by Paul Bellow
Eric looked around and thankfully changed the subject.
“Where’s Jak?” he asked.
“The goblins took him,” Benji said. “I bet they’re half-way to Esterhollow by now.”
I took a deep breath, overwhelmed by everything.
“Even if we get the pendant,” I said. “How are we going to destroy it?”
“We have to go get this Dawn Acid,” Eric said. “Simple.”
As I nodded, a game notification popped up.
New Side Quest!
Create Dawn Acid to Destroy Cursed Pendant of Visions.
Find the list of ingredients to make Dawn Acid then collect them.
You will receive 3,000 xp on completion.
“Did you get that?” I asked and Eric nodded.
John came around the side of the building with a smile on his face Three horses all saddled up followed behind him.
“You should stay for dinner,” John said. “I’d love to get to know your friends better.”
He stared deep into my eyes, without losing the smile.
“We need to leave right away,” Eric said.
John stopped in front of us with the horses.
“Captain Riggard is busy with a new war looming,” John said. “I doubt he’ll see you right away.”
“How long will it take?” I asked.
“Not more than a year or two,” John said.
I couldn’t hide the surprise on my face.
“Are you kidding?” I asked.
“No,” John said. “He’s one of the two most powerful men in the realm. The other is Magi Inyontoo. You can’t just walk up to either of them.”
“You know of Magi Inyontoo?” Eric asked.
John furrowed his brow.
“Everyone knows that scoundrel,” he said.
I stepped toward one of the horses.
“We should go,” I said then climbed on; Benji and Eric did the same.
“Good luck,” John said.
I looked down at him and smiled. “We appreciate your kindness.”
His impossibly blue eyes continued sparkling.
“Tell Mayor Griggsby I’ll be back,” Eric said. He turned his horse toward the road leading northwest then took off at a slow trot.
I kept staring at John the Blacksmith.
He waved and said, “Safe travels.”
I smiled then spurred my horse to catch up with Eric.
“Do you have a plan?” I asked as I rode between him and Benji.
“No,” Eric said. “I’m sure we’ll come up with something on the way.”
Great.
We rode into the wilderness. The game dug its claws into me even deeper as our quest got more difficult. I stared out at the plains full of wild grass on either side of the dirt road.
“How much processing power does this game use up?”
“What’s processing power, Kali? Magic?”
“Don’t worry about it, Charlotte. Maybe I’ll explain it later.”
I closed my thoughts to my familiar as I continued calculating what it would take to create such an in-depth world with such complex NPCs.
“There’s something ahead,” Eric said.
I looked to where he’s pointing and saw a tall wooden wagon in the distance.
“Probably a wandering vendor,” Benji said. “We should avoid them.”
“A few more potions might be useful,” Eric reasoned.
Benji shook his head as we continued riding. “All they sell is junk and stolen items,” he said. “Trust me.”
“We should keep riding,” I said. “We’ve got other things to worry about right now. This easy quest is getting harder all the time.”
“Alright,” Eric said. “We’ll ask for help at Castle Casteel.”
“Good luck with that,” “I don’t have a good feeling about any of this. Maybe we should go find something else to do.”
“You can leave if you want,” Eric offered.
“No, no.” Benji said. “I want to stay. Who knows? Maybe someday, you might actually ask me to join your party officially.”
“Maybe,” Eric said then glanced over at me.
I shook my head, hating his stubbornness. We kept riding—none of us talk as we passed the wagon. A man in a tall, black hat yelled.
We passed him without stopping. As the miles added up, I thought about the depth and breadth of the game. There’s so many choices.
What would’ve happened if we stopped at the merchant?
“Let’s camp here for the night.” Eric said.
I turned to him, snapping out of my thoughts. He stopped his horse on the side of the road—grassy plains stretched out on both sides of it. I pulled on my reins to stop.
“If we leave in the morning,” Benji said. “We’ll make it to the castle around noon. I don’t think we should travel at night.”
A pack of wolves howled in the distance, spooking our horses.
“This place is good enough as any,” I said. “Protecting this cursed pendant needs to be our highest priority.”
“Agreed.” Eric said, then he hopped off his horse.
We tied the horses to a stake in the ground before setting up camp. Benji left to find food while Eric and I started a nice fire.
I wanted to talk OOC so bad, but I fought the urge. We needed to level up and finish our side quest—nothing else mattered.
After we got the fire going, Eric sat cross-legged on the ground next to it. I joined him, staring into the flames and waiting.
“Hope he brings anything but rabbits,” I said.
Eric glanced over.
“Huh?” he asked.
“I hope Benji brings back anything except another rabbit,” I said. “They’re great and all, but I’m tired of the same thing.”
He nodded in a distant manner.
“What’s on your mind?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he said, still looking into the fire. “I need to sleep.”
“You’re not waiting for Benji?” I asked.
“No,” he said. “I’ll eat when I get up for my guard shift. Save me some of whatever he gets.”
“Okay…” I said, watching as he laid on his side.
“You should sleep too,” Charlotte said from my shoulder.
“I’m hungry, and someone needs to keep watch.”
“You never let me guard you, Kali. Why not?”
Good question. Didn’t I trust her to protect me?
“You’re welcome to stay up and watch me anytime, Charlotte.”
“I already do, Kali, and I enjoy it. Keeping you safe makes me happy.”
My familiar could be clingy, but I still liked having her around.
“I’m getting smarter,” she said. “I feel so alive every day.”
Was the AI script running her learning? I wondered.
Benji returned with two rabbits. I hid my disgust. He cooked them up while I sat and watched. We ate like we’re the king and queen of travelers.
After we finished, I took the first watch. Benji curled up on the ground by the fire. As I sat and stared at the flickering flames, I wondered if we’d ever get out of the game.
22
Benji Knows This Guy Too?
ERIC
When Benji woke me for my guard shift, the sun hadn’t risen for the day. As he went back to sleep, I checked my new stats.
>> Stats
* * *
Name: Drexmao (“Drex”)
Race: Human (Special)
Class: Rogue
Level: 4
Experience Points: 10,094 (5,906 for next level)
Alignment: +85 (Quite Good)
Health: 58(58)
Strength: 85 (+20%) (+10 magic amulet)
Dexterity: 75 (+10%)
Constitution: 70 (+5%)
Intelligence: 75 (+10%)
Wisdom: 55 (+0%)
Charisma: 44 (+0%)
My stats still suck, but I’m working my skills up.
>> Stats ski
lls
* * *
Your Current Skills
>> Black Market Connections – Basic Level 2 of 10
>> Monster Lore – Basic Level 3 of 10
>> Weapon Craft – Blades - Basic Level 6 of 10
>> Climbing – Advanced Level 1 of 5 (+5 basic levels w/Ring of Spider Climbing)
>> Stealth - Basic Level 2 of 10
>> Create Item - Basic Level 1 of 10
>> Identify Item – Basic Level 6 of 10
>> Language: Human, Common
>> Sense Motive – Basic Level 6 of 10
>> Bargaining – Basic Level 1 of 10
I turned off the HUD and stood.
Sarah woke up and stretched.
“Good morning,” I said, looking away.
“Morning,” she replied. “I hate sleeping on the ground.”
I turned and smiled at her.
“But it’s so realistic,” I pointed out.
She stood and looked down at Benji who snored blissfully.
“Best companion ever,” she said.
“I heard that…” Benji opened his eyes. “Do you mean it?”
“Of course,” Sarah said to him.
“But you can’t officially join us yet,” I added and watched his reaction to my statement.
“Fine with me,” he said.
Benji got to his feet and stretched—yawning.
“We should make it to the castle this afternoon,” he said.
“Great,” I said. “We should’ve brought more rations.”
“John gave us some,” Sarah said. “Look in your saddlebag.”
I walked over to my horse.
“Not much,” I said. “But we can eat on the ride.”
“Fine with me.” Sarah walked over. “I just want to finish this and destroy the pendant before anything else happens.”
“Eating on horseback isn’t a problem for me,” Benji said. “After surviving the Great Wars, I can eat anywhere.”
He joined us, untying his horse before climbing on.
We all ate dry granola bars—the taste wasn’t half-bad. Miles added up as we followed the road to the west.
We reached our destination later that afternoon.
“There’s the castle,” Benji said, breaking me out of my thoughts.
In the distance, I saw Castle Casteel for the first time. Four walls, twenty feet high—surrounded a massive stone complex with towers and other defenses. The unique architecture intrigued me.
Sarah pointed ahead and to the left. A grizzly bear growled ferociously as a peasant cowered in fear.
“Let’s help him,” I said then rode off in that direction.
Your Alignment has changed!
+5 alignment you are now +90 (very good)
“Wish we were near a river,” Sarah said as she caught up.
“Huh?” I asked.
“Never mind,” she said. “We need to hurry.”
I spurred the horse which took off faster.
“Over here!” I yelled to get the bear’s attention.
Where’s Benji?
Is he going to help with this at all?
The horse, terrified of the bear towering in front of us, lifted up on her back feet. I tumbled to the ground, landing with a thud.
You take 2 damage.
You have [56/58] health remaining.
Gah. At least falling can’t poison me.
The bear lumbered forward, swiping its paw.
The grisly grizzly claw INJURES you for 11 damage.
“Be gone!” Benji yelled and swung his mace to the bear—catching its attention. I scrambled back and stood.
Six golden bolts shot through the air, striking the bear, as I cautiously moved toward it.
Die, stupid beast.
The greasy brown bear growled then dropped to all fours. It charged toward Sarah, intent on taking her out.
“Benji, get him!” I yelled while rushing to intersect. “Eat my steel.”
I stabbed it with my sword.
Your thrust INJURES the grisly grizzly for 12 damage.
The bear screamed in pain but kept barreling toward Sarah. She stepped out of the way as Benji caught up and connected with his mace.
We really should invite him into the party.
I ran over and swung my sword.
Your slash HITS the grisly grizzly for 8 points of damage.
The bear didn’t look well. It stood on its two feet for a moment before it fell forward. I leaped to the side, barely avoiding it.
The grisly grizzly is dead!
You get 1,200 xp divided by two party members.
You get +600 xp (-10%) = 540 xp
You have 10,634 xp
You need 5,366 xp for next level
* * *
You have a new skill: Dodge Basic Level 1 of 10
“Thank you,” the peasant said as he ran off toward the collection of ramshackle buildings outside the castle walls.
“We should bring the bear to the castle,” I said. “They might want the fur or something.”
“I hope it wasn’t Captain Riggard’s pet or spiritual animal,” Sarah said.
“How are we going to move it?” Benji asked.
“We don’t have a cart or wagon,” I replied. “Let’s leave it here for now.”
“Sounds good, boss,” H e said. “The peasants will probably be back for the meat. Bear is a bit gamey, but it’s good with the right sauce.”
“Let’s go,” Sarah said as she climbed onto her horse.
“Wait, where’d my horse go?”
I turned all the way around looking for it.
“Mine’s gone too,” Benji said.
Sarah laughed.
“Looks like you boys are walking the rest of the way,” she said.
Benji, who’s always positive, shrugged and said, “At least it’s not far.”
“True,” I said. “Let’s go. It’s getting late, and I want to get inside the castle walls before we’re attacked again.”
As we approached Castle Casteel, I saw a half-dozen men in full-armor standing near the closed gate. Two watchmen on the walls called out.
“Strangers approaching. What is your business?”
I nudged Benji then held up my empty hands.
“We come in peace seeking Captain Riggard,” I said in a loud voice.
A guard on the ground walked over.
“Get off the horse, elf,” he said—the name sounding like an insult. Clad in shining armor, he stepped forward.
Sarah hopped off the horse, still holding onto its reins.
Then the guard turned his attention to me.
“Why are you wearing that garbage goblin armor?” he asked.
I wondered if everyone in the game was racist against goblins.
“Just a family heirloom,” I said. “Can’t afford to get new armor.”
The guard snorted then spat on the ground.
“Goblin-lovers aren’t allowed at Castle Casteel,” he said.
“We’re here to see Captain Riggard,” I repeated.
“He’ll want to talk with us,” Sarah added.
“We don’t need no fancy-prancy elves around here either,” the guard said then crossed his arms over his chest.
Benji stepped out from behind me.
“You got something against men of the cloth?” he asked.
The man smiled then dropped his arms to his sides.
“Benji Bigelow? Is that really you?” he asked.
“In the flesh and blood, Rathgar, my friend,” Benji said.
“Not sure about that friend business,” Rathgar said. “But come here.”
The two men briefly embraced.
“Stop.” Benji pushed him away. “Your armor is crushing me.”
“I remember when we wore the same armor.” The guard glanced up at the top of the wall. “All clear down here. It’s Benji Bigelow of all people.”
Had our priest been a soldier in the Great War with the goblins?
“My friends and I need to talk with Captain Riggard right away,” Benji said. “It’s concerning Magi Inyontoo.”
Rathgar stopped smiling.
“We’ve heard reports someone stole the Cursed Pendant of Visions,” he said. “Was it you three?”
“Correct,” I said. “But we still need to destroy it.”
“You can’t bring that thing in here,” Rathgar said. “It’s cursed.”
“Please,” Sarah said. “We want to get rid of it.”
Rathgar sighed.
“Come inside,” he said. “I’ll get the Captain. You’re right, he’ll want to talk to you three, especially to you Benji. I never thought I’d see you alive again.”
Rathgar turned then walked toward the main gate. I glanced over at Benji, who only smiled but said nothing.
“Good job,” I said.
“Don’t mention it,” he replied.
The fortified wooden gate swung open, and we walked toward it. After passing through, I saw dozens of soldiers milling about.
“Someone get this horse,” Rathgar yelled in an authoritative tone.
A man with half his armor missing walked up and took the reins.
“Be good to him,” Sarah said.
“Yes, ma’am,” the man replied.
“Don’t worry,” Rathgar said. “We haven’t had to eat horse meat in years. Things are getting better for humans. One of these days, it’ll go back to the old ways.”
I kept my mouth shut as he turned. Benji, Sarah, and I followed him toward a four-story brick and stone structure inside the courtyard.
“Can we trust this guy?” I asked Benji on the sly.
He nodded but said nothing as we reached a door. Rathgar opened it then walked inside. We followed with Benji in the lead.
“How do you know him?” I asked.
Benji frowned and stopped.
“I...um...I can’t tell you,” he said.
We stopped. Benji nodded his head toward a man sitting at the head of a long oak table. The warrior stood up and walked toward us.
“That’s Captain Riggard,” Benji said.
“Of all the people I never thought I’d see again,” Captain Riggard said.
