by Tony Corden
Using her left hand, she typed a message, “How does it feel, Lady Garez? What is it like when you look on your plans and see them crumble before your eyes? Even if I die and you kill some from the community you’d enslaved, you will have lost your playthings. You’ll have nothing to treat with spite nor show your malice toward. My guards are my companions, and they will rise again. I am a traveller and already have increased my levels. I will have gained much and lost little. All you can do is stand by and watch, trapped by your own trickery, lack of foresight and fear. How does it feel?”
As she’d been speaking, she could feel a form appearing several paces in front of her. The approaching creatures all slowed. Those attacking the wall stopped and waited. As Leah concentrated on whom she assumed was Lady Garez, she was surprised for a moment at the sheer beauty of the woman standing before her. Lady Garez had the delicate features of an elf, and every proportion was perfect. Leah assumed her voice would match the body, but the words would match the cold hate emanating from the eyes.
“G: Worm, that fool Umut grants you a touch of divinity, and you get delusions of grandeur. You will die here, and then you will die again and again as my brothers and I hunt you down. All the while destroying everything you have and everyone you love.”
“You aren’t having much luck yet. Why is that? A lack of passion or simple ineptitude? I suspect you are both afraid of losing what little power you have.”
“G: If that is what you think, then, like Umut, you are a fool. It is a matter of business, of supply and demand. I feed off both, causing dismay and malice but also the dismay and malice caused by my followers. Your actions in this world have cut into my profits. Not significantly by any means, but enough to make me notice.
“My brother is further down the supply chain and deals with the feelings and thoughts of those who suffer. Again, you have cut into his profits. You also challenged him directly. I would have watched you meander through this small quest without bothering you, but you challenged me directly by your actions. You wanted to shut down this source of my food, so to speak.
“You sell Umut’s wares. He is getting the business that I set up. It’s what he always does. Instead of setting up his own quests, he feeds off the leavings of the greater gods. Your challenge was heard by my peers, and so I have appeared to deal with you. Now, I will feed off your dismay. You may have killed Suzluk with your tricks, but I am not him.
“I can withstand the basilisk and mamba poisons, and I can overcome the strength of the dragon. I am a god. Watch and see. When the curse is lifted, I will take those fools back to their insipid little village and continue my feeding for the ages to come.”
Lady Garez must have done something against the villagers, as she suddenly had to squint her eyes from the pain, and she turned pale. When this happened, Leah used all the strength of her earth shroud enhanced muscles to drive herself toward Lady Garez, the Amber Dragon extended. When she was less than a pace from the goddess, Leah slammed into a shield and was held tight.
“G: Goodbye, Empress, round one to me.”
With that, Lady Garez sent a wave of dark mana at Leah which ripped her apart, spreading her remains over the charred solid earth. As Lady Garez brought the pain and venom under control, she slowly stood upright. She was surprised when, with a flash of light, Leah reappeared as the transformed Phoenix Potion did its work.
Leah equipped her Imperial Sceptre as Lady Garez sent a second, more concentrated blast of mana at Leah. This time, the mana splattered harmlessly off Leah who focussed her divine earth shroud through the sceptre, forming a focus for gravity at the centre of Lady Garez. Then using both her divine light and shadow shrouds, she cast a similar spell to what she’d used when she’d captured the demon and put it in stasis. There was a look of horror on Lady Garez’s face as she was pulled into a tiny ball the size of Leah’s hand and then frozen, encased in a stasis spell just before she would have died.
Leah ignored the globe for a moment as she focussed on what Lady Garez’ creatures were doing. She was surprised but thrilled when they stayed where they were, waiting for another order from their mistress. Leah focussed her attention on that part of her body where the sphere was being displayed. As she did, a reader appeared.
World Achievement: First 1 (2, Celestial)
Capture a God
Atherleah (Level 443), you have captured the goddess Garez. This is your second World Achievement: ‘First 1 (Celestial). This achievement was completed when a ‘state of war’ existed between Lady Garez and you (both personally and by virtue of your relationship with Lady Utsal and Lord Umut). As per the ‘Articles of Divine War,’ all experience and rewards are doubled.
Reward 1: 25000 x 443 x 2 = 123707750 (+458.5%) Experience Points (76650000/76650000) (77650000/77650000) (10259899/78650000)
Reward 2: 10 Diamond x 2 x 2 = 40 Diamond
Reward 3: +5% x 2 to Experience Points
Reward 4: 10000 x 2 Fame Points (511670 FP)
Atherleah (Level 443), You have captured the Goddess of Spite and Malice, Lady Garez. Those allied with her in this war will stop at nothing to retrieve her. This situation is not covered in the Articles of Divine War, and they are currently being reviewed to address the anomaly. Be prepared to be called as a participant to the review.
Note: This achievement will be published on the Dunyanin achievement forum.
Level 5 Named Personal Achievement
Quickest to Achieve 500000 Fame - First 1 (6, Painite)
You have completed the Achievement Quickest to Achieve 500000 Fame. You have surpassed the previous fastest by a period of 745 Dunyanin Days.
Reward 1: 10000 x 445 = 25164750 (+465.5%) Experience Points (35424649/78650000)
Reward 2: 1 Diamond x 6 = 6 Diamond
Reward 3: +4% to Experience Points
Reward 4: 1000 Fame Points (512670 FP)
Note: This achievement will be published on the Dunyanin achievement forum.
A Commemorative Plaque has been placed in your bag.
59
December 26 2073 - 4
DUNYANIN
Leah knew there were dozens of other messages she needed to read, but after telling Three she would look at them later, she picked up the stasis sphere with Lady Garez in it and walked back along her route harvesting the dead. When she arrived back at the now-empty compound, she changed direction and moved along the path taken by Orta and Küçük and harvested their kills.
She would return this to them when they caught up with her. The last time she’d saved her play at a resurrection stone had been back in the Günahkâr lands. From the companion agreement, they would resurrect there and would have to make their way across half the continent to where she was. She doubted she was likely to see them anytime in the next month or so. When she reached the place where they’d died, she stopped respectfully, honouring their courage and dedication regardless of whether they would return or not.
Finally, she turned and headed toward the far end of the valley, where she hoped to find the villagers had made it safely. On the way, nothing bothered her. She could still feel the wind and sense animals moving around her, but they stepped away from her path. Nothing changed when she stepped into the upper half of the valley, and she hoped that meant the small community could now find peace anywhere in the valley.
As she walked, she also felt sentries who noticed her passing and followed her at a distance or scurried ahead to give a warning or spread information. Finally, in the distance, she could feel a large group of people made up of the various races. There were easily five or six times the number who’d been in the first community. She was able to tell that they’d heard of her approach as they were centred on the most likely exit point if she continued on the path she was on.
She stepped from the edge of the vegetation into what looked like a typical village, though with some massive homes for creatures like the trolls. She could feel each of the creatures give a bow of respect. After returning the bow with a
shallow dip of her head, she headed for A’leah and I’zci who were standing next to the tallest troll she’d ever seen. Its head was eight paces above the ground.
FETHEDEN, LEADER OF THE FREE (Level 712) 760416HP (35600EP)
The troll was certainly a female and appeared different from the other trolls Leah had seen. There was no excess fat anywhere on her body, and her stance showed an extreme athleticism. As with all trolls, there was no hair, but the horns which swept upward to a point were polished so that they gleamed in the sunlight. Instead of the often-seen rough leather jerkin and pitted broadswords, Fetheden had finely worked chain armour and carried a well-crafted war axe as tall as herself.
As Leah approached, A’Leah spoke, “A: Welcome, Godslayer. Where are your companions?”
“They were killed. While it grieves me, I am comforted knowing they were my sworn companions, and by the rules of the creators they will resurrect elsewhere and find there way back to me.”
“A: Indeed, that is a comfort. Empress Atherleah, Godslayer, this is our leader, Fetheden, Leader of the Free.”
Leah bowed her head and said, “It is good to meet you Fetheden, Leader of the Free. I have heard of your bravery and wisdom in freeing your people.”
“3: F with a small spark ⚡️ is for Fetheden.”
“F⚡️: Greetings Empress Atherleah, Godslayer, you are welcome to this community. For many years you have been our example, and now you are our saviour. A’leah and I’zci shared your words about freedom and I realise I allowed us to be enslaved by my inaction.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not. I cannot judge how things might have been. I suspect that if you had pushed forward then many, if not all of you, would have perished. Lady Garez is powerful and filled with venom.”
“F⚡️: How did you escape? We heard the conflict begin with a crash and which we are told was a sheet of dark lightning. Since then, until almost half an hour ago, there were sounds of a great conflict. Then it all died. We waited, and here you are. Your armour is torn and burned, but you look to be in full health.”
“I am still restoring my well of mana. My wings will double in size by the time I am fully recovered. Lady Garez sent everything against my guards and I. When I knew I was fully surrounded, I goaded Lady Garez to attack. I had previously taken a unique Phoenix Potion which, in addition to restoring me to life, gave me ten-seconds of invulnerability. Lady Garez was not prepared, and I had time to cast a spell which trapped her in a prison of sorts. She still lives but will not be released until I will it.”
“F⚡️: You have imprisoned a god?”
“Yes, I suppose so. Whatever the reason, it seems the creatures under her control have returned to what I assume is their normal, generally non-violent state. I suspect your warriors should still take care when they travel.”
“F⚡️: Is the entire valley now open to my people?”
“I don’t know. You and your people will need to work that out.”
“F⚡️: How can we thank you?”
“No thanks is needed. Travelling through the valley helped me to fulfil a quest. I believe when I leave your valley, the quest will have been fulfilled, and I can move forward.”
“F⚡️: Will you stay to accept our hospitality?”
“I wish I could, but I have other companions who will have travelled to the exit from the valley. They will want to know I am well.”
Leah could feel the brief change that came over Fetheden’s face at the mention of the exit. It passed quickly, and instead she smiled, showing clean well-shaped teeth and inner tusks. “F⚡️: Then please accept these tokens of our respect.”
From the crowd, six members of the community stepped forward. In turn, each of them laid something at Leah’s feet. First was a shapely dwarven woman who lay a basket full of carefully gathered herbs. She said, “Those who came spoke of your interest in potions. These are a collection of the most potent of the herbs in our valley. Under the fresh herbs are a collection of dried ones and some bottles with seeds and nuts. There is a list included.”
Leah thanked the woman, who stepped back into the crowd and was replaced by an old half-elf, half-human male who stooped to place a book and two scrolls at Leah’s feet. He said, “Those who came spoke of your interest in books and spells. This is a bestiary of Vatan that has been in my family for over a millennium. I have a copy but give you the original. The two scrolls were brought as plunder from Esir Sehri. They are spells from the mages of the desert clans.”
Next was a full orc who stood a full pace and a half taller than Leah. His skin shone as if freshly oiled and he was dressed in fine silks. He said, “My mother was too weak to make the journey here. If I had known how much I would miss her, I would never have left the other settlement. To be reunited with her makes this the happiest day of my life.”
He placed a small chest at her feet and continued, “Your guards told our people you are an Empress. There is a cave beneath the falls where a family of mithryl pixies live. They have gifted me with their cocoons. My gift is that of mithryl silk. You will need a great crafter, but there is enough to make something suitable for someone who thinks of the aged.”
The orc was followed by what looked to be a half-goblin, half-human teenager. She only came to Leah’s shoulders and looking up at Leah said, “We who identify as 'The Free' have little love for the gods except one. Many of us who know how the larger world might treat us worship Lady Serseri. I am the junior priestess of our small Temple. My goddess came to me this morning before we heard the sounds of war and told me to follow the half-elf half-human who would arrive this day. I am to watch and learn what it means to be her champion.”
At that, the girl sat with the other gifts. Leah was about to say something when a tall, heavily bearded man stepped out carrying a large chest. Leah had no idea what race the man was, as almost all his skin was covered with thick black and silver hair. He took a long sniff of Leah and then spoke, “Some who came told of the strange mix of your blood. We are of the Were and have come to accept and control the change that happens. We see great portents in someone's blood. Yours is a strange mix. In this chest are vials of blood we have collected from the creatures of the valley. We gift them to you.”
As Leah bowed her head, she equipped the Vambraces and took the form of the Gravity glitchwolf Safha Peslik, sitting with her haunch on the ground. The man also changed and before Leah was a great black and silver wolf. Leah rose to her feet, and in the manner of wolves, the Were went to his stomach and turned his neck toward Leah. She accepted his submission and then resumed her seat. As the wolf left, Leah transformed back into her half-elf half-human form.
As the wolf disappeared into the crowd, a tall thin couple stepped out of it. Instead of hair, their heads were covered with feathers, and each had a pair of wings folded against their clothes. From their shape, it was clear the wings had been broken many times and had healed crooked and useless. The female was holding a chest of medium size. The male said, “We are Kuşlar. We live in the far reaches of Vatan, past the desert sands and in the high mountains called Kartal Yuvası by our people. We were captured in our youth when we foolishly left the heights to see the lowlands. The Prince of the Dunes had tortured us many times to find the way to our people, for he wanted the secret of flight. We are a long-lived people, but my mate and I are old even by the reckoning of our people.
“We had been prisoners for over two hundred years when Fetheden led the people from slavery. We took the opportunity to escape with her. We gift you with our eggs. While they are somewhat fragile, they are protected in this chest and will only hatch when placed on the hatching sands among our people. We ask that you take them, and should you find a way, then deliver them to our people. Inside the chest are a map and a scroll. The map is for you, and the scroll is for our fledgelings. It tells them of our great love for them.”
Without giving Leah a chance to respond, they slipped away into the crowd. Leah followed them with her senses and saw them cl
asping each other as they sobbed at the rear of the gathering. Knowing this last gift was another special release by the Dunyanin developers did nothing to help her mood. She didn’t let any of that show on her face. Instead, she let her sightless gaze wander over the crowd and then typed a message.
“Thank you for your gifts and the trust you show me in leaving them in my hands. I am pleased to have helped you today, and I want you to know I won’t be releasing Lady Garez anytime soon.”
There was a cheer, and the crowd began to disperse. Leah turned toward Fetheden and said, “I must leave soon. I thank you for your gifts. I am younger in both years and experience than you, but will you hear one word of advice before I go?”
“F⚡️: I will.”
“Your people are finally free. You have sacrificed much for them, but it is time for them to stand on their own feet. Sevelin has been waiting long enough. If he cannot enter the valley with Garez gone, then it is time to let go of this valley and find your freedom elsewhere.”
Fetheden looked stunned and said nothing but simply stared at Leah. A’leah stepped forward and said, “A: One day, she will thank you for your wisdom. Be on your way. I am a very proud old woman to have been named after you.”
Leah smiled but had nothing to say. The young priestess stood and said, “Godslayer, my name is Melez. Follow me, and I will lead the way to the exit.”
Leah looked at the youngling and said, “Please, just call me Atherleah. How old are you? Do you have any other belongings? A backpack, maybe? Shoes?”
