by TJ Reynolds
I closed my eyes and let the sun infuse me. Despite the day’s exertions, I wasn’t sleepy yet. I thought about reviewing my character status or skills, but not much had changed other than another level-up since the action we’d seen in Gilsby.
Then I remembered my good friend Shin. The man had gone from emotional bankruptcy to full scheming mode and had been on a mission ever since. His rapid changes reminded me of what Alysand had gone through. Jeez, and they say women are emotional.
Sure enough, a message from Shin sat in my inbox.
From @ShinToeBro44: “I’ve done it! I’ve done it!!! (Lightning crashes and thunder resounds through an empty stone keep—hope you heard that. Epic visuals there). Okay, so enough theatrics. I have been busy Dahlia. You have no idea. We need to meet up. I’m sending you this at 6:15 AM. Do you get that? I, Shin the gamer, am messaging you before the sun has climbed above a single skyscraper, and to make it all even more unbelievable, I am sending this from a coffee shop off of 4th and Hewitt St! I know, it is hard to believe, but I am breathing unfiltered air right now, exposing my precious lungs to all kinds of foreign bodies. Isn’t it great? Anyway, I have news. When can we hang? Tonight? Let me know. Anytime from 6 PM and after, I’m down. Later!”
To @ShinToeBro44: “You’re nuts man. Seriously, I think you’ve finally cracked. You wouldn’t believe where I am. Just got done flying Air Pachi and am getting cozy with a gnarly patch of grass. Must be a couple of miles up into the mountains too! Tonight sounds good. Let’s shoot for 7:30. Make sure you print me a Mate Latte or the deal’s off…”
I took advantage of my supine position and stretched my legs. There were few things like clutching at a fox-bird-creature while diving towards the ground to make your hamstrings and hip flexors tight. I clicked on my new quest, reviewing its particulars once more. My instructions were vague, and I wanted any kind of clue to help me on my way.
Stop the Rat King Part 3: Epic Quest. Finished with your business in Gilsby and Benham, you are now being sent into the heart of the vast and perilous Sirrushi Mountains. Judas the Herbalist has asked you to complete the following tasks: learn to fly with Pachi, locate the Sirrushi Wyverns, win them over as allies. Status: 1/3 Complete. Rewards: Unknown Items, access to further quests in chain, 8000 XP.
At least I had one thing off the list. Pachi and I were certain to be able to beg, borrow, or steal an alliance with the wyverns, but what scared me the most was near complete lack of clues. We were being sent into the heart of the mountains. Judas had revealed much more of the map for me when we’d been at Carnen’s Rock, but from what I could see, the mountains were seemingly endless.
Well, you couldn’t kill a wyvern with worry, so I got to my feet a few minutes later and finished my trek up to the patch of forest.
It wasn’t much, maybe only a few acres of trees that I hadn’t seen before. They looked like oak trees, but their limbs were leaner and less gnarled. Better yet, though they stood close enough together to make for decent shelter against wind and rain, the canopy allowed in plenty of light because of their unusual leaves.
I couldn’t inspect the plants like I could with monsters, so I decided to name them Silver Oaks because of the pale green leaves that glinted silver in the sun.
Heading in deeper, I heard the unmistakable trickle of running water. A couple minutes later, I found a small but deep stream coursing down from the mountaintop. I had the suspicion that if I followed this further, I might find a waterfall.
I crossed the stream with a leap and headed up to its source. The incline became steeper, and soon the trees opened as a pillar of stone rose up, spanning high into the mountains. The stream ran down its face and I thought of some old giant falling here in grief. How long had it been weeping?
A few dozen feet away, I found something that was even more exciting, a shallow cave that was begging for someone to claim it.
The idea of turning a cave into a shelter always seemed batty to me. I just thought of insects, mold, and pissed-off wildlife. This one, however, was dry and well-lit. It was only about twenty feet deep and ended abruptly. Its floor was chalky, and though a few deer droppings littered the place, it was otherwise unoccupied.
I ran back to Pachi, ideas rushing through my mind. I had around four or five hours until I would log off and hang out with Shin. As I found my friend, licking the gore from her lips, I called her name aloud.
What is it, litter sister? she asked, a flash of humor dancing in her eyes.
I’ve found our home. All I need to do now is cut down a couple trees and get building.
She seemed to take my plan in stride and didn’t even bother to respond as I unloaded our bags, searching for the tools I’d need.
Now, if I could just remember where I’d put the hatchet, my own schemes could begin to unfold.
3: “Two days’ hunger made a fine sauce for anything.”
— Car’a’carn, He Who Comes with the Dawn
MADI
Tejón never got that deer, at least not from me. He did, however, insist that we spent several hours hunting. The following morning found me butt-deep in the brush, flushing out a group of towering elk.
Tejón waited to ambush them as they bounded past his position. I didn’t think he had a chance. No offense, but the bear was as round as he was fierce. But as I charged out, axe held high and a scream in my throat, I saw Tejón explode from a stand of trees. He snapped several of them easily as he ran through, intent on his quarry.
The biggest elk was a male with an impressive rack of antlers. At first, the creature increased its speed, changing its course to veer away from Tejón. But as the bear sprinted toward it, the elk realized it had little chance. In an act as brave as it was stupid, the male turned its antlers to Tejón in defense and even made a mock charge of its own.
Rather than run straight into the bristling weapon, Tejón stopped short and swung his paw around the side of the elk’s head. The impact snapped the poor creature’s neck, ending the fight before it had begun.
It wouldn’t take too long to do that again, Tejón reasoned as we walked side by side, approaching the city of Bridgerun. I am hungry still, and we did not catch a deer as you promised.
I no longer smiled or laughed at his insistence. It had become annoying long ago. I said I’ll buy you a side of beef. Have you had beef before? It is delicious, I promise.
Though mollified, the bear scattered rocks in the road with a series of frustrated chuffs.
I’d taken the antlers. They were too impressive to leave behind. Each was around three feet in length and had eight long points. Any hunter would be proud to show them above their hearth. I was curious how much they might be worth in coin, though.
As we made our way along, I took the time to catch up on a few changes that had occurred in my character since the trow had jumped us. Aside from the obvious gain of reaching Pet Bond Level 1, I found a notification related to that gain. No way! I’d apparently met whatever requirement was necessary to unlock my axe’s hidden ability!
God’s Rib Axe
Quality: Epic
Durability 300/300
250-500 damage
+10 Stamina, +10 Strength, +5% XP gained
Special Ability: Companion Mend Unlocked!
By achieving Pet Bond Level 1 with Tejón the stone bear, you have made amends for the death of Marduk the Mighty. Killing a god, even one that has been twisted with foul magic, always comes with a cost. But your attempts to amend the injuries done to this world have paid off.
Companion Mend (Active): Coax the dormant mana within your companion pet to restore 30% of its total HP over 12 seconds. Cooldown: 15 minutes.
I ran over to fist bump Tejón, but he ignored me. I used the new ability, even though Tejón was uninjured, just to trip him out. I watched as a ball of green and white light leapt from my hand and absorbed into his flank.
As the magic touched him, the bear flinched, then turned back and looked at me. Did you do that? I felt somethi
ng like fire run through me, but it… it felt good.
My laughter made him snort, but I apologized and explained the new ability. He admitted it would let him fight more enemies, and bigger ones, too. From Tejón, that meant he was good and happy.
Next, I checked to see what had changed with Tejón’s skills. He’d used something powerful on the trow, and though I planned on asking him about it, too, I was curious to see what the game would show me.
Mauling Frenzy: A furious series of attacks that can bring nearly any enemy to its knees. Attack damage increased by 50% and attack speed increased by 50% for 10 seconds. All damage received increased by 25%. Cooldown: 10 minutes.
Crown of the Mountain King: Channel the power of Volen and wear a crown of black diamond strong and sharp enough to pierce stone. Diamond growths up to a yard long extend from the bone plates of the stone bear’s head and cheeks. Size of growths increase with subsequent levels. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 1 hour.
Hey! I shouted at my ponderous travel companion, hands on my hips and furious. He slowly turned to look at me. I saw you use the Mauling Frenzy ability back on those unlucky trow. Impressive. But when did you get this Crown of the Mountain King? And why didn’t you tell me?
The bear stared at me, seeming confused at my anger. I chose my affinity, Madi. All powerful beasts end up choosing an affinity. I was given the choice between Ice, Earth, and Water. Earth was the obvious option for me. The god Volen is mighty.
But when did you get to select this affinity? I asked, still upset despite the bear’s right to pick his own path.
Right after we killed the trow. I am excited to use it on our enemies! Enthusiasm filled his words.
I took a deep breath, trying to let it go. Then I added one thing, hoping to get on the same page as this frustrating bear. Can you at least tell me the next time you get to choose a new skill? It’s your call, but if we plan together, we can make a stronger team.
Okay, I can do that, he said, then looked back to the road. Now, can we get going? I want to eat something again soon.
I started walking alongside him again and inspected his affinity, hoping to gain some insight into the path he had taken.
Earth: By choosing the Earth affinity, the stone bear warrior has promised to worship and follow the god Volen. All attacks are enhanced by Earth Damage. Crush, Dust Storm, and Weakness debuffs can be learned as Affinity Level is increased. The Body of Stone skill tree is unlocked.
I had to admit that I probably would have agreed with this choice, but I’d have liked to see the other options at least. Still, the debuffs looked useful, especially Weakness, and the Body of Stone skill tree was already impressive. I agreed with Tejón. It would be awesome to see him try on his black diamond crown for the first time.
We’d left the mountains behind a couple hours ago and descended a series of rolling hills. Compared to the two days we’d traveled through the high passes of the mountains, this part of the journey was easy. Fields of cattle and crops vied for prominence with occasional orchards, and a few placid ponds scattered across the green expanse. If nothing else, I had the notion that Bridgerun might provide us with some fine dining. The variety in a place like Benham or Taelman’s Pond was necessarily limited.
It was the third day since Tejón and I had departed from Benham, and I was looking forward to a proper bed and a long bath. Having a huge stone bear with me made things more complicated, though. I would need to keep an eye out for a very inclusive inn.
As we approached Bridgerun, we crossed the first roiling river before entering the city proper. The bridge was a sturdy thing made of stone, though it was not elaborate in design.
Calling Bridgerun a city was generous, though it dwarfed Benham. A few thousand people lived there, if I had to guess, but the surrounding countryside held many more. Smoke curled up from dozens of hamlets nearby, all of which most likely claimed they were part of the city.
A few travelers gave me sour looks as they saw my companion walking beside me. The road was wide enough for three carts at least, so there was no lack of room. They took advantage of this fact and crossed to the opposite side, ogling Tejón as they did so.
One farmer, hauling a load of turnips into town with his horse, said something about “barbarian trash,” and though I only laughed, Tejón sent a growl his way that made the man blanch.
Easy, boy, I soothed him. None of that. Not everyone will be able to see our beauty for what it is. Besides, soon enough we’ll be surrounded by people. You have to behave, okay? No smashing the little people.
He lifted his nose in the air and continued walking. They should not speak about you like that. But I will not eat anyone unless you say I can.
I patted him on the back and said, That’s great to hear. I’ll make sure we go to the butcher’s stand right away. You can try a few different things to see what you like most.
The bear picked up his pace noticeably and I suppressed a laugh. Food was the way to move this bear.
Proper buildings were the biggest difference between Bridgerun and the other towns I’d been to. Stone and stucco and three-story wooden structures lined the street, growing closer together as we made our way. The second bridge was far grander, and on the far end, a large pair of iron gates stood open, several guards standing watch on either side.
I noted that from the south, the direction Tejón and I had come from, the city would have both bridges as defense points, with the second serving as a place that could hold off a sizable force. A stone tower stood on either side, ringed with parapets where archers could rain death down on any enemy foolish enough to attack the gates.
A man stopped me as I approached. “Sorry miss, but no wild animals are allowed in town. Your, um, friend here is not welcome.”
Tejón swiveled his head and looked at the man, who swallowed hard and looked to me in hopes that I would make all of the bear in his face disappear.
“He is not wild,” I said. “He is a bonded companion. Do you not have Hunter or Beastmaster class travelers here?” I was hoping to find an angle.
His eyebrows rose in surprise. “Your companion? My, well, I suppose that is different. Usually companions are not so…” He struggled for the right word awkwardly.
“Big. Yes, he is big, but has agreed not to eat anything. Not even men he finds annoying.” I finished with a grin.
“Well, okay, that should be fine, then. I’ll need to ask you to register him as your pet companion, though. The fee is 5 silver. The hall of registry is not far away. The big brick building across from the arena.” Even as he finished, the color still refused to return to his face.
“Is there an inn that we can both rest at? Some place more than a hovel but won’t make him sleep in a barn?”
The man nodded excitedly. “Yes, sir, ma’am. Sorry. Yes, ma’am, there is. Called the Rooster’s Head. A bit rowdy, especially on fight nights, but all types are allowed there. They even have special rooms large enough to accommodate companions like yours.”
I pulled 3 gold dragons from my purse and placed them in the man’s hand. “Thank you for your time. Please deliver the proper registration papers there as soon as you can. My name is Madi and this here is Tejón. We are going to the butcher’s stand first, so my friend doesn’t get desperate and eat anyone in town.” I winked.
The man rubbed the gold together and stammered for a response, but instead of waiting, I just patted him on the shoulder and left. No doubt I’d given him a week’s wages or more. Money always had the last word.
As we left the gates behind, a scrawny page ran past us at full speed, his legs a bit too long for his frame. If I had my guess, that was the boy who’d be delivering the paperwork to our room at the Rooster’s Head.
The main street split into Noble Street and Common Street. The elaborate architecture towards Noble Street made it clear that the names carried some truth. I turned down Common Street, hoping we would not stand out quite so aggressively in the eyes of those less fortunate. Be
sides, I wasn’t here to shop for dresses or baubles.
We passed armor and weapon shops, then a few street carts selling sweets or roasted pies. Soon enough we came to an alley that had the distinct coppery smell of blood. A crimson rivulet ran down its middle.
I rubbed Tejón on the shoulder. I believe we’ve found the right spot. Smell that, buddy?
Tejón licked his chops noisily and turned into the alley without encouragement.
The butcher’s shop was open air and, for a place displaying huge portions of animal carcasses, clean and respectful. Lernon’s Meats was hand-painted on a wooden sign that hung above the canopied entrance. I gestured for Tejón to wait a few feet away so as to avoid any undue concern.
A man smiled at me, his teeth flashing with true mirth. He seemed kind, but it was obvious he knew that he was about to make a great deal of coin. “How may I help you, then? You and your friend need some venison? Or is beef your preference?”
I came up and offered my hand. “My name is Madi, and this is Tejón.” I gestured to the bear, whose eyes were trying to show how polite and friendly he could be.
“I’m Lernon. Nice to meet you both. We don’t usually have such robust clientele, but I have the feeling that Tejón and I will become friends soon enough.”
I looked around at the various animals that hung around the shop. Some had been reduced to racks of ribs or quarters. A smile crossed my face and I asked the question Tejón had been nudging me with in my mind over and over. “Can we sample a few before we decide?”
Lernon was more than obliging. He brought over “samples” of different meat: a rack of lamb, a two-pound steak of beef, and an entire pork belly. Tejón sniffed each diligently then ate them in turn.