Raiya- Early Game

by Russell Wilbinski

  “No. But it‘s the truth. From the moment we fought that giant lizard together, you never fail to impress me. You‘re fearless, you‘re smart and I know it hurts to hear, a little scary when you want to be.”

  “Sometimes I ask myself if this is who I am, or if it is just a persona.” She looked around the room, taking in all of its lavish excesses. “My father is the leader of Theseldora and one of the greatest sailors to have ever sailed the seas. You know why they call him the admiral?”

  “I don’t.”

  “He was in charge of the entire free islands fleet when the Central Kingdom came to subjugate us. Sank half their navy in a single engagement. He’s brilliant Skree, in every way. Everyone worships the ground he walks on. It’s almost impossible to live up to, and I don‘t know if I can. Captain Lis might, but me? The real me? I’m scared I’ll never be as good as him.”

  “Do you need to be?”

  “I want to be.”

  Skree didn‘t say anything, letting the words hang in the air. Nothing he could say would convince her. It was something she had to find in herself. He fished in his bag and retrieved another pastry, unwrapping it and taking a bite.

  “My god. These are incredible.” he said, forcing another bite into his already full mouth.

  “I know, right? Now you see why I was ready to throttle you? Or Jury? Or both of you?” she asked, biting into the pasty with a satified moan.

  “What have done?” he asked, staring at the pastry like it was a murder weapon. “Now I know you’ll never forgive me, but at least I’ll have these eclairs.”

  She punched him playfully in the shoulder. “You‘re a real bastard, you know?”

  He nodded, and she leaned back in the chair, eyeing the pastry like a bird of prey. “You will be a fine Captain, Skree.”

  “Does that mean you forgive me?”

  She stuffed the rest into her mouth. “Depends,” She turned to look at him, cheeks bulging, “how many eclairs do you have in that bag of yours?”

  Chapter 38

  The next morning, Skree informed the crew of his decision on the final ship load-out. There were plenty of grumbles, but he had decided and he was the captain, so it was his decision to make. A large ram, square sails, and a large rudder. Mills explained to him that the sails and rudder were easy to come by, but for a proper ram, they needed to head to the Ironworks.

  “You haven’t seen the Ironworks have you?” Mills asked Skree as they walked the streets of Theseldora.

  “Not yet, but the Admiral assures me it’s impressive.” Skree said.

  Mills wagged a finger. “It’s a thing of beauty.”

  “What makes it so impressive?” Skree asked.

  “I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. Besides, we're almost there.”

  Skree shrugged, and they continued to walk down a gravel path leading away from the city proper. As they drew closer, Skree knew why well before they arrive. Thick billows of a black smoke rose high into the sky, and the acrid smell of burnt metal wafted through the trees. He could hear the sounds of hammers on steel and the shouts of men hard at work. They came to a bend in the road and after rounding the corner, Skree got his first look at a Cornerstone building and it left his jaw hanging open.

  Atop a small rise was a massive helmet that looked alive. Fires burned in the eye sockets and smoke poured from vents atop the giant helmet. It looked sinister, and alive. Large double doors, fifteen feet high and half as wide opened to reveal a dozen forges spread out in a half circle surrounding a central stockpile of materials. In front of the stockpile sat a desk, with a small woman who looked up as they approached.

  “Welcome to the Ironworks. Crafter or Customer?” She asked.

  “Customers.” Skree said. The woman raised an eyebrow, wanting further clarification.

  “We’re here to see Ruby about a ram.” Mills added.

  The diminutive flipped through a few pages, running a finger across a few rows of information. “Ruby’s next opening should be in nineteen weeks, barring any issues with her other projects.”

  “Nineteen weeks!” Skree blurted, staring at the woman in disbelief.

  She rechecked the books. “Probably closer to twenty.”

  Mills rested a calming hand on his shoulder. “Easy Skree. Can you tell me which forge she‘s assigned today?”

  The woman looked irritated, but scanned the book again. “She is at forge nine.”

  “Thanks love.” Mills said, pulling Skree away from the desk.

  “Aren’t there other options? We can’t wait five months.” Skree asked, taking in the hustle and bustle of the different forging stations. Above each furnace was a fume hood, like you might see in any kitchen but much, much bigger. Large pipes led up and away from each, transporting the smoke out of the building through the top of the stylized building. On the ground were numbers showing which forge you were searching for. They passed several forges, starting at number twelve and counting down until they reached forge nine.

  Standing before the furnace was a dark-skinned woman with a shaved head, holding an ingot in the flames with a pair of tongs. She had goggles on to protect her eyes, a thick leather apron with a pair of black gloves covering the lower half of her forearms. Beside her were two men, likely apprentices, each holding sledge hammers and pumping billows with their feet.

  “Get ready boys!” she shouted over the roar of the furnace. The men stopped pumping the bellows and moved to stand beside the anvil. Ruby pulled the thick ingot from the coals, revealing a glowing block of metal the size of a brick. She slammed it atop the anvil and the men pounded the ingot in a perfect rhythm, as one sledge landed, the next was winding up.

  Skree watched in awe at the perfect union of efforts between three, as Ruby adjust the ingot after each blow. She had less than a second each time and the hammers smashed the ingot sending showers of sparks up into the air, sucked away by the fume hood. They continued to smash the ingot until it resembled a sword shape. The glowing heat stored in the blade faded and she set the rough metal back in the furnace.

  The men moved from the anvil, pumping the bellows again. Ruby turned, leaving the half-made weapon resting in the coals. She marched over to them, resting her hands on her hips. Skree finally got a good look at her when she pulled the goggles away from her face. She had startling red eyes, giving her an almost demonic appearance. Small tusk-like teeth protruded from her lower jaw, the pearly white contrasting her dark lips.

  Beneath her leather apron, she wore a sleeveless leather vest, exposing her bulging biceps. Skree didn’t doubt the woman could crush rocks with arms like that. “It‘s not polite to stare.” she said, glaring at Skree.

  He shook himself out of his stupor. “Sorry.”

  Mills held up his hands defensively. “Easy Ruby, the poor man has amnesia. Can‘t remember much before a few weeks ago. Besides, how many people in the world have ever met a half-orc?”

  She turned her glare to Mills. “What do you want Mills?”

  “Not even going to say hi?” He asked.

  “I’m a little busy here so out with it.” She said.

  “Fine, fine. We need a ram for a galleon, and you’re the first person I thought to ask.”

  “You realize that I have a waiting list?”

  “I know that. The best smith in Theseldora is always in high demand.”

  “Stop kissing my ass Mills.” she growled. “I don’t have time for a new project.”

  Skree felt his stomach drop at the finality in her words. Mills grinned and stepped closer to the woman. Standing next to Mills smaller frame, she looked like a giant. She towered over him by an easy foot and her biceps were as big as his head.

  “You know I hate to do it, but I need to call in that favor you owe me.” Mills said. Her hand shot forward, grabbing a handful of his shirt, her strong arm lifting him halfway off the ground.

  “You sure you want to do that?” she snarled, bringing her tusked face close to his.

  To Skr
ee‘s surprise, Mills just chuckled, patting her on the shoulders. “I’m sure, otherwise I wouldn‘t havecometosee you!”

  She relaxed her grip and Mills dropped back to the floor. He tugged on his shirt, brushing at the wrinkles cause by her aggressive greeting. She turned away, yanked the half-formed sword from the forge and slammed it on the anvil. Her apprentices rushed over, surprised by her sudden movement. They immediately went to work, smashing the blade repeatedly until the glow faded. She shoved it back in the forge and stomped back to them.

  “I’ll make your ram, on two conditions.” She looked at Skree, ignoring Mills completely.

  “What are your conditions?” Skree asked, meeting her intense red eyes. By the gods, she was intimidating.

  “The Ironworks recently got a shipment of white chromium from Zathikos, and I want to use it for your Ram.”

  “What so special about white chromium?” Skree asked, looking to Mills who shrugged.

  “She’s the smith.” He said, gesturing at Ruby.

  “It’s one of the hardest metals in the world, and white chromium is nearly shatterproof. It’s gorgeous and if I’m making this for you, it has to be beautiful.” She fished in her apron pocket and tossed him a small object. Skree looked down at the chunk of metal in his hand.

  You have found Small Chunk of White Chromium, Rarity: Precious, Quality: Superb, Durability: 80/80. Description: White Chromium is a hard metal, resistant to tarnishing. When blended with other metals, it takes on the characteristics of the blended materials, enhancing them greatly.

  Skree nodded, tossing it back to her. “Sounds good. How much will you need?”

  “Six hundred pounds.” she said matter-of-factly.

  He choked at the amount. “that sounds expensive.”

  Ruby grinned. “It is, but it will be the most impressive ram ever forged, I assure you.”

  Skree sighed. He wanted that ram and if he had to pay to get it, he would. “Consider it done”

  “Excellent.” She said, pounding him on the shoulder.

  He winced at the impact. “And the second condition?” he asked, rubbing at the bruise on his shoulder.

  “I need the Admiral’s approve to work on the Golemheart Forge.” She said, speaking directly to Mills.

  He paled. “Are you out of your mind?”

  “No, I assure you I’m perfectly sane. If you want a masterpiece, this is the price. I have it on good authority that the captain here is friends with the Admiral and his daughter.”

  Mills turned. “Come on Skree, let‘s go.”

  Skree frowned. “Why?”

  “Because she knows the Admiral won‘t allow it. He’s added no one to the list in over a decade.” Mills said angrily.

  “And that‘s why it is one of my conditions. The man has been far too selfish with access to the Golemheart Forge.” She said, pointing to the raised platform at the back of the Ironworks. “It's a wonder of the world and I want access to it.”

  Skree rubbed his face, knowing access might cost more than the Chromium. “I’ll see what I can do, but no guarantee I can make it happen.”

  The massive half-orc woman crossed her arms, staring down at him imperiously. “That’s my price. No Golemheart Forge, no ram.”

  “I’ll do my best. How long will it take to create once you have everything you need?” Skree asked.

  “Three weeks.” She said, needing only a moment to consider it. Skree could tell she knew her profession well.

  He nodded and followed Mills back to the front desk. “We need to put a deposit on six hundred pounds of White Chromium.” Mills said.

  The woman scanned her book. “White Chromium is one gold per pound. The deposit would be half up front.”

  Skree wobbled, his legs going weak at the price. “Six hundred gold!”

  The woman nodded, quill hovering above the book. “Do you wish to reserve it?”

  Skree growled in frustration, glaring at Mills. “Is this worth it?”

  He nodded. “If you can get Ruby what she wants, it will be worth it. But that‘s a big if.”

  Skree looked back to the attendant. “Is the deposit refundable?”

  “Only for three days. If you do not return to cancel or pay the other half, we void your refund.”

  Begrudgingly, he reached into his bag and withdrew the coins, piling them on her desk. She slid the coins into a bag like his. Skree nodded at the bag.

  “Is that a Nearly Bottomless Bag?”

  “No. It is a Truly Bottomless Bag.” she answered, holding it out for his inspection.

  You have found Truly Bottomless Bag, Rarity: Legendary, Quality: Legendary, Durability: 2500/2500. This bag provides unlimited storage space for items and reduces the weight of all contained items by ninety-five percent.

  “Wow.” he whispered, staring at the prompt. It was far more impressive than his Nearly Bottomless Bag, but he was still happy he had one at all.

  “If that‘s all?” she asked, securing the bag under the desk. They turned and left the Ironworks, heading directly for the admiral's office.

  Chapter 39

  “Do you know why I don’t let people use the Golemheart Forge?” The Admiral asked, swirling his snifter of brandy before inhaling deeply. He exhaled with a low moan. “The Gaxons sure know how to make a good brandy.” He sipped slowly, smacking his lips.

  Skree and Mills exchanged a glance. “No, Mills couldn‘t say why.”

  “I mean, I’ve heard different things from people, but rumors are usually just that.”

  “What have you heard?” The admiral asked.

  “Well sir, mostly that you're just a greedy bastard who doesn‘t want to share.”

  The Admiral rolled his eyes and chuckled. “A good theory, but tell me what else they say.”

  Mills glanced around the room conspiratorially. “I’ve heard it kills people who use it.” With a nod, the Admiral signalled for him to elaborate.

  “An old smith told me a story about the old forge master. Late one night, they were working together on a hammer for some ponce in the Central Kingdom. They finished the weapon and when the smith tried to empower it with his mana, the forge drank up all his mana, and then his very life force.” Mills shuddered. “Said it sucked the forge master dry, leaving a dried up husk on the ground.”

  The Admiral sat back in his chair. “Interesting story, but the forge master lived through the event, though he was much reduced. Anyone who uses the forge has access to a staggering list of enchantments, but no way to know if they have enough mana to empower their creation. The forge master attempted to use a mythic level enchant, and it nearly killed him.”

  “How awful.” Skree said. “And that‘s why you stopped allowing the use of the Golemheart Forge?”

  “Mostly. It’s also a pain in the ass. The only way for me to grant access to the Golemheart Forge is to make that person the forge master of the Ironworks, which leads to endless complaints and bickering. Everyone wants to be in charge of my Ironworks and I have little faith in most. Once I pick someone, then the endless parade of people begins, all wanting to replace the newest forge master.” He explained, shooting back the brandy in a single gulp.

  “So let us talk business then. You want a new ram for your ship, and Ruby wants access to the Golemheart forge. Why do you think she wants access?” He asked, scratching at his closely cropped beard. Skree watched him and saw just how much Fenna resembled the man seated across from him. They both had striking cheekbones, and sharp noses. He also had to admit the Admiral was rather handsome in a George Clooney, older gentleman way.

  “Because she wants the prestige of using the forge.” Mills said.

  Skree shook his head in disagreement. “I imagine it’s more than that. I think she wants to create something magnificent, and she believes the Golemheart Forge can improve her work.”

  The Admiral shot him a glance. “You are quiteperceptive Captain Skree. While I’m sure the recognition would be nice, Ruby is an outcast, and pushes
herself to be better than most. The only half-orc in all of Theseldora. She wants to create something that will put her leagues above her peers in the Ironworks.”

  “I can understand her dream.” Skree said. Although he was human, he was still from a different planet, one with technology and a different way of life. He would always be that guy, the one without a past. With no one who could understand what he had lost.

  “Amnesia is quite a thing to deal with. You still haven‘t regained any of your memories?” the Admiral asked.

  “Not really, sir. And I doubt I ever will. I figure it’s best to keep moving forward,and forge new memories.”

  The Admiral shot him a wry smile. “What will you offer me in exchange for elevating her to forge master?”

  “I could offer you gold.” Skree said, even though he was desperate to keep to what he had left. He needed to build a settlement and that would take money.

  “Look around you,” The Admiral said, waving his arms expansively, “I have the finest manor in all of Theseldora, and trust me when I say I already have more wealth than you can imagine. No, a one-time payment would do little to improve the lives of those in my settlement, or mine. What I propose is that you and I, as the leaders of Carvers Bay and Theseldora, engage in a little diplomacy. Your island is probably rich with unclaimed resources, resources I could use to grow Theseldora.”

  “What are you suggesting?” Skree asked, worried by the hungry grin on the Admiral‘s face.

  “That Carvers Bay ally itself with Theseldora. A treaty of cooperation and aid. I want you to join the League of Free Ports.” He said, raising his glass.

  “But why would you want that? We have no ships, no military and no economy. What do you stand to gain?”

  “My boy, you are thinking about today, but not about the future.” he said, leaning forward in his chair. “The Central Kingdom will eventually return and try to quash the free ports once again. When they do, I will call on every available ship, including the Sawbones and those in Carvers Bay to defend our homes. Mutual defense aside, it would help you establish trade relationships with other cities much easier.”