by Eden Redd
Many townsfolk moved close to the mayor and Kavan. Small congratulations filled the air. Kavan nodded as Durzol, Tezzi, and Raine touched his shoulder in solidarity.
Gained 1 degree in Social Skill! Social Skill is now 3rd degree, Above Average.
Kavan smiled politely as many congratulated him and a murmur filled the tavern.
“We will need to improve your fighting skills if we are going to protect the whole town,” Viz mentioned.
If the challenge was easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing.
“Normally I would agree, but what happens if we find a way back home?”
Kavan looked at the many varied people of Moonvale and his heart warmed. It had only been a few days and yet, the town felt more like home than Earth ever could.
I’m not sure that is an option anymore. Let’s just see how far this goes.
Viz was silent for a moment before her voice filled Kavan’s thoughts again.
“Kavan, pieces of data continue to appear to me. One of them was very interesting. When a player joins Monstar Saga, their minds are scanned to see which best gaming archetypes fit a player for a better gaming experience.”
What did my scan say about me?
“Ambitious, family oriented, creative, and a survivor.”
Sounds like those traits are a right fit for this place.
“Those were the positive traits. Would you want to hear the negative ones?”
Kavan’s small smile faded away. He looked to the side as swirls of distant shadows tapped at his psyche and his heart.
Viz continued, “Let me preface it with, I hold no personal feelings whatsoever to any positive and negative traits you or any player may have. It is from a clinical aspect to help tailor the gaming experience in your favor. I don’t know how well it translates to this world, but it helps balance your outlook and decision-making processes.”
Kavan shook his head slightly.
We don’t have to go over them at this moment. I know my demons.
“Understood, but if you need to talk, I’m always here. Part of my duties is counseling players. Not everyone is focused on games all the time. Sometimes, life can be difficult and players need someone to speak to.”
Kavan nodded to himself.
Mayor Sunaxe cleared his throat and addressed everyone in the tavern, “People of Moonvale, we still don’t know about the monster that has arrived. It is much too dangerous to go to our homes alone for the evening, especially those who live beyond the walls. It would be much safer if we stayed together until morning.”
Shegga spoke up, “Mayor, not everyone is here tonight. What about the other residents?”
The mayor nodded. “Durzol and I will check in on the residents that didn’t come out tonight.”
Rujin stood up from his seat, “The inn is empty at the moment. I will volunteer it for the night.”
Mayor Sunaxe looked over to the troll, smiled and bowed his head. “I will check the budget and see if we can compensate you from the emergency fund.”
“Thank you, mayor,” Rujin bowed his head.
“I will assist with helping everyone settle in,” Kazko added and punched his brother in the shoulder.
“It is welcomed,” Mayor Sunaxe said before turning his attention to Kavan, “Lord Cynder, can you stay with everyone at the inn for their protection?”
“I should go with you and Durzol,” Kavan said.
Durzol spoke up with a smile, “No need. We know the town and residents very well. We can do it quickly and return to the inn to report in.”
Mayor Sunaxe nodded. “The inn will need to be defended if the monster still lurks along the streets. I, and many others here, would feel safer with a warrior staying with them.”
Kavan nodded.
“Let’s begin,” the older orc said with confidence.
The townsfolk began moving for the entrance door. Mayor Sunaxe opened the door, stepped out and held it open as many residents exited the tavern.
Inside, Rujin and Kazko stepped behind the bar and began gathering bottles and supplies.
Kavan was about to step to the door to help when Zellee glided over and touched his torn shirt with pale fingers.
“The shirt can be mended, but the important question is are you okay?” Zellee said with a warm smile.
“Natural regeneration is already healing away any bumps or bruises I may have. Thank you for asking,” Kavan said with a small smile.
Zellee slowly blinked. “I never saw anyone get in between a fight with the Hearth brothers. Most of the time, everyone stands back and lets them fight until they’re both exhausted.”
“It was an odd situation,” Kavan said in a low tone.
Zellee lowered herself down a little and leaned closer to Kavan’s ear. “The way you fought and defended Onka, makes me think there is more than dragon fire in your blood. I know a follower of Vala when I see one.”
Kavan lifted a boney eye ridge.
“Vala is the Goddess of Lust and Love. She is part of the Monstar Saga pantheon. I didn’t know she was real.”
Zellee continued with a whisper, “We don’t have to speak about the forbidden or dead deities here, but if you do want to talk, come to my shop, alone, and we can talk while I repair your shirt.”
Kavan watched in silence as Zellee pulled back with a sultry gaze. Her entire body turned and spider legs clicked along the floor. She joined the crowd exiting the tavern.
Almost everyone was through the door and in the street. Rujin and Kazko hefted satchels of holding to their shoulders and began moving toward the door. Kavan was about to join them when fingers touched the back of his scaled hand. Kavan turned his attention down to Onka’s wide smile.
“By the dirty forest, watching you fight set my blood on fire,” the beautiful goblin grinned.
Kavan shook his head. “That wasn’t my intention.”
Onka licked her lips. “I don’t care.”
The dragonkin blinked as the goblin was clearly eyeing him like a piece of meat on display.
“How about we get to the inn with everyone else?” Kavan smirked.
Onka simply nodded, her eyes not blinking.
The dragonkin and goblin stepped toward the door, side by side. Kavan glanced over his shoulder to see Brom still seated at the back of the tavern, staring at the wall. The dragonkin slowed his step and Onka looked up to him. She followed his gaze to the old man in the back and shook her head.
“Brom will be fine. If no monster could kill him when he was here alone for so many years, I doubt that thing from before could,” Onka said plainly.
Kavan gave the lich a long look before nodding and turning toward the door.
The dragonkin and goblin were last onto the street. Town residents marched into the Blue Lantern Inn, the mayor and his son waving them in.
The cool night air flowed through the area, soothing the tension in Kavan’s shoulders. It didn’t completely wash it away, his ears still listening for any hint of whatever the creature was.
Dragonkin and goblin were last to climb the small steps to the inn entrance. Mayor Sunaxe patted Kavan’s shoulder as they walked in. Kavan looked over to the older orc with a smile. An unsaid moment of deep gratitude passed between them.
The mayor and Durzol stepped back toward the cobblestone street as the front door closed.
Kavan’s hand clenched, wanting to go with them to make sure they were okay. When he looked at the main room of the inn, his fist relaxed. The Hearth brothers set about tending to the many guests for the night. Rujin organized rooms for each resident while Kazko prepared drinks by a large table. The air held an edge of excitement, many taking drinks and talking about the wild evening.
The ogre, Glem, snatched up a full bottle of liquor and drank from it. The priest and priestess tended to him, trying to coax him down from drinking too much. It was apparent the large ogre was stressed and trying desperately to ease his frayed nerves.
Nava, the siren, and Tezzi, toasted with
their drinks as they talked with hints of laughter. Healer Soki helped Rujin organize people, while Ammi drank from a glass of water. Shegga pointed to her empty cup and Kazko barked out a cheery laugh before filling her cup again. Lorta, the fellow farmer, was already climbing the stairs to the second floor. The troll glanced at the entrance with cool eyes and nodded to Kavan.
Zellee took a drink and crawled to the stairs. She glanced at Kavan and Onka with a smile before her spider legs delicately climbed the stairs to the second floor.
Kavan scratched at the scales at the back of his neck. The mood was more relaxed and took on an almost party-like atmosphere.
“We should get our rooms,” Onka said plainly.
“Go ahead. I think I will stay down here and wait for Kogan and Durzol.”
Onka nodded and left his side.
Kavan moved to the side of the room and stood, the heaviness of recent events weighing on him. He mentally cleared his mind as the main room began to thin, many residents taking their drinks with them to the stairs and climbing them to the second-floor rooms. It didn’t take long before only the dragonkin and the Hearth brothers were the only ones left in the main room.
Rujin sat down in one chair. Kazko sat in another, leaned back and pressed his palms to his closed eyes. Kavan stepped over to them.
“No screams. I think the monster moved on,” Kazko said with his hands over his eyes.
“Or it's still hunting,” Rujin added with a tired gaze.
Kavan approached and took a seat beside the brothers. Neither one moved. They simply sat. A gloomy mood filled the air as all three continued to listen for any screams or sounds of violence.
“Is the inn the safest place in Moonvale?” Kavan asked.
Rujin looked over with a small smile and shook his head. “No place is a safe haven. Too many empty homes and buildings.”
Kazko spoke up, “The church has a strong foundation. It’s also made of stone, unlike many of the stone and wood homes in town. During very bad storms, everyone knows to go to the church. The stained-glass has been replaced many times. Glem does amazing work. It’s why the priest and priestess help watch over him. The ogre is gifted, I’ll give him that, but he is a bit skittish and sensitive at times.”
Kavan eyed the brothers, “How often do monster attacks happen?”
Kazko pulled his hands away from his eyes and lifted his head. Rujin kept his attention on the dragonkin with understanding eyes.
“It depends,” Rujin began. “We’ve had attacks every other month, some years and other years, barely one or two.”
Kazko nodded. “We’ve had a few large monsters try to break down the town walls. The walls are very sturdy. Most monsters get bored and wander off.”
Rujin continued, “There used to be a larger population here, but over the years, it's dwindled down to most of the residents you met tonight. There used to be a few warriors, but the work was often more than the pay. If they started a family, they were quick to move on.”
“I’ve noticed there are no children here,” Kavan said.
The Hearth brothers nodded in unison.
“No one wants to raise a family on the outskirts of civilization. Most make their way north, to Loduss. It’s safer there,” Kazko explained.
Rujin looked down, “But you must worship the dragon gods in exchange for such safety.”
Kavan kept his watchful eyes on the two trolls. Their expressions filled with a dark knowing, as if the weight would drag them down further.
The dragonkin sat forward with scaly elbows on knees. The crackle of the hearth filled the small silence between the three of them.
Rujin broke the quiet moment and started speaking, “You’ve heard what happened to the hudenns and elves. They went mad when the dragons stormed the heavens and underworld. Our ancestors witnessed the events here on Voldor and wrote it down in great detail.”
Kazko sighed. “There are many books filled with those events. Storms covered much of Voldor for months, as if the very world would rip apart. But, before that time, there was a short period where every hudenn and elf turned into stark, raving monsters. They attacked each other without cause. Families slew each other, from child to elder. When they finished their grizzly work, they rushed out into the streets to kill neighbors, friends and strangers.”
Rujin continued, “The elves were a little more protected against the madness, but it gnawed at them. It simply took longer for them to turn on each other. The stronger elves knew to escape and hide themselves. Many others were not. Some were found endlessly weeping. Others turned primal or feral, rushing to their deaths in the deep forests. It was a time of great sorrow, blood, and pain. Most other races were so confused at the events, not many took advantage. The powerful hudenn and elf races were nearly wiped out.
“When the storms faded from the skies, dragonkin emissaries emerged from the spire cities and spread the word of the new pantheon. The old gods were replaced with dragons.”
“How did the world take it?” Kavan asked with curious eyes.
Kazko smiled. “They loved it. Hudenns and elves were the ruling races of our world. Now that they were gone or in hiding, the rest of us had a chance to change the world. All that had to be done was accept the new dragon gods.”
Rujin sat back in his chair, “But it’s never as easy as it sounds. Many races wanted to worship the old gods. Those too stubborn to change were slain. After a time, the new terrible power of the dragonkin reached many places and worship of the dragon gods was welcomed.
“Kingdoms were also told they could never become too powerful, or face the wrath of the very gods. The dwarves ignored them and tried to establish a new order. They were quickly defeated by the dragonkin and forced into slavery.”
Kazko nodded. “What happened to the dwarves scared the hundreds of kingdoms into servitude.
“For a time, life was manageable. The many races thought the dragonkin would rule in place of the hudenn and elves. Many authors wrote about the dawn of a new age. Such a dream never came to pass.”
Rujin continued, “The dragonkin had no desire to rule. They spread the word of the new gods and stopped any one race or kingdom from becoming too powerful. After all of that, they retreated back to their cities and watched Voldor from their spires. They left us to lead our small lives and never become too powerful.”
Kavan rubbed his scaled jaw. “Considering what has happened, I’m surprised by how many residents of Moonvale are so accepting of me being here. Shouldn’t I be hated and reviled?”
Rujin and Kazko chuckled.
“Those events happened thousands of years ago,” Rujin smiled.
“The many races have blended together over the thousands of years. While it is true, many of us haven’t seen a dragonkin in the flesh, you are not at all what we expected,” Kazko grinned.
“You are different,” Rujin mirrored his brother’s grin. “Many of us have discussed it at length, but you seem very new to Voldor. You’ve been kind, respectful, and attentive. Nothing like what has been written about the dragonkin from the past.
“Dragonkin do occasionally leave the spire cities for their own reasons and they are seen from time to time, but when we first met you, you appeared lost. I told Healer Soki about your accident and she informed the mayor and others that sharp blows to the head can cause befuddlement.”
“We assume you will regain your memories at some point. Until then, you are part of our town,” Kazko said.
Rujin nodded.
Kavan sat back, information swirling along his mind. It weighed heavy on his spirit, but did not dim how he felt about being there. Voldor lost to a dragon power. The very deities were slain or cast out and replaced with dragon gods. A place where any race can live, as long as they worshipped the new gods and didn’t grow too powerful.
If that isn’t another kind of slavery, I’ll eat my scaled foot.
Kavan eyed the two brothers as his thoughts simmered. “What happens to anyone who doesn’t w
orship the new gods?”
Shadows lengthened around Rujin and Kazko’s eyes. The brothers parted their dark blue lips to respond, when the front door to the inn opened. All heads lifted up and turned to see Mayor Sunaxe and Durzol step in. The orcs closed and locked the door behind them before making their way to the center of the room.
“The streets are clear of any monsters as far as we can see. We checked in on a few residents and they heard the screeches and barricaded themselves into their homes. All are accounted for,” the mayor said.
“Even Hynrik was safely on his farm,” Durzol added with a droll edge.
“All we can do now is wait for morning. Nocturnal monsters rarely stay when the sun rises. With any luck, it will move on and not return,” Mayor Sunaxe smiled before looking at Kazko. “I think some drinks are needed for the nerves?”
The troll stood up with a wide grin. “Of course, mayor.”
The next few moments were the mayor and Durzol pulling chairs closer in and Kazko mixing drinks. Once they were finished, he brought them over and put one in each outstretched hand.
Kavan sipped his drink and liked the warmth along his tongue and down his throat. He noticed the mayor and Rujin coughing a little. Durzol seemed unaffected.
“Strong,” Mayor Sunaxe coughed and grunted.
Kazko nodded. “You wanted something for the nerves. After that drink, you won’t feel your nerves.”
The room took on fuzzy edges as Kavan relaxed. Small talk filled the air as he sat at the edge of a circle of chairs. Mayor Sunaxe talked about town business. Durzol nodded and drank. Rujin and Kazko listened to the mayor part of the time before falling into brotherly banter and teasing.
The excitement of the evening began to wear off and Kavan slowly blinked. The haziness grew and the dragonkin didn’t notice as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Darkness surrounded Kavan. He stood in inch-deep water. It was still as he stared at nothing.
The water rippled to the side and something big moved just at the edge of the darkness. Kavan turned his head to see what it was, his gaze unable to penetrate the inky shadows. When a large, taloned foot stepped into view and a deep growl filled the air, Kavan took a stance, ready to fight.
