by Tony Corden
A long table appeared in front of Leah covered in swords, knives, whips, axes, bows, spears and dozens of other weapons Leah had used over the last month. Gèng had sorted them in order of the frequency used. Leah moved along the table, then, in discussion with the AI, and with Gèng, they devised a system for her to equip her weapons by simple hand movements or changes in how she positioned her fingers. Altogether, it was over a virtual hour before Leah could move her hands and have the weapon she wanted appear instantly.
After that, they worked with her spells and how to recognise the different types of magic. The AI made some changes to the tactile stimuli Leah received to streamline the messages she received. Altogether it was a full nine virtual hours before the first draft version of the module was completed. Feeling tired, but pleased with the changes, Leah logged out to the Tower before exiting the Pod.
27
December 25 2073 - Morning and Afternoon - Part 7
REAL WORLD
Nicole was waiting inside the room when Leah exited the Pod. After seeing Leah was able to exit the Pod and make her own way to the shower, Nicole stepped outside to order food and something to drink for Leah. There was just over an hour before Leah was supposed to attend church with the family, and she decided to spend it in NREM3 sleep. When she woke, she felt more awake than she had in days because she hadn’t dreamed.
The second time Leah left the Pod, Nicole sent for Lin who came with clothes for Leah to wear to church. When Lin arrived, Leah was only in a robe but had stepped toward a set of drawers to get her underwear.
“3: M for Mother.”
“M: Don’t worry about that Ling, Aker has made a secondary set of armour that covers your torso and limbs to upper biceps and knees.”
“Who suggested it? John?”
“M: I did, and I expect you to wear it, or something like it, whenever you are outside a building. I don’t care if you’re legally an adult. I expect to be obeyed in this.”
Leah tried to chuckle but had to settle for a smile and a nod. “OK, Mum. How will that fit under my jeans?”
“M: It won’t, which is why I have a lovely summer dress for you to wear.”
“I don’t have any real summer dresses.”
“M: You do now. It’s what we used to call a swing dress and is a lovely red and white pattern. I had John get a pair of dark glasses for you. Everyone knows you’re blind, but it will stop them from asking stupid questions.”
“Do I have any say in this?”
“M: No. Just be thankful you don’t have a cane.”
“At least a cane could be used as a stick if I needed to smack someone.”
“M: Nicole and others are around if people need smacking. Now get dressed. There is also a wide-brimmed sunhat. It is a little heavier than normal, but Aker has added some armour to the inside.”
Leah did as instructed, then she and her mother followed Nicole to the front door where two vehicles were waiting to take the family and their guards to the Christmas service. Leah had been surprised several days earlier to hear that the different churches in the Switch were holding a combined service for the first time and holding an open-air service on the grounds and the roads surrounding the small Catholic Church. Jimmy had arranged for amplification so everyone could hear, and people had been asked to bring their own chairs to sit on. When she had heard this, she’d asked John to arrange for morning tea to be provided.
The service itself consisted of numerous carols and several short homilies as the Christmas story was read aloud. After the service, hundreds waited in line to greet Leah and offer their support. Despite being embarrassed beyond measure, Leah stood there calmly as people passed by. Altogether it was almost midday when she got back to the Pod facility.
Once there, she sat down with her family and friends to a Christmas meal larger than any she’d had before in her life. Even so, she and the rest were careful not to stuff themselves, knowing that the leftovers were being distributed later that afternoon to some of the poorest in the Switch.
After lunch, she sat with just the family and exchanged presents. Conner had bought her a bottle of mouth wash for when she finally met Thad. Her parents had arranged for several books to be printed in Braille, including Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Rings and the Gospel of John.
She’d bought her brother a year’s subscription to the top provider of unlimited streamed 4D music. Her dad received a lifetime subscription to a company that each month supplied a crate filled with a different beer, one for each day. They promised not to repeat a beer, ever. For her mother, she had bought some new clothes. She’d asked Aker to check her mum’s size and had Jen talk with some of her mum’s friends to choose the styles, before adding a few of her own.
After sharing presents, they had sat around and talked for twenty minutes or so, and then Leah had got a call from Thad asking her to meet him at his place for a catch-up with friends. Unknown to Leah, her mum had been approached by Thad to get permission and so Leah was surprised when her mother didn’t complain about her leaving but said, “M: Leah, you go see Thad and your friends. He seems like a good boy.”
As Leah got into the Pod she said to Nicole, “I’m sorry you have to work on Christmas Day. Are you able to spend any time with your family?”
“N: Don’t worry at all. I saw them last night and will catch up with them again later this afternoon. I’m being paid for this and trust me, it’s more than my uncle used to pay me.”
STORK TOWER
Leah smiled and lay down in the Pod, closing her eyes even though it did nothing to the picture she’d built up in her mind of the inside of the Pod. Once in the Tower, she found Gèng standing nearby. Gèng was wearing what looked like a ball gown. After concentrating on the different sensations for a few seconds, Leah could make out a steampunk motif.
“4: What do you think of it?”
“The really fine detail of the pattern is still a little difficult to pick up, but what I can see looks lovely. Are you coming to Thad’s?”
There was a slight hesitation and then, “4: Um, no. Edison invited me to be his ‘plus one’ at a party he was invited to.”
Leah smiled and said, “Wow, you two seem to have hit it off.”
“4: I don’t really understand it myself, but maybe it’s because, besides you, he was the first person who didn’t relate to me primarily as an AI. Whatever the reason, I enjoy discussing things with him.”
“I’m so glad. I hope you have a great time.”
“4: I’m sure I will. He’s also hoping to count coup by bringing the recently famous designer Paige. Before I go, I’ve put together a dress for you. Thad suggested something on the formal side as well as something more casual for his surprise after the party. Three has all the details. You have fun too.”
Leah stepped forward and gave Gèng a hug as she said, “I will.”
Gèng disappeared, and Leah asked, “Three, how long before I’m due at Thad’s?”
“3: In thirty-seconds, although I should add that you will arrive at Thad’s home in the Cosmos Online universe. He has purchased a private entrance for the purpose of this party. You are now dressed in what Gèng provided. She described it as a middle-waist cross-collar ruqun in a Tang dynasty style. The skirt is Christmas red with gold and black trim, and the blouse is black with Christmas red and gold trim. She also has gold earrings for you.”
“That sounds great. Thank you, Three.”
“3: You’re welcome. Where would you like to portal from?”
“Here is fine. Just form one in front of me, and I’ll step through.”
“3: Affirmative.”
Leah felt the image blur in front of her, and she stepped forward and found herself in the domed city on the space station in the Seraph system that she and Wisp had discovered. She rotated through a complete circle before the door opened and Thad was standing there. Leah moved forward and embraced him before reaching up and giving him a kiss. She said, “I think I own a mansion of my ow
n around here somewhere.”
“3: T is for Thad”
“T: You do. You actually own the mansion right next door to this one. The truth is you own several in this area. It’s the most prestigious area on the station, and I’m so glad you could come.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Holding Leah’s hand, Thad led her inside where she was thrilled to find many of her friends. Thad had invited not only the friends from the games she played, but also those people who worked for her in one way or another including John, Jen and the most of the others who were on her security team. Altogether the party lasted for almost three hours, and then Thad had arranged for Leah to visit several of the Christmas themed worlds.
Leah was surprised when her parents joined her in the final world they visited. Altogether she spent a full three hours real-time with Thad and left the Pod feeling happier and more content than she had since rescuing her mother. After a short break, she spent two hours in NREM3, then took a second break before heading for the Dunyanin portal.
28
December 25 2073 - Evening - Part 1
DUNYANIN - REGISTRATION
She equipped the dragon armour and took hold of the Imperial Sceptre which she still hadn’t had time to examine properly, then stepped through. Instead of finding herself in the cave she’d made, she was surprised to find herself inside what looked like Julian’s office.
When the man behind the desk looked up, she found she could recognise his features. He smiled, and the lips moved while Three translated the message into braille.
“Welcome, Empress, I am surprised to see you here. I do love the wings. What can I do to help?”
“Hello, Julian. I’m not sure myself, except I have a new AI.”
“3: You also need to register the SNAIL module.”
“Apparently, I also need to register my SNAIL module.”
“3: J is for Julian.”
Julian came to his feet and walked around his desk. “J: A SNAIL module? Atherleah, what has happened? No, don’t answer that. Apparently, it is none of my business.”
“Friends are allowed to be concerned for each other, Julian. Enemies caught up with me in my world. They destroyed parts of my brain. I’m blind, deaf and dumb. The SNAIL module works to help me make sense of the world anyway.”
“J: Who did this Atherleah? Do they come to Dunyanin?”
“Some of them do, Julian. I cannot tell you because I cannot prove in a court of law who has done it. Still, I know who they are and will seek redress in a different courtroom.”
“J: Now that I know, I can tell that your eyes do not see me and your mouth does not move. Should you need assistance, then know that my house stands with you.”
“Thank you. It is a comfort to know I have friends who stand with me through the difficult times.”
“J: I have to go through the words again, so please bear with me.”
“That is fine. I understand the need to do things correctly.”
“J: Thank you. Please have a seat. It is my responsibility to record your information and to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities. You already know the general rules, but I need to explain that though Dunyanin will make every effort to provide you with the full playing experience, there may be times when the SNAIL module is unable to convey the full experience. With this information, do you still wish to continue playing within Dunyanin? If you can not accept the proviso, then we will refund a full month’s fee.”
Leah thought for a moment then said, “I am content Julian, and I understand and accept the provision and any limitation.”
“J: Thank you. I have as your full legal name ‘Atherleah Lin Mu-Ling Carroll’ and your ID is FQC3465278.”
“Yes, those are unchanged.”
“J: Wonderful, and I have your new Personal Interface as AI 628B69F1F3.”
“That is correct.”
“J: Finally, I have received the relevant codes connected with your SNAIL module. Dunyanin is committed to helping those with unique circumstances, and we would be pleased to offer to upgrade your plan at no extra cost to our Gold level.”
“That’s fine, Julian. I’m actually content at the Wood level and already have all the benefits.”
“J: I thought that a reduction in the pain might be helpful.”
“It might, but if it is necessary, I’ll make the arrangement through the SNAIL module. For the moment I’ll keep it at fifty per cent. I actually think it helps me be more careful.”
“J: That is undoubtedly true. Time and again, the children of well-to-do traders make poor decisions because it is not their coin they are gambling. Now, you do not need to see either Yvette or Durustfuar, but Jonathan will be waiting for you through the doorway to your right.”
Leah stood, and after waving goodbye, she stepped through the door Julian indicated, she found herself back in Jonathan’s room with him standing beside the podium. As she entered, he bowed.
“3: J is for Jonathan.”
“J: Welcome, Doruk Atherleah. I have just read the details that bring you here again. Who did this?”
“I’m not allowed to say, for I cannot prove it.”
“J: You know who?”
“Yes.”
“J: If you have the need, then know that you may call on Müjdeci of Sihirbazlari, day or night if you have need.”
Jonathan took a small brooch and after casting a spell said, “J: If you hold this and say my name, then I will come.”
Leah took the brooch carefully and placed it in her bag thoughtfully. She said, “Thank you, Jonathan. Your friendship means a lot to me.”
Jonathan smiled, then said. “J: May I see your staff?”
Leah handed it to Jonathan who peered closely at the intricate braids, then with great reverence held it in two hands and said, “J: Where did you get this?”
“I made it.”
Jonathan said, “J: Please reach out your hand and take hold of it.”
Leah did as she was asked, and the staff began to glow. Leah could feel the glow against her skin as a tingling sensation and her mind added this to the picture she was forming.
Jonathan said, “J: Beşinefendisi, I Jonathan, known in Sihirbazlari as Müjdeci, freely declare you Doruk, the First Mage of Vatan. My word is binding. The second prophecy is fulfilled. Temelgüçler has been made. The Kırılmış is revealed.”
As he finished speaking the sceptre flashed brightly, and Leah’s entire body felt the resultant tingle, like ants walking all over her skin. She had to force herself not to respond. As Jonathan let go of the staff, the glow faded. Leah asked, “Jonathan. Could you explain?”
“J: As much as I can, I will. As I explained before, only three mages have ever managed to master the time magics of the Fae. Each has looked into the future, and each spoke of the coming of the Fourfold Mage. While the first prophesied that she would use the magics of the gods, the dragons, the Fae, and the mundane, both the others also called her the Master of Five. She is the one who wields all five elements. In our language, this is Beşinefendisi.
“The second mage prophesied that the Beşinefendisi would create a staff of pure magic. It would be formed from the five primary elements and bound together with an unbreakable binding. We called this staff the Temelgüçler, the Elemental Focus. The prophecy also called her Kırılmış, the Broken One. I had thought this referred to your heritage, but I now believe it refers to your infirmities. There is one more prophecy, and I both hope for its fulfilment, and I dread it, for I am no longer certain of its meaning.”
Leah was fairly sure the AI overseeing the prophecy would find a way to make it fit her experience sometime in the future. She said, “Let us leave the future to unfold in its own time. Thank you for explaining. Now, I suspect you want some of my blood.”
“J: Yes, and no. I am required to take some blood, but I am also reluctant to ask this of the Doruk.”
Leah held out her arm and said, “Please, I trust you, and
I understand why this world needs my agreement to continue. I doubt it will be a simple thing to relearn everything, and it’s even likely, I suspect, that I could lose money or reputation. People can be unreasonable when that happens.”
“J: That is true. Even so, it seems disrespectful.”
Leah had out her arm and Jonathan once more made a cut on her hand and used it to write her name on the agreement.
When he’d healed the cut, he said, “Beyond the door is a portal to your last position. Where are you headed?”
“When I last was in Dunyanin, I was on the top of Mt Siddetli. A hand of my Imperial Günahkâr guards and I were in a cave at its peak. I suspect, or rather I hope, the guards have found a safer shelter further down the mountain. My dragon is also at the mountain. I was thinking of coming to Sihirbazlari soon but will need to pass along the edge of the Yabani Wastelands and cross the plains of Ovalar first. The map I have shows the route to Sihirbazlari from the west, whereas I will be approaching from the southeast. Even so, that is where I am headed. From there, I want to travel to Harika and visit Julian. All that could change if when I decipher the Merkize Disc, I find a quest with a higher priority.”
“J: I would suggest you do not attempt to visit Sihirbazlari from the southeast. We call that land the Kansisi and even we fear to enter into the mist which covers it. It reeks of foul Fae magics and none who enter return.”
“Thank you for the warning. I may need to swing south then and loop around that area instead. Either way, it will be weeks before I get there.”
“J: I wish you safe travels, Doruk Atherleah.”
After thanking Jonathan, Leah stepped through the portal he’d indicated and found herself once more in the spherical room she’d formed at the peak of Mt Siddetli.
