The Way of the Clan 3 (World of Valdira)

by Dem Mikhaylov

  You got a new level!

  You got a new level! …

  For killing Grim I had gotten six levels. Judging by the screams for joy and excitement emitted by the others, they were also left with a well-deserved award.

  But I wasn’t thinking about levels now.

  It was over.

  Your wish was fulfilled, Grim.

  -- Goodbye… friend— I said dully, looking at the werewolf laying at my feet— Sleep well.

  As if he heard my words, the corpse of the wolf shimmered, was covered in haze, and slowly melted away.

  Bending down, I dipped by hand into cold water covered with ashes and soot. I felt a thick chain with my fingers, coupled with a medallion. Without straightening up to look at the trophy, I threw the chain around my neck and under my coat. I did this quickly as possible, so no one else would have time to consider. So— what else was there?

  Grim’s head… oh shit… Thank all the gods that it did not transform back into a human’s. Dragging the around the severed head of a wolf— that’s still okay. But to do the same with a man’s head— well, I don’t think I would be understood.

  -- This is my quest’s reward, comrades— said I, putting the head away— The assignment is for me only. A one-time quest. So feel free to share the rest in any way. Discuss it— just not now. And this… what’s this?

  From the water appeared a new set of objects— an absolutely clean wolf skin without any markings, a dozen wolf claws, some dozen bottles filled with yellow liquid and a huge wolf’s heart.

  -- Does anyone have any empty flasks? – I asked.

  -- I do— said Bom, looking at the loot in fascination.

  -- I knew you would – I smiled wearily— So, comrades. I got mine. Skins, claws, the bile and the heart you could have amongst yourselves. We will divide it up later, how much is owed and to whom. I got the head and the quest amulet, and so the rest is for you. All this stuff shouldn’t be cheap to sell. Fair?

  -- Fair! – blurted Bom, holding out his trembling hands to take the trophies.

  -- If you think something is unfair— meet tomorrow and discuss everything. Here, at the entrance to the dungeon. Okay?

  -- Agreed! – blurted the girl— But, better today! Remember? The fire, marshmallows, the wine of victory!

  -- Okay— I nodded— Then in two hours at the entrance to the dungeon. I’ll be there.

  -- Your word?

  -- My word— I answered firmly— Don’t invite others. Only ours. We’ll drink wine, chat, and then to sleep! Today was a hard day.

  -- What kind of medal is it? – Cray could not resist, taking a quick glance at my chest.

  -- For the quest— I said with exhaustion, and feigned indifference— Cray, do you happen to have a teleportation scroll?

  -- Why?

  -- Will you lend it to me? – I said— I’ll return it to you in a couple of hours the same. My word.

  -- Well… actually, I also …

  -- Here! – smiled Kaylen, handing me the scroll— I’ll leave with the crystal. Remember! In two hours! And bring some wine!

  -- Agreed— I smiled, and listened close— Hey, do you hear? What is that noise?

  A barely audible sound came to us, most similar to the sound of a distant ocean surf.

  Bom was the first to realize, telling in panic:

  -- Wave! The Proteus ate some fungi! Let’s get outta here! Now!

  -- We’ll make it though— Doc looked at him in surprise— We have crystals.

  -- Yes, but they don’t work next to the wave of Proteus! – shouted the half-orc— United, they distort the environment through magic! What do you think we bought boots for?! For fashion?! Ros! With these trophies in store, I have no right to die! If I die and lose everything, I’ll never forgive myself! Well?!

  Realizing what Bom wanted from me, I quickly blurted out:

  -- Group Dismissed! Let’s port! Fast!

  With a click of the icon I dissolved the group and, waving goodbye to the party members, brought the scroll to my lips and whispered:

  -- Algora.

  I had not gained the required minimum of purple cloaks for the mayor’s job, but the risk of staying here with a werewolf head and a mysterious medallion around my neck… Oh no! I’m not a fool!

  I’ve got to go!

  Well then, Algora, your dark and evil sorcerer who charmed the luscious Lizanna into falling in love with him is coming back to your endless celebration of life.

  And I’m not returning empty-handed!

  Around me spun a tornado, and everything went dark.

  Hello rainbow! Your brightness suits you.

  Flash.

  Transition.

  End of the third book.

  Author's e-mail: demmius314@gmail.com