”