Absalom’s Trials

by J. D. L. Rosell

  Then there was the other matter: Farelle. Right before I’d gone off, she’d been having second doubts about continuing together. Now that I thought about it again, I was starting to feel the same. I’d put her in enough danger. She might be an NPC, a being that only lived as long as the servers were powered on, but she was real to me. And she was my friend. Since she only had one life here, it would be selfish to pull her away from her community just when she was beginning to reconnect with them.

  I clenched my teeth and held back the pangs of loneliness that suddenly attacked me. Yeah, it would suck going it alone. But this was what I signed up for, wasn’t it? This was what I had to do to beat Absalom and get out of the Everlands.

  “I’m ready now,” I finally said. “Let’s do this.”

  Isvalla nodded and raised a hand toward me. I began to feel strange — light, like when I shifted into a Specter’s form. I looked down at myself and saw my body breaking into bits of light like the ones floating around me.

  Then I was gone.

  2

  The First Trial

  The world slowly reappeared around me. As ground formed beneath my legs, I felt gravity weighing down on me again, especially noticeable as my legs were suddenly weak. Teleportation had done a number on my stamina, reducing it by half. I'd have to take it slow at first.

  Blinking, I took in my surroundings. It was still night wherever I'd been sent to, and much was lost in shadow. But before me, a provincial town was lit with mounted torches. Mostly it looked to be a collection of hovels with a few interspersed two-story buildings, but a tall temple loomed behind it atop a hill. Even in the low light, I could tell it had had seen better days. One of its front pillars had crumbled away from the roof it was supposed to be supporting, and the statue mounted before it was so worn that its features were indistinguishable.

  I thought Isvalla might have disappeared on me at first, but the Devalyn goddess startled me by flashing into existence next to me. “You made it in one piece,” she observed drily. “That's a start.”

  I ignored her. It was best to avoid bickering with deities as much as I could help it. “What is this place?” A quick check of my map didn’t bring up anything but a dot of color in a sea of black. I didn’t even think I was on Kalthinia anymore.

  “Urandal. An isolated town on a faraway continent.” The goddess wore a sly smile. “In fact, on another plane of existence entirely within the Everlands. There will be no using your Dominion Ring here, Catalyst.”

  Another plane? I’d always wondered why it was called ‘the Everlands’ when there only seemed to be one continent. I still had a lot to learn here. “Fine. This is where the trial begins?”

  Isvalla pointed at the derelict temple. “Your trial awaits within. But do not expect to be able just to enter within and pass it. There will be more to it than that.”

  “I'd never dream it'd be that easy,” I muttered.

  The goddess's eyes narrowed. “I leave you here.” Then, with another flash of light, she disappeared. Not even a farewell or well-wishing. She was hardly up to Ava's standards when it came to guides. Then again, if she was such a forgotten deity to be given this duty, I couldn’t really blame her.

  Shrugging, I made my way down the hill into the town. The temple was positioned on the other side, so I'd have to go around if I didn't want to go through. But considering all the gear I still had to sell, a stop in a proper town would be welcome. And I wasn't exactly in a rush to become that twerp’s Champion either.

  Urandal didn't grow any prettier as it came into greater detail. Many of the walls were little more than mud slapped onto wood and mixed with straw. I had little experience with medieval roofs, but even I could tell they were poorly thatched. The residents here apparently didn't think much of making themselves presentable.

  Then I saw one of the denizens. It came stumbling out of a door, seemingly pushed by someone within. It was not one of the races of Kalthinia, that was for certain. It looked like a cross between a fox and a rat that had received the ugliest traits of both. Its ears were torn and floppy, and its teeth projected from a snout too small to hold them. It had streaks of rusty red running through its patchy cloak and the tail of a fox, but it looked as if it spent its time mucking around in sewers. Even rats were cleaner than this kobold-like creature.

  I tried examining its stats, but only received a brush-off message:

  You must discover more before examining this target’s information.

  Well, if that’s how the game was going to be, I’d just have to bootstrap it.

  Meanwhile, the fox-rat scrambled to its feet and jabbered at the creature in the doorway, gesturing with its clawed hands in a manner far from friendly. The other chattered back in kind, then slammed the door in the first’s face. The fox-rat stood stock-still for a second, then turned away muttering angrily to itself. Until it saw me. As soon as it did, it froze, screamed, and ran in the opposite direction.

  I blinked. That was strange. And not super hopeful as far as finding a willing vendor to buy my stuff.

  Thankfully, the scream didn’t seem to be an alert to attack, for no other fox-rats appeared. I kept moving through the town unmolested. Lights didn't burn in most of the houses, and I wondered if the creatures were sleeping, if they couldn't afford even candles, or if they all had night vision. But there was at least one two-story building that had promising light flickering from its windows.

  Sucking in a breath of the town’s foul air, I knocked lightly. A moment later, one of the fox-rats opened the door. As soon as it saw me, though, it screamed like the first did and slammed the rickety door, causing a stream of dust to fall from the doorway.

  It looked like they were all scared. Did Humans prey on them or something? Nevertheless, I knocked again. Transforming into a wolf wouldn't get me any better results. “Excuse me!” I said loudly, hoping hearing my voice might put the creatures at ease. “I'd just like to talk if you'd open up for a moment.”

  Some kind of whining sound came from the other side, followed by something that sounded like gnashing teeth. I knocked again, this time firmer, my patience quickly evaporating. “Hello in there! I’m a bit lost. I’d appreciate if you could point me in the right direction. Then I promise I'll be on my way.”

  More whining and gnashing sounded, then a high-pitched voice spoke in words I could understand. “Hair-less?”

  From their standpoint, I could see how Humans would be “hairless.” Hopefully that wasn't a bad association. “Sure, I'm Hair-less,” I replied, emphasizing the syllables separately like him. “I’d just like to talk.”

  The creatures jabbered in their strange language for a couple of minutes, during which I noticed every streak of mud on the door. By the time the latch clicked open, I wasn't sure I wanted to step inside. From the stench wafting out, it could only be worse within. Still, I swallowed down the sour taste in my throat and eased open the door.

  The fox-rats were about as dirty as I'd suspected. One corner of the low-ceilinged, cramped room clearly served as a latrine, while in the adjacent corner some kind of soup was cooking in a cauldron over an open, smoking flame. I gagged as soon as I entered. Close to a dozen fox-rats crowded within, all staring with beady, gleaming eyes at me, as if waiting to see what I'd do. I stopped near the doorway, unwilling to wade further through the muddy floor. Even my Boots of Grip would have trouble finding purchase here.

  I held up a hand. “Hello,” I said awkwardly.

  The fox-rats immediately began jabbering again, pointing and gnashing their teeth. After another minute, one stepped forward. “Hair-less,” it said. “You come for other Hair-less, chsk?”

  If there was another Human in town, I definitely wanted to see them. “Yes, absolutely. Where is the other Hair-less?”

  The creature conferred with its companions for a moment before turning back and pointing at the ceiling. I looked, but saw nothing.

  “Up in big stone,” the fox-rat clarified. “Top of many-house, chsk.�
��

  They had to mean that forgotten temple. I sighed. I’d have to see if I could find a vendor later. “Thank you.” I didn't know what else to do, so I awkwardly waved and saw myself quickly out of the house, the fox-rats’ chatter following me.

  After kicking the muck from my boots and taking a deep breath of slightly improved air, I traveled through the rest of Urandal to the hill on its other side. A great many stairs led up to the temple at the top. Taxing my stamina, I took them two at a time and reached the top panting. There, the time-worn statue looked over me, forty feet tall. At its feet was a structure I recognized as a resurrection shrine. It was a chilling reminder that, despite not dying since level 2, there was always the possibility of it. I didn't have Farelle at my back now, nor Sheika or Gorget flanking me. Maybe whenever they logged back in after their recovery, we could meet up and tackle these trials together. But I wondered if they’d risk coming back after all they’d been through. Were I in their position, as guilty as I would feel about leaving someone behind, I wasn’t sure I would.

  Banishing the dismal thoughts, I walked past the statue and stepped carefully along the path of broken stones through the ruined columns to the temple facade just beyond. Within the high archway, the room fell into an impenetrable gloom, with little light reaching across the threshold. The effect was so stark I wondered if there was magic involved. No way to find out but by continuing. Approaching the dark barrier, I made sure my Jeweled Longsword of the Stars and Iron Dagger of Minor Banishing were loose in their scabbards, then stepped into the black pool.

  The transformation was instant. In a moment, I was through the barrier and inside the temple. I stood there, blinking. Instead of gloomy darkness, the cathedral I had entered was lit by yellow torches along all its columns so that even the high ceiling was faintly illuminated. It resembled the Catholic cathedrals I'd seen on a trip to Europe with my parents when I was fourteen, except for instead of statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus and the saints, there was a veiled woman in their place.

  From her pointy ears, it was an elven woman, I noticed as I walked closer to one small figurine mounted above rows of candles. There weren't wings, so she couldn't be a sky elf; she was likely Devalyn then. Though maybe there were more races of elves than just Valyn and Devalyn. After all, I'd not known about the fox-rats, nor been introduced to Sheika’s cat-like race, the Ja’qual, beyond her. The Everlands didn't include 'ever’ in their name for nothing.

  “Beautiful, is she not?”

  I whirled at the sound of the warm, womanly voice behind me. I'd not heard anyone approach, and my heart pounded with surprise. It had other reasons to pound as well. A female autumn elf stood behind me, and she was easily the most beautiful woman I'd encountered in the Everlands. A form-fitting, silky dress with a flowing shawl over her bare shoulders, dark eyes I could sink into, long dark hair… I pride myself on not objectifying women, but it was hard to see past her beauty.

  She cocked one perfectly formed eyebrow. “Fralishk got your tongue?”

  I realized my mouth had been ajar as I stared, so I promptly closed it. I had to get a grip on myself. I wasn't here for beautiful women. Besides, until I figured out where I stood with Farelle, I wasn't going to even dream about doing something with another woman. At least, I'd try not to.

  “Apologies, my lady,” I found myself saying. “I was told that another, er, 'Hair-less’ could be found here.”

  The woman laughed at that, low and sultry. “Well? Have you found your Hair-less?”

  “You tell me,” I said smoothly, my cool recovering. “Anyway, what are those creatures below? They remind me of something between a fox and a rat.”

  “I've already said. They are Fralishk. Between a fox and rat — yes, if it got the worse end of both.”

  I laughed. “I thought the same thing.”

  “But that doesn't answer my question. Why are you here in Urandal? It's a long way for most to travel.”

  I considered how much to reveal. How much of Absalom's Trials were supposed to be secret from mortals? But the first trial was supposed to be here, and I'd take a lot longer to find it if I didn't ask directly. Besides, if Isvalla wanted things kept secret, she should have told me.

  “I'm here for a trial. To become the champion to someone important.”

  I expected the autumn elf to laugh, but she considered me for a moment and nodded. “Yes. You do have the aspect.”

  That was a nice change of tone! Back in the real world, a woman like this wouldn't have considered me for a second. Even at the beginning of my time in the Everlands, I wasn't exactly Mister Hot-Shot in everyone's eyes. Whether it was my ridiculously high charisma or my decent level, it looked like I'd pulled a Hercules and gone from zero to hero.

  “Can you tell me something of it?” I pressed her.

  “Only this — that you're doing well to have kept your head thus far.” Before my eyes, the woman shifted. The gown and shawl were replaced with rougher, plainer clothes. Her alluring eyes become ordinary, if still pretty, while her hair lost some of its luster and hung more limply. As for how pretty the rest of her face was, I couldn't tell from the veil that suddenly appeared over her mouth and nose.

  An illusion, I quickly realized. With her dissipated looks, my heart-stricken malady faded as well. Before it was completely gone, I checked my status. Infatuated. That explained why my mind has been so muddled. She'd cast some sort of attraction spell as part of the illusion. I couldn't believe I hadn't realized it. I'd have to be wary of that in the future.

  “Welcome to the first trial,” the woman said with a coy smile. “The Trial of Devotion.”

  “Did I pass then? No offense, but I'm not exactly devoted to you.”

  “No? Well, there's still time.” Her eyes crinkled behind the sheer veil. “The trial is only beginning.”

  I’d suspected as much, but a guy could hope. “Then I guess we’ll be spending some time together. Would you mind telling me your name?”

  “If you tell me yours.”

  “Marrow,” I said without hesitation.

  “You forgot part of it. Or did you think I didn't know you, Catalyst?” The woman’s eyes laughed at me.

  I wondered just who this woman was to know something like that. “I didn’t know you’d have reason to. But you still haven’t said your name.”

  “Valla’Sarai. You can call me Sarai if you wish.”

  “Sarai it is.” I looked around. “Who is this temple dedicated to?” I thought about noting its state of disrepair, but considering this woman seemed a priestess here, it didn’t seem polite.

  “Haven't you guessed? My name didn't ring a bell?”

  I thought it over again before it occurred to me. Of course — “Valla” at the beginning of Sarai's name wasn't just a coincidence. “Figures Isvalla would bring me here. Everyone’s got skin in the game.”

  “Devotion isn't without its vanity.” She tossed her hair and winked at me. “Now, you wished to hear of your task for this trial, no?”

  “Hit me.”

  “That would be rather rude. How about I tell you?”

  I didn't bother explaining the idiom. “Go on.”

  “Your task pertains to the history of this town and temple, so pay attention. Once, all the Fralishk in Urandal came on a daily basis to pay their respects to our patroness. They adored her, worshipped her, and the temple was kept beautiful and pristine. They built this temple, you know — they were quite the fine builders when they put their minds to it.”

  Having seen their homes, I seriously doubted that.

  “But circumstances changed, and piousness gave way to slovenly behavior. Attendance fell off, and the temple fell into ruin. Finally, no one came anymore. The priestesses before me did their best to renew interest in Isvalla, but to no avail. After all, how do you inspire love?”

  “Why not your illusions?” I suggested. “It almost worked on me. Surely those Fralishk would fall prey to it.”

  “An illusion lasts
but a moment. No, the task falls to Marrow Catalyst. You must inspire devotion in these creatures to again make them worship Isvalla. For the love of her.”

  The expected quest prompt showed up:

  New quest: The First Trial: Trial of Devotion (Lvl ???) [Absalom] [Isvalla] [Urandal] - Renew the faith of the Fralishk in Isvalla, Devalyn goddess of desire. Nothing says true love like being forced into it!

  Reward: +100,000 XP (+5000 XP), increased alignment with Absalom, increased alignment with Isvalla, increased alignment with Urandal

  *This quest is part of a series of quests: Absalom’s Trials. Failing any one of the Trials will result in permanent death by being sent to Faze-Aught.

  This wasn't at all what I expected for a trial. I’d been thinking I’d have to do something more along the lines of fighting a big, bad monster or overcoming some deep and dark part of myself. But this — what was I supposed to do with this?

  “Well, better get to it,” I said. “Where do we start?”

  To my surprise, Sarai reached up and undid her veil, revealing the face beneath. Thin lips and a sharp chin — again, not the beauty she had seemed before. But I liked her all the better for that.

  “First, Marrow,” she said with a coy smile, “we make you Devalyn.”

  3

  KO!

  “What?” The priestess’ statement caught me off-guard. “Why?”

  Sarai tossed her hair again. “I thought that would be obvious. These creatures can’t see beyond what's in front of them. If you're not an autumn elf, your efforts to inspire love in my Devalyn goddess will no doubt be hampered.”

  I wasn't too resistant to the idea. While I'd already become a Specter, it was a temporary switch. I was curious to see if changing to Devalyn came with any perks or penalties.