Second Skin: Unified: A litRPG Adventure (Second Skin Book 3)

by M Damon Baker

  What was left was a perfect sphere of absolute darkness. The surface of the orb was smooth and completely unmarred by any imperfection. Yet, somehow, even without its menacing looking exterior, the bare center of the orb seemed even more imposing than it had before. Looking into its impenetrable darkness, I had the disconcerting feeling that something was staring back at me from within its hidden depths. A shiver ran through my spine, and I instantly reached out and pushed the orb away from me and into the doomed patch of brush.

  As soon as I felt the dark energy leave my body, I opened my eyes again. I watched as the orb wound its way through the scrub, corrupting the vegetation as the foul essence of its power coursed through the living tissue. Leaves shriveled and died, falling to the ground as mere ashes. The woody bark and branches of the scrub rotted away, instantly putrefying before my eyes. The orb did not halt its destruction even when it reached the base of the plant, but continued to wreak its havoc below ground, rending every bit of living matter down to the last fiber of root.

  “That was disturbing,” Tási’s voice came from behind me.

  “Is that the same thing you did to the bandit?” she asked before I could react.

  “Yes, but this time I didn’t try and hold onto it, I just let it go,” I told her.

  “How long have you been watching me?” I asked her, slightly perturbed by her intrusion.

  “Not too long,” she replied somewhat defensively as she sensed my irritation.

  “Well, your timing is perfect, I have something I want to try on you,” I said as I walked towards her and wriggled my fingers.

  Tási’s eyes shot open in fear and she backed away from me quickly.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea!” She protested.

  “No, and neither is snooping around,” I replied as I dropped my act.

  “That wasn’t fair! You really scared me,” she complained as she recognized what I had done.

  “It probably wasn’t fair, but you deserved it.”

  Tási huffed her indignation at me as we walked back up the canyon towards our camp. My meditations had taken longer than I had thought, and long shadows crept across the ground as we returned. I made a quick check of our defenses, ensuring that all my traps were in place before finally calling it a day. When we entered the tent, I was surprised to find Bane waiting inside for us.

  I saw that you were occupied Sintári, so I waited for you to return to make my report.

  “That was very considerate of you, Bane. What did you find?”

  The beasts of the forest continue to draw closer, but there is no sign of the orcs.

  “Good. That sounds like we should have at least another day of relative safety tomorrow.”

  It would seem so.

  Getting ready for bed, I removed most of my gear, but kept my armor on. Until we had things under greater control, there was no way I would be able to let my guard down completely.

  Bane perched on top of us as Tási and I snuggled together. As we lay there, I reached under the blankets and undid one of the clasps on her robe. She stiffened as I slid my hand inside and rested it against the soft skin of her torso, but I quickly reassured her before she could protest.

  “Nothing is going to happen, Tási,” I whispered. “I just miss you.”

  I felt her body relax as she settled in against me. With Bane purring softly on top of me, and the feel of Tási’s warm skin beneath my fingertips, I couldn’t help but smile in contentment as I fell fast asleep.

  We woke in the morning to the terrifying sound of hundreds of marching feet. The orcs had apparently managed to sneak up on us, and we were completely unprepared to fend them off. I snatched up my weapons and desperately strapped them on as I climbed atop the wall, but by the time I reached the top of the stairs, the marching had stopped just outside the edge of the trench. As I peered over the top of the wall to get a glimpse of the enemy, I nearly collapsed at the sight that was revealed to me.

  My sense of relief was palpable as I saw that the hundreds of marching feet belonged to dwarves, not orcs. At the head of the large group stood Broda and Khorim, gazing at the fortifications in front of them, obviously trying to figure out how best to cross over the spike-filled trough.

  “Hello Khorim, Broda. Welcome back!” I hollered at them as I stood up.

  “You’ve built a fine wall, Dreya, but seem to have overlooked something,” Khorim shouted back at me.

  “The only thing I ever overlook is your head, master dwarf,” I replied. “Hold on a minute and I’ll help you get across.”

  I practically jumped down the stairs to where Tási was waiting with Bane on her shoulder. They had heard the entire exchange, and we rushed to the gateway to help our friends across. Ridge was already there, dragging the heavy timbers he had strung together to form our crude bridge. As Ridge lowered the makeshift span, Bane hopped over to me and took up his usual perch on my shoulder and I stroked at his scales as we waited for our companions.

  Broda crossed first, and I welcomed her back with a tight hug. She returned my embrace without hesitation before letting me go.

  “We’ve got a lot to tell you,” she said. “And by the look of things, you’ve got a great deal to tell us as well.”

  “I do, most important among them is that we are expecting an attack any day now.”

  “Can’t leave you alone for a minute, can we?” Khorim broke in as he heard the news.

  “Sadly, you cannot master dwarf. I’m completely defenseless without you,” I retorted.

  “Yes, it’s not like we didn’t already fight off that first attack by ourselves,” Tási added with a smirk.

  “Obviously, we need to see to our defenses quickly,” Broda said, bringing our conversation back into focus.

  “Let’s get everyone inside and settled. Once that’s done, we will talk,” I suggested.

  “Mistress, if I may offer a suggestion?”

  I was surprised to hear Ridge speak and gestured for him to continue.

  “Much of the area just inside the fortifications has already been plotted out for more construction, including barracks facilities. I can shape these for you so that your people will have shelter, but it will require me to abandon my efforts clearing the forest.”

  “How long will it take for you to build them?” I asked him

  “They are not as robust as the fortifications. Perhaps a day for each of the dwarven barracks.”

  “Dwarven barracks?” Broda and I asked in unison.

  “Yes, Mistress,” he replied. “The plans for this place take into account the various needs of all the people. These fortifications include regular barracks for humans, elves, and halflings, as well as dwarven facilities carved into the cliffsides.”

  “Please start on that right away, Ridge,” I responded immediately. “And if you ever have any other helpful suggestions, do not hesitate to offer them.”

  Ridge bowed his head before departing, and I escorted Broda and Khorim into the canyon, followed by over a hundred of their kinfolk. They immediately began to set up a temporary camp while the barracks were being constructed. Once we were sure everything was in order, I showed my companions to the campsite Tási and I had been using, and we began to fill each other in on what had occurred during our time apart. I quickly told them what had transpired in the valley, including the orcs’ attack and the extensive work that Ridge had accomplished. When I finished relaying our story, Broda let me know what had happened while she and Khorim traveled to Dhel-Ar.

  While Stel and Venna journeyed on to Íforn, Broda and Khorim met with her uncle. The King was overjoyed at her unexpected return, and they held a feast in her honor. Afterwards, when they had a quiet moment together, Broda showed him the scroll. The King recognized the seal on the parchment, as it was identical to the one on the ring that he wore. Nervously, they’d cracked the seal and read the words they found together.

  The message inside was written by one of the Kingdom’s ancient monarchs, and comman
ded that the King send forth any of his people who would be willing to help forge a new Realm, one founded on peace and tolerance. The laws of the dwarven Kingdom were clear on this matter, and Broda’s uncle had no choice but to follow the dictates of his predecessor. The news of the new Realm was spread through the Kingdom, but most of the people rejected the opportunity—they were more than happy to live their lives just as they always had, but a brave few had answered the call, coming together in the same spirit that had founded so many of the independent villages across the land.

  When the bold pioneers had been gathered, her uncle had seen that they were well-provisioned for their journey, furnishing them with wagons and horses to draw them. The wagons had been abandoned shortly after the group veered off into the forest, as they simply could not manage the rough terrain, but Broda had made sure to conceal them among the foliage in case we ever had further need for them.

  In all, nearly 120 sturdy and brave dwarves had made the trek. Some by themselves, others came as entire families, and among them were craftsmen and laborers of all sorts, and nearly all had at least some skill with stonework. Even now, as they were still setting up their temporary accommodations, several of the dwarves were already looking over the fortifications, eager to put the finishing touches on Ridge’s rough construction.

  As we concluded our conversation, I voiced the fear that had been haunting me since I first heard the sound of the dwarves’ approach that morning.

  “Bane scouted yesterday and did not see the orcs approaching. We thought that meant that they would not arrive today, but then you showed up without warning,” I told her.

  I am sorry Sintári. I have been searching to the south and east, the direction that the orcs fled. The dwarves must have come from the north.

  Bane’s apologetic tone came through in his hurried explanation. I offered my consolation with a few gentle strokes along his scales as I relayed his reply to my companions.

  “It was a good idea to focus in that direction, but perhaps you should cover all possible approaches from now on?” I suggested to Bane.

  I will do as you say, Sintári.

  He was clearly disappointed in himself as he took off to resume his scouting again. As so often happened, I couldn’t help but watch as he flew off into the sky. His green scales glistened in the sunlight, holding my gaze until I could no longer make out his tiny form in the distance.

  Once Bane was gone, Broda walked Tási and I through the encampment, introducing us to the new arrivals. I tried to remember as many of their names as possible, but I was soon overwhelmed by the sheer number of new faces. One of the names that did stick in my mind during those hurried introductions was Hilgreth, the master blacksmith that had come with the group. While the other dwarves were busy setting up their temporary shelters, Hilgreth was running her two apprentices ragged laying out a location for her forge. When we approached, she was barking orders at them like a seasoned drill sergeant.

  “Not over there, you dolt!” Hilgreth yelled at the obviously harried apprentice.

  “Hilgreth, why don’t you give those two a break while I introduce you to our leader?” Broda offered calmly.

  I had given up on trying to dissuade her from referring to me with that title after she repeatedly ignored my whispered pleas otherwise. I knew that I had to eventually accept the role, but didn’t feel quite ready to assume that mantle just yet. Broda’s knowing stare each time I voiced my objection let me know that it was far too late for me to deny my destiny.

  Hilgreth turned towards us as she heard Broda’s voice. The blacksmith quickly looked me over, then practically dismissed me out of hand.

  “This little thing is the powerful ruler you told me about? She doesn’t look like she could even lift my hammer,” Hilgreth practically spat at me.

  My appearance had obviously misled the blacksmith, but with all the points I had funneled into my Strength stat and the bonus from the Amulet, I was about three times stronger than any typical individual. Hilgreth’s attitude was obviously in need of some adjustment, so I decided to oblige her.

  I looked to where her eyes had wandered when she mentioned her hammer and saw the mighty tool leaning against her anvil. Without a word, I strolled over and hefted the heavy maul. The hammer was well-used, and its heft felt good and balanced in my hands. I admired the fine implement for a moment before taking a step away from the anvil.

  With a smooth motion I lifted the hammer over my shoulder and swung it with all my might onto the face of the anvil. Sparks flew, and the thunderous peal from the impact rang throughout the canyon, drawing the attention of nearly everyone. Hilgreth stared in awe when I casually handed her hammer back to her.

  “It could use a little more weight in the head,” I said offhandedly as she continued to gape.

  “We’ll come back later Hilgreth; perhaps you’ll be more receptive then,” Broda said as she led us away.

  “She’s really not a bad sort, Dreya,” Broda commented as we walked away. “And she’s a true master in the forge. But like many of my people, Hilgreth needs to respect you before she’ll truly follow you. I think that little display of yours just took care of that.”

  With introductions made, Broda and Khorim set up their own tent next to ours. Once they were finished, we sat around the campfire and began planning our next steps.

  “I agree with you that the orcs are certain to return, Dreya,” Broda said as we gathered around. “I think its best that we focus our efforts on thwarting their attack.”

  “How many of them can fight?” I asked her as I glanced back towards the dwarves’ encampment. “How well-armed are they?”

  “Only a few are truly trained as warriors, but none of them will shy away from a fight against the orcs,” Broda replied. “As for equipment, we are not so well-prepared. Most of what we have is suited for close quarters, not defending a high wall like we have here. Aside from a handful of crossbows, not much of what we brought with us will be useful.”

  With so little to work with, I seemed to have very few options. Reluctantly, I announced my plan.

  “When he finishes with the barracks, I will have Ridge resume his work clearing the forest outside. In the meantime, I want the best stonemasons working on the outside of the wall, making it as difficult as possible for the orcs to climb. Hilgreth will need to forge as many suitable weapons as possible in the short time we have. Perhaps she will be more amenable when I give her the orders.”

  “Aye, she might be at that,” Khorim chuckled.

  I smiled back at him as I stood up, then took one last breath as a free woman before reluctantly exhaling and accepting the leadership role I had been avoiding for so long.

  “Broda, Khorim,” I said to my companions, “I cannot lead this effort alone. I’m counting on you to be my liaisons. Please see that my orders are carried out. If there are any issues, do not hesitate to bring them to me, but otherwise, I am giving you free rein to manage things as you see fit. If you need me, I will be consulting with Hilgreth about forging some appropriate weaponry.”

  My abrupt shift in attitude apparently stunned the two of them, and they remained seated around the campfire as I walked off towards Hilgreth’s forge. I couldn’t fault them as the sudden change had been almost as unexpected for me as well. I’d known that events had been pushing me in this direction for quite some time and had been fighting it all along, but the reality of having over a hundred lives depending on me finally forced me to give in and accept the role that fate had given me. I was still musing over my new responsibilities as I approached the makeshift forge.

  With the help of her apprentices, Hilgreth had managed to erect a serviceable roof and finish arranging her equipment. Although the facility was clearly temporary, having her forge up and running was obviously a priority for the blacksmith.

  “I have an assignment to discuss with you, Hilgreth,” I said to her as I entered the forge. “Can you spare a few moments?”

  “Oh, of course my la
dy,” Hilgreth replied, obviously still chagrinned from our earlier encounter.

  “I have no formal title, Hilgreth; please just call me Dreya,” I informed her.

  “Very well, Dreya,” she replied somewhat hesitantly. “What can I do for you?”

  “We are expecting an attack soon,” I informed her. “As you have seen, our main defense is the wall separating us from the outside. Broda has told me that we do not have the weapons for an appropriate defense, and I need to know if you are capable of forging what we require.”

  “How long do we have?” Hilgreth asked as she pondered my challenge.

  “I don’t know,” I answered her honestly. “They could come at any time.”

  “Spears,” she replied definitively. “I can make a fair number of serviceable spearheads fairly quickly. I brought enough iron; I’ll just need wood for the shafts.”

  “There will be plenty of wood. What about bows or crossbows?” I asked hopefully. “Anything that we can use to keep them from reaching our fortifications?”

  “Not enough time,” Hilgreth replied shaking her head. “It’s a good idea in the long-run, but if the attack is coming as soon as you think, I won’t have time to make enough to matter.”

  “Alright then,” I sighed, “Do your best. I need to get out there and make sure we’re as prepared as possible before the orcs get here.”

  “Orcs?” She asked in an odd tone.

  “Yes, Hilgreth, it’s orcs that we’re expecting.”

  A fire lit in her eyes when I confirmed the identity of our enemy to her. Hilgreth’s former zeal returned and she instantly rose up and began issuing commands.

  “Alright, get your asses in gear!” She bellowed. “Stoke the fires and get me some of those ingots! We’ve got orcs coming and we need to prepare a proper greeting for those bloody bastards!”