Vault of the Magi: A LitRPG Adventure (Stonehaven League Book 5)
Page 29
It appeared they would win the first battle, and Devon was determined that would win the war. As she guided her stone defenders through a pincer maneuver, three of the golems trapping a large squad of the demon thralls and massacring them, Devon glanced at her messenger icon. The most recent note from Emerson still sat unanswered, so she pulled it up.
Hey. I’m so sorry. I owed you a response days ago. At first I made the excuse to myself that you’re probably too busy with Stonehaven, but that’s not the real reason. Among other stuff, I’m afraid I let you down on the Zaa thing. I know you weren’t expecting me to be able to change Bradley’s mind, but I still hoped I could.
So, my news is that I did get a chance to log in finally. Played a little bit. I know you said you’re super busy with Stonehaven and the demon stuff right now, and I’ve still got a lot of things to learn. Once Stonehaven’s secure, I’m really looking forward to playing together for fun. So stay in touch.
Oh, yeah.
P.S. Nothing from Owen, I’m afraid. Cynthia would tell us if something was wrong, though, so I imagine he’s just taking his time.
Eyes on the battle, Devon subvocalized a response. “Well, despite Bradley’s efforts to ruin everything by leaving Zaa active, I think Stonehaven is actually safe for now. I’ve got some crazy times ahead, building an army and stuff, and I could really use the excuse to chill out. Maybe track down a few of those tree snakes? Think you can convince the GMs to teleport you to Stonehaven?”
Before she could second-guess herself, she hit send and went back to watching the battle.
***
After a long couple of days and nights spent fighting off the siege, calm finally reigned in Stonehaven on the third morning. Levitating atop the keep, Devon could still spot the bulk of the demon army encamped south of the quarry, the dark mass spreading beyond the horizon. But the barrier seemed to be holding. At night, a wall shimmered faintly above the burned stripe and offered reassurance that the boundary still held. Owen felt it would stand for quite a few days, so it seemed they would have the time to make their preparations.
In the early morning hours, a flock of crows had arrived, their eyes shining with keen intelligence. One had pecked Greel’s head, then worried at the lawyer’s pocket until, exasperated, he had opened it to expose his quill and a small pot of ink. The quill in its beak, the bird had proceeded to pen a note declaring that the society of awakened corvids wished to be first to swear loyalty to Ishildar’s new Keeper.
And so the first of her new subjects had arrived.
The birds had also brought word of the demons’ movements. Due to Owen’s efforts, his calling of the Illumin taking him to the brink of exhaustion, the barrier now ran from sheer cliffs at the foot of the Argenthal Mountains, encircled Stonehaven in a wide arc, and connected to the mud pots on the west side of Ishildar. With Stonehaven huddled securely behind the defenses, Zaa’s forces were sending scouts in search of gaps in the wall. Nearer the shore, larger forces had split off and were now traveling the coast in search of easier conquests.
In defending Stonehaven and Ishildar, Devon had endangered other areas. Even if she were tempted to hide behind Owen’s barrier, her conscience wouldn’t allow it. The demon plague must be wiped from their shores. And someday, she would take the battle across the Noble Sea to the continent the demons had already claimed. Someday, Zaa must be defeated once and for all.
But in the meantime, the citizens of Stonehaven were due a celebration. Stepping off the edge of the keep’s roof, she descended on her Levitation cushion and landed lightly on the grass.
“Nice trick,” Tamara said. The woman was working over her bike with what looked like a homemade toothbrush, scrubbing grit from its moving parts.
“I’d say your tricks are more impressive on that thing”—Devon nodded at the bike—“seeing as you don’t even need magic.”
Tamara smiled, unable to hide her pleasure at the compliment. “So, your town is safe for a little while, yeah?”
“Seems so. Want to come with me to talk to the dwarves?” Devon asked. “We have some tired fighters who need some good strong ale, I think. Might as well make the plans for the celebration official.”
“Torald has told me stories about the dwarves’ grog,” Tamara said. “It should be an interesting spectacle, especially since I don’t drink.”
Devon laughed and wondered for a moment how much those two had been hanging out since the return from the Stone Forest. They seemed to suit one another. “Yeah, definitely a spectacle. Free entertainment, watching other people act like complete fools.”
Chapter Fifty-Four
THE BONFIRE CRACKLED as dwarves bumped chests and roped unsuspecting newbies into contests of idiocy. Standing at the edge of the gathering, Devon looked on contentedly. She sighed and was about to go find Tamara when she spotted Hezbek approaching from the general area of her cabin. Surprised to see the woman up so late, she quickly dragged a stump onto flat ground to provide a seat.
“Thank you kindly,” Hezbek said as she planted her walking stick and used it to help ease her weight down to the stump. Once seated, she gave a relieved sigh. “Lately it feels like the abuse I put my body through as a young sorceress is catching up with me.”
“Maybe you should repurpose some of the time you spend making potions for the village for working on a tonic to cure arthritis.”
Hezbek snorted. “And lose the chance to have you all treat me as a wise old elder? You should see the treats Tom sends over from the kitchen.”
Sighing, Devon sank to a crouch beside the woman. “Speaking of wisdom, do you know anything about this Illumin Owen conjures? According to him, he doesn’t even have a combat class or formal abilities. It’s all pulled from Veia’s pattern or something. I hope we aren’t putting too much faith in its ability to hold the horde back.”
Hezbek shrugged and shook her head. “Veia is mysterious, even to me. But I will say that I don’t think you should worry too much. I can’t shake the feeling that this was meant to be. This war has been a long time in the making, and my gut tells me that you were meant to guide Veia’s forces in the final battles. Your destiny is grander than just sparing our beloved hamlet from destruction. Perhaps Owen’s gift of Illumin is Veia’s way of buying you time to fulfill your fate.”
Devon snorted. “And here I thought I’d finished with the whole destiny thing by retrieving the relics. I was looking forward to some straight-up dungeon crawls.”
Hezbek smiled at her fondly. “Well, we can hope that this fate of yours includes that too. Our histories are full of generals who couldn’t lead their armies to victory until they defeated such-and-such dragon or discovered a mysterious source of power in the depths of some ancient catacombs. And anyway, I think you knew you wouldn’t take possession of Ishildar and then suddenly become unimportant to the greater plan. I hear that Torald has been organizing an oath-giving ceremony so that all those players can swear fealty to you and finish their quest line.”
Devon groaned. “Don’t remind me. I might end up drinking a flagon of ale after all.”
Hezbek laughed. After a few seconds spent staring at the fire, she looked up over Devon’s shoulder. The old woman nodded a greeting as Owen stepped up to join them.
“Greetings, wise one,” he said, dropping to a knee in front of her. “I’ve seen you often in the pattern.”
Devon looked away and scratched the back of her head to keep from commenting, Jeremy-style, about this whole pattern thing. It was kind of cheesy, really. But Owen had been through a lot lately. No need for her to be a jerk by offering her opinion.
Hezbek chuckled. “If you say so, lad. These days I mostly potter with my potions.”
“Yet you played a large role in the history of parts of this world,” Owen said. “Your actions shaped what Rimeshore has become.”
At this, Devon stilled, and Hezbek’s smile vanished. Devon knew quite well the guilt the woman carried over her youth
ful decisions, especially those which led to her beloved Eldon vanishing.
“So I did,” the medicine woman said after a moment. “And I’ve had many long years to think about that.”
“What you may not know,” Owen said, “that in the other possibilities where you didn’t lead the rebels, the future in the Shorelands was much worse than what has come to pass.”
Devon watched Hezbek intently as a torrent of emotions flashed across the woman’s face. Hezbek wanted to believe that, even after so many years of atoning. But she doubted the man’s words.
“And though you may feel weary, ready for some well-earned rest and retirement,” Owen said. “I feel you should know that your story is far from over. Rimeshore is part of your future, too.”
“Wait, what?” Devon said.
Owen shrugged as he stood and turned to Devon. “This conflict with Zaa is but a small part of what will be. The Ishildar region is but a tiny part of the world. All across Aventalia, the wheels of fate turn. Beacons need lighting, Devon, much as you’ve done with Ishildar. Threats loom, and I see many adventures and battles for all of us in the years ahead.”
Hezbek was still staring at Owen with her mouth somewhat agape. After a moment, she shook her head then held out a hand to Devon. “Mind helping me up, child? I believe I’m a little too weary for this sort of party and discussion after all.”
Devon gently grasped the woman’s wrist and supported her elbow as Hezbek pressed shakily to her feet.
“Me, back to Rimeshore,” she muttered with a chuckle. “I’m beginning to think that whatever this Illumin is, it comes with a sense of humor.” Patting Devon’s hand, she shuffled off.
Devon watched the woman go, then turned to Owen. “You really see all this stuff? To be honest, it’s kind of weird. No offense.”
Her guildmate shrugged. “I don’t know, Devon. Yes, I think so, but sometimes I wonder… I dream about the game. Maybe some of those dreams affect my experience.” He sighed and shook his head. “Honestly, most days I would love to just forget Relic Online and walk away. But it’s so hard with all I know. I feel like it’s my duty to fight Zaa and prevent evil, especially after I…well, you know. I helped build that army.” He gestured toward the south.
She chewed the corner of her lip. “So how are you doing out of game? You and Cynthia, is everything okay?”
He nodded. “We’re doing as well as can be expected. I know I’ve been quiet lately, but she seems to understand.” A faint smile spread across his face. “We’re getting married.”
“No way!” Devon said, wrapping him in a quick hug. “Congratulations.”
“I’m a lucky man,” he said, still smiling. For once, the expression on his face looked familiar, his features casting a shadow of the man she’d grouped with so many times over the years. Even though their avatars were different, her friends’ mannerisms survived the transitions between games.
“Indeed you are,” she said. As they turned to watch the fire, Devon laughed when she saw Dorden trying to teach a new player how to do a cartwheel. The dwarf, of course, appeared to have no idea how the move was supposed to work, and on top of that, he kept accidentally planting his hands on his beard.
“Hey, Devon?” The voice came from behind as someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to see Valious standing shyly behind her.
She grinned. “Hey! How’s Stonehaven’s most expendable fighter?” she asked with a laugh.
He shrugged, still looking somewhat abashed. Was he embarrassed over his unconventional tactics? He shouldn’t be; he’d certainly done a lot to save both the adventuring party and the settlement.
“I was hoping… I was hoping we could have that talk now.”
Devon glanced toward the fire, then back at the man. Persistent, wasn’t he. And it seemed she’d finally run out of excuses. Keeping the friendly smile on her face, she nodded. “You mind if I step away for a bit, Owen?”
The man shook his head. “Not at all. But, quick question… are they always like this?” He gestured at the dwarves.
She snorted. “Yep. Classic Stoneshoulder clan.”
Owen actually laughed, which was a good sign. Glad to see it, she turned and followed Valious from the fire. Once away from the noise and the light, the man stopped in his tracks. “Listen. I’m sorry about all this. I should have been honest in the beginning.”
She shook her head, confused. “Honest about what?”
Valious shook his head and looked to the side, clearly fighting some sort of internal battle. After a moment, he firmed up his jaw. “Okay, sorry about this. I don’t think this is quite the right order for this sort of thing but…”
Devon squeaked in shock as he grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it, then stepped in and, seeming to wise up at the last minute about kissing her lips without invitation, pulled her into an awkward hug.
As she stood stiffly for the circle of his arms, her messenger icon flashed.
What do you say we skip the tree snakes and go enjoy the party? Only this time, no obstacle courses allowed.
She stepped back, eyes wide. “Emerson?”
His face turned as bright red as it had when he’d activated his Berserk ability. “So… surprise?” he said with a shrug.
Devon laughed. “Yeah, I think we can skip the tree snakes.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
THERE, AROUND A hundred paces ahead, the subterranean corridor ended, and a crack in the earth allowed natural light and the fresh air of morning to enter the cavern system. Walking barefoot with faces toward the opening, the remnants of the Rovan fighting force perceived the sunlight as a vibration in the air that pressed against the thin membranes that had grown, over long centuries underground, to cover the spots where their kind had once had eyes.
Near the opening, the group paused to listen, assuring themselves once more that they’d eluded any pursuit. It was a last-ditch plan, conceived in a pre-battle war council. If it appeared that the Drivan would be victorious, a small, elite force of Rovan would detach from the battle and slip—with good fortune, unnoticed—back underground.
Throughout the flight from the Stone Forest region, the Rovan squad had kept their corporeal forms. Shifting to mist would have alerted their Drivan kin through the extra-sensory awareness the Esh had for one another’s use of their innate racial magic.
It had been a long walk, always south, always staying beneath the surface in tunnels and passages they’d come to know so well. They’d felt Ishildar passing overhead, the new power that had awakened, and as a group, they’d grieved the loss of a centuries-long hope. The appointment of a Keeper meant that the Rovan would not be taking the city’s power for themselves.
All they could do now was exact revenge.
After a moment of solemn silence, the new leader of the remaining Rovan nodded and assumed his mist form. If the Drivan were to sense the magic now, it wouldn’t matter.
Drifting up through the crack in the earth, the Rovan leader swirled over the landscape, marveling at the size of the demon army that had encamped. Here were allies who would be unstoppable once the Rovan helped them pass the feeble defenses now surrounding Ishildar, none of which extended beneath the surface of the earth.
After searching for some time, the Rovan leader spied a banner that appeared to be that of a general. Swirling down, the Mistwalker took corporeal form before the demon lord.
“I propose to strike a bargain,” he said.
Dear Reader,
Hi! Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please consider leaving a review here: Vault of the Magi (Amazon.com link).
So what’s next? Devon has retrieved the relics, Hailey’s gone full singularity upload, and Emerson…is good at dying. But there’s still a demon army to contend with and a whole world to explore. I’m digging into the next book already, so keep an eye out. For news on new releases, you can join my reader group at www.CarrieSummers.com.
Thanks again!
--Carrie
carrie@carriesummers.com
Amazon Author Page
PS. Thank you to Celestian Rince for the expert edit and Jackson Tjota for the amazing cover. You guys are awesome!
PS. Another great spot to meet other fans is the face LitRPG group.