The poll closed down as everyone had voted, from across Emerilia and even those who were on Earth. Looking at the 95% result, Josh smiled.
“Well, seems that we will be putting a bid in on those golden-plated bozo’s place.” Josh smiled.
The others smiled and gave a lighthearted cheer.
Josh had already sorted out the details with Cassie. The Golden Sabres were leaving to return to Opheir’s capital city, Nadorf. They had some housecleaning to do, but Giles knew it wasn’t the last they would see of the other guild.
Chapter 3: To the Ends of the Earth, and Beyond
Suzy Markell pushed herself off the Altar of Rebirth. She looked at her starter gear and the meager funds she had. However, she dismissed all of the extra information and pulled up her map.
She was in the city of Omal, exactly where she wanted to be. Her destination lay to the northeast, in a small village called Cliff-Hill.
She hadn’t cared to pay attention to her character during creation; she had one job and she didn’t care what her body looked like in here. However, it looked like she’d gotten lucky. She had been assigned a High Elf avatar. It was a bit taller than her normal height but she didn’t seem to have any issue in moving around. Her features were the same except for the pointed ears, which complemented her face instead of contrasted against it. She’d always prided herself on her appearance. It had made more than one meeting turn into a pushover.
“Not bad.” She gave a small smile, approving the avatar the game had formed.
The only person who had looked at her as a real person and not just Austin Zane’s secretary had been Austin Zane himself.
She had been his first hire when he had started mining asteroids. He needed someone to handle his struggles. He had dealt with too many people who were all looks and no brains. The hiring agencies kept on sending pretty people at him without care.
They’d met accidentally. Suzy had gone in to Rock Breakers Corporation, trying to get a floor-level job. She’d seen her ex and trying to hide from her, she’d run in to the bathroom—the men’s bathroom, where Zane was sitting on the bathroom sink, trying to figure out how to manage meetings with NASA, investors, a few groups of lawyers, and still keep his own work on schedule.
They’d got to talking and he’d offered her a job. She’d made a quip about him offering a girl a job in a bathroom.
He replied with another about her sneaking into the men’s bathroom.
She hadn’t been the best at her job in the beginning but she was determined to do her best. Zane was a man getting choked out by what he had made to be a stepping-stone for Humanity to the stars.
She saw the dreamer behind those eyes and she wanted in on that.
There were multiple rumors that they were sleeping together and although Suzy did think the man needed to get laid, she didn’t swing that way. She was more interested in the fairer sex.
They weren’t just coworkers—they were friends. After a while, they became each other’s only friends. It was hard for them both but they had each other.
Her face hardened as she remembered what had changed over the last two months.
Austin had started to make passes at her. She had never advertised she liked women; Austin had still figured it out but didn’t care one way or another. Although her parents had ostracized her, Austin accepted her.
However, he started making passes and doing all kinds of things that were out of character for him.
It’s like there’s an imposter in his body. Most people don’t notice it but I’ve known him better than anyone these past fifteen years. Something is wrong and it began when he started playing that video game.
That thought drove her to look into his gaming habits more. It had taken her months before she found anything.
She began thinking it was all in her head until Suzy saw the images coming from a big event happening in Emerilia. She’d been browsing through various feeds; Austin was always interested in games and his addiction had turned into an interest for Suzy.
When she’d been looking at the headliner event for Emerilia, a raid on a place called Boran-al’s Citadel, she’d stopped.
There, standing among the other Players, was Austin. He had a beard but Suzy instantly recognized him. Around him there was an Elven woman, five Dwarves, and two others wearing black and red leather.
She’d surfed and looked on. She hadn’t been able to find the character’s name but she knew it was Austin. She bought a feed subscription and watched the entire battle live. Austin was right next to a shield wall, diverting Dark energies.
Suzy hesitantly looked up and watched Austin at his desk.
Unable to shake it, she’d bought a VR set and ordered Emerilia. As soon as she got home, she booted up the game.
“Now to go and see what the hell is going on.” Suzy walked toward a caravan that had a message floating above it, saying that it was heading for Cliff-Hill.
“Excuse me, could I get a ride to Cliff-Hill? I will pay,” Suzy said.
“One silver,” the Elf in the front seat of the wagon said.
She knew it was a man but there was an effeminate way to his actions that interested her.
Whoever made this game knows how to make characters.
“Very well. What is your name?” Suzy asked, trying to figure out how to give her money to the Elf.
“Wis’Zel. Are you having some trouble there?”
“I don’t know how to access my money,” Suzy admitted.
“Well, us People of Emerilia just think of the amount and it appears in our pockets when we pull it out. With you Players—well, I think you can go to your inventory, hold your hand out and pull out a single silver, or you just shake my hand and the transaction will complete. Us people use that as well—easier than fiddling around with coins all the time.” Wis’Zel shrugged.
“Ahh.” Suzy held out her hand.
Wis’Zel smiled and shook it.
Trade
Wis’Zel will allow you to ride with him to Cliff-Hill for:
1x Silver
Do you accept?
Y/N
“Yes,” Suzy said.
*Chink*
Suzy opened her inventory and she had four gold and nine silver left.
“So, what made you pick a High Elf? Want to be a mage?” Wis’Zel asked as they released hands.
“I just got it randomly generated. I need to check something out,” Suzy said.
Wis’Zel nodded, looking impressed. “Few if any of you Players get anything but plain old Human. Obviously not as good as a Wood Elf.” He smiled. Suzy couldn’t do anything but join in as his eyes sparkled with amusement. “But it will be passable. Jump on up. Let’s get the hell out of Dodge!”
Suzy smiled and walked around the horses, getting up onto the other side of the carriage.
Wis’Zel whistled and the horses moved forward.
“So, what’s your name?” Wis’Zel asked.
“Suzy Markell.”
“Well, it is good to meet you, Suzy. I do like to meet new people. Makes the ride much more enjoyable.” Wis’Zel smiled.
New Passive Skill: Trader
Look at you, just entering Emerilia and already hacking a deal together to get an old Elf to give you a ride! You go, gurrrl!
Level: Novice Level 2
Effect: 7% chance people will give you preferential treatment. 2% better prices with those that see you as friendly.
“The hell?” Suzy said, reading the new skill.
“Hmm?”
“Oh, sorry, just had something pop up. It’s weird,” Suzy said, studying it more.
“Oh, the skills?”
“Yeah.”
Wis’Zel snorted. “Yeah, seems that wherever they come from, something makes a new description for every single one. Emerilia, the land of Demons, portals, and smartass pop-ups.”
Suzy laughed. It had been some time since she had just been able to have a conversation with someone without either her or them t
rying to get something from the other. Small talk didn’t have much of a place when you were the secretary for the CEO of the most profitable company in the world.
“My friends call me Zel.”
“Suzy.” She smiled and sat back. She could understand why Austin enjoyed this game so much. “How long will it take to reach Cliff-Hill?”
“With these roads, a few days,” Zel said.
“Okay.” Suzy settled into her seat. I think I might come and check this place out a bit more, no matter what I find. Austin was right. It is a nice place to go and just be myself.
***
Dave sat with Deia on the wooden love seat he’d made. A fur was draped over them to keep off the chill. Spring was coming but it was slow in showing up.
Dave and Deia were making small talk, while Dave laid down with his head on her knees. Her hands idly moved through his hair as they sipped mulled wine.
“Hello, you two.” Bob appeared near Dave’s feet. With him, there was a girl standing in black clothes that looked too thin and sheer for the early spring weather.
Deia’s eyes quickly assessed the woman. She was dangerous and strong. The two-handed great sword on her back wasn’t just for show. Deia wanted to be angry with Bob for what the lords of Dark and Earth had done but she knew it wasn’t Bob’s fault. She also knew that without Bob and Dave’s help, then their plans might have succeeded.
“Hey, Bob.” Dave made no move to get up.
The other woman smiled at this.
“Bob.” Deia nodded, and then looked to the woman. “Who might you be?”
“I’m Anna. I’ve seen and heard a lot about you, Deia.” Anna closed her eyes and bowed. She was mostly a Human. A tail swished from behind her back and Deia saw two ears twitching on the top of her head. As she opened her eyes, they almost seemed to glow green.
“I have not seen a Beast Kin in many years. I thought that most of them were wiped out centuries ago” Deia said.
“Most of my peo...ancestors were killed off some time ago.” Anna’s tail moved in anger.
“My apologies.” Deia bowed her head.
“Thank you.” Anna smiled.
“You two can come out. I think you might know more about lords and ladies of Affinities,” Dave said.
Deia looked to her left, where Malsour and Induca seemed to appear from the shadows.
Their porch was getting rather crowded and Deia was unsure why Malsour and Induca were there.
“Why would they know more about the Pantheon?” Deia asked.
“Well, they are dragons. Your own Lady of Fire made them.” Dave looked up at her.
“When did you figure this out?” Fire entered Deia’s voice as her eyes flashed.
“Uhh, well, about the time that they came into Cliff-Hill?” Dave tried to shrink into her lap as she stared at him.
“So, for two days?” Her eyes thinned.
“Might have been since they transformed at the citadel?” Dave’s voice sounded rather small.
“Next time, let me know before they show up on our damned porch.” Deia sighed, knowing that it had probably slipped Dave’s mind or he had wanted to be sure before he said anything.
She loved the man, but he was a complete idiot at times.
“Okay.” He smiled up at her, making a kissing motion with his lips.
Any annoyance left her as her eyes softened and she smiled down at his face.
“Now that we’re all here, we can get down to business.” Bob pulled out his pipe. “Chairs, if you will, Dave.”
Chairs appeared, with drinks on their armrests. Bob’s own recliner appeared as the others took their seats.
Deia had several questions for everyone there but if Bob had something to say, it was best to see what it was.
Bob puffed out smoke and looked to everyone there. Anna sat back in her chair, sipping her drink. It seemed that she knew what was already coming. Her expression did not look particularly happy.
“The lords and ladies of the Affinities Pantheon will now be able to create Creatures of Power as well as pick their own champions as they see fit. The one condition is that these new creations must come from their own power,” Bob said.
Deia took in a sharp breath as Malsour growled and Induca took a large swig of her drink.
Dave laid there, unfazed by it all. “Well, that will be a pain in the ass,” Dave said.
“Indeed,” Bob said.
“I didn’t know that you had magical creatures,” Malsour said, looking to Anna.
“Oh, I’m not a magical construct like you two. I started off a lot differently than you. Been around a bit longer too.” Anna looked over the two.
“You are a Demi-wolf. None of the old ones have lived into this generation,” Malsour said.
“There are still a few of them and ughh—Dad, can you just finish what you want to say? I’ve got a lot of work to do. Being in just one body is a pain.”
“Yes, Anna.” Bob pat her hand and gave her a fond look.
She smiled at that.
“You’ve all seen what happens when the lords and ladies of the Pantheon get involved. Boran-al was just a very small show of the Dark Lord and Earth’s power. Hell, the Undead Demon Lord was something that Boran-al came up with from his own Mana. That is one twisted and pissed off Dark Elf.” Bob rolled his eyes. “Now the Pantheon’s powers will be unleashed. Some might use them to help the People of Emerilia; others will use it to hurt them. Nearly all of it will be done in a bid to gain more power. The only two who will probably not be in the whole power bartering business are Fire and myself.”
“Is she going to take champions?” Deia asked.
Bob shrugged. “I haven’t got a clue what she’s going to do. I’ll have a talk with her later. Right now, I came to warn you of what is coming and to pass on my condolences.” Bob’s face softened.
“I might be the one who made this prison but I have come to know my captives well. For it, I am happy, but I am also saddened when I see them taken away. I know that you four made friends and met people you cared for and who died because of the actions of the lords of Affinity. I know that you are sad and upset, but a new dawn will come and Boran-al’s Citadel is just a taste of what is to come.” Bob’s eyes found Deia and Dave.
“If you do not press on, then I fear what will happen to Emerilia after this incarnation. With the Pantheon’s abilities unleashed well before the portals are supposed to start opening, things can only get worse.”
“What happens when the gates open?” Dave asked.
“Think—if you have a species that wants nothing more than to destroy you and everything you hold dear come charging out of a portal, would you not pledge your very soul to the Pantheon to be able to do something against them? Would you make massive devotions of your energy for some spell that the Pantheon is holding on to and could hurt the enemy? To them, those spells are as easy as that.” He snapped his fingers and a flame appeared above his forefinger.
“How much power will they gain if their champions are not only charging into battle, but their magical creatures? People will move their devotions from one lord or lady to another based on their interest and whims. The people might stay constant, but the Players, the people with the largest Mana pools of any group on Emerilia? It’s just a game, and to get a one up on your enemy, you just have to give a bit of Mana away?” Bob snorted, shaking his head.
“Shit,” Dave said, his face grave.
It didn’t sound good to Deia, but surely, they could make it through this all. They had to.
***
Kol used his senses and his constant sensing Touch to see even better than most who still had eyes. It allowed him to see through the smithy, finding Dave and Deia, who kissed each other good-bye. Dave headed for the smithy and Deia headed off for the Stone Raiders’ camp to train.
The losses had been heavy and the battle was the kind of which that hadn’t been seen in hundreds of years.
Kol could see it in his grandson�
�s eyes.
Gurren had been fully healed but losing three of his best friends and fellow shield bearers was bad. Other veterans from the citadel had been pulled together, and Lox had retained command. They were getting to know one another but there was still a tension that came from them replacing those who had been lost.
Kol knew that they would get past this, but he didn’t know how his grandson or any of those who survived would act. He’d seen that the actions at the citadel had not only changed the People of Emerilia, but the Players as well. The Stone Raiders had been kind to the people; now it was as if they, too, were people of the land.
Kol put down the armor he was repairing and walked through the smithy, intercepting Dave before he got his gear. “Come, boy, let us have a talk.” Kol put his hand on Dave’s shoulder.
Dave followed him to a bench that was at the rear of the smithy, overlooking the cliff that surrounded Cliff-Hill on three sides.
“I have an offer for you,” Kol said.
“Oh?” Dave asked.
Kol sighed and faced out over the cliffs. “This is something that has never been offered before by our race. It is something that is part of our very identity and one of our greatest secrets.” Kol paused, letting it sink in.
“The Master Smiths of the Dwarves wish to offer you the opportunity to become a Master Smith.”
“I’ve already broken into the master ranks,” Dave said.
“That is quite something, considering that you have still not learned malachite and gold. Becoming a Dwarven Master Smith is much more than learning how to hammer metal. If you choose to accept this offer, you will learn our secrets. Metal will be your instrument and you will make it sing. Being a master at smithing is an incredible achievement and to do it within the space of a year is incredible, but Dwarf Master Smiths are in a league onto their own. If you truly want to come and understand the complexities of smithing and the art of Anvil and Fire, this is the final step.”
***
Quest: Of Anvil and Fire
Kol has asked if you wish to undergo the training that would turn you into a Dwarven Master Smith.
Benvari Mountains (Emerilia Book 2) Page 3