by Rick Ellrod
1. We must carry out our orders and bring you back to the King.
2. We will put aside the King’s commands and join you.
A chorus of overlapping voices came over the audio link. “Freedom!” shouted Archonis theatrically.
“Joining the princess does sound like our best course.” Rogann’s voice was judicious.
“Of course we’ll lose our reputation with the king’s faction.” Pendragen was playing devil’s advocate.
“We’re getting pretty clear clues for where the right side is, though.” Dana raised her voice. “I’m for Aurelie.”
“That’s good enough for me.” Jeff thumped the table for emphasis.
“Let her make her own choice!” called Evanesce. Jeff grinned.
“I’m in,” said Meretreia.
Pendragen clicked option two.
Around them the aes sidhe and the human retainers burst into cheers. Lilting triumphal music began to play. One of the elves stepped forward to tell the princess, “You will lead us to a great victory!”
****
As the non-player characters began to celebrate the conversion of the newcomers, Jeff messaged Pendragen privately. Looks like our absentee problem is resolved, Kirk.
At least for the moment. We may want to stay closer in touch with both Ev and Rogann for a while. Thanks for taking that on!
Happy to do it. And honored.
Pass on my thanks to Rosmara, too, next time you get a chance.
Jeff smiled. The moment we’re done here. He was far more eager to go offline now than he had ever been to join the game.
Pendragen’s deep chuckle rumbled over the voice link, buried in the general background noise and chatter. He sounded pleased, but not especially surprised. Jeff sent, You set this up, didn’t you?
You and Dana seemed to hit it off online. I knew you lived near each other, and you were the closest guild members to Garth and Renee. I thought it might be interesting if you also met in person. :-)
Jeff had to laugh. Well, I owe you some thanks as well, then.
My pleasure!
****
Jeff shut his laptop with a conclusive click. He turned in his chair where they sat side by side at Dana’s dining room table, and smiled into her dancing brown eyes. They slid together for a satisfying kiss. Her arms around his neck, she hooked her legs over his, and he pulled her onto his lap.
The next kiss was much more than satisfying. When they finally broke, he nuzzled her neck, then kissed his way to well south of her collarbone. Dana gazed down at her scooped crimson top, and her eyes crinkled. “Sometimes it’s better not to be too well-armored.”
He lifted his head and grinned. “Time for post-game debriefing?”
She laughed out loud and shoved him in the side with her knee, not too hard. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll see what develops.”
Jeff grinned. “A new quest!”
“Accepted!”
A word about the author…
Rick Ellrod (Frederick E. Ellrod III) has been a storyteller, and a lover of stories, from childhood. He has two short stories in print and is submitting a science fiction novel called House of Stars for publication. He is also an amateur musician with more enthusiasm than talent.
Rick graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude in 1986 and holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston University (1979). He is a member of the Washington Science Fiction Association (WSFA). Visit his Web site at http://RickEllrod.com.
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