by Grey Arney
Arcturus mentally chose Yes.
The trio broke for lunch before training began. Spruce had cut up thin slices of venison and some kind of wild onion, and was frying them in a large container over the fire, stirring with a branch that had been stripped bare. The smell was tantalizing. And the elves had salt! The memories of bland boar faded away as Arcturus ate the venison. Sure, it was tough and chewy, but he didn’t mind. A little salt changes everything.
The two elves, the man and his dog sat outside for awhile after the meal, before Brook stood up. “We had better get started. We can probably finish most of our training by nightfall.
Spruce announced that he was off to check some traps he had set the previous day, and Arcturus thought it would be a good idea for Lyle to go with him. After all, watching his master shoot trees with a crossbow was boring, and one thing everybody knows is that dogs hate boredom.
Brook offered some advice. “You can give simple instructions to your dog and he will follow them. When a construct becomes the companion of a player, it gains enough intelligence to carry out that player’s wishes. He is certainly smarter now than when you found him.”
Arcturus looked at his wolf friend and spoke, trying to keep it simple.
“Go with this elf. Protect him and stay out of danger.” Arcturus was surprised to see that the dog seemed to understand, and it immediately positioned itself behind Spruce.
The pair set off, and Arcturus’ training began.
That afternoon, Arcturus learned how to fire a crossbow. He learned how to examine a bolt and determine that it was straight and would fly true. He learned how to set an arrow on the crossbow and pull the bowstring tight using the crank. Once locked tight, pushing a wooden button on the side would free the bolt and send it flying. The rate of fire was slow, but the weapon was ideal for a beginner. It was easy to use and aim. He practiced shooting at a tree. After firing just one bolt, he got the notification.
You have learned Archery (Level 1)
Archery allows you to attack at a distance. At lower levels, it’s good for little more than hunting small animals, but if you master this skill, and find the right weapons, you may one day be able to take out a small army before they can even approach you.
The next level came just a few shots later. He found that he could indeed sense when the notifications were coming, and now that he was aware of them, he could mute them while he focused on his training. He practiced with the longbow as well, which he found had a much faster rate of fire after just a short time practicing. Maybe he would have to get a longbow as well.
As he approached Level 10 in his Archery skill, the rate of progress slowed down. Brook told him that if it weren’t for his guidance, it could have taken days to go from Level 9 to Level 10 just by shooting stationary targets.
Once he reached level 10 in Archery, Brook took Arcturus further into the woods and showed him how to walk so that his steps were lighter. Once he could avoid the snapping of twigs and reduce the crunching of leaves, he learned how to stay out of sight using cover. His Stealth skill leveled more slowly than his Archery skill, and the elf said that it was because Brook’s own Stealth skill was lower than his Archery, making him a less effective trainer.
The daylight had begun to dwindle, and Spruce had not yet returned with Lyle. Brook taught Arcturus more about the nearby herbs. Arcturus examined first-hand flowers, acorns, and mushrooms and learned of some of their Alchemy properties.
You have found: Yellow Morning Glory
This flower can increase movement speed by 5% for three minutes, 30 seconds.
You have found: Purple Toadstool
This mushroom can restore 1 mana point per second, up to 35.
During this time, Arcturus also learned to visualize his own mana and hit points. Brook said he could visualize them any way he wanted, so Arcturus imagined they were glass bottles in the corners of his vision.
The other elf still hadn’t returned with his dog, and Arcturus was starting to worry. But he knew the wolf to be a fearsome beast. So he decided to practice his Fire Magic in the meantime. As the elf had promised, he was able to raise the level just by blasting a pile of rocks with the heat. He found he could easily cast Burning Touch by imagining the burning-mayonnaise-diaper smell. Remember the smell, remember the spell. However, without the benefit of a trainer, it took many tries before he received his first notification.
You have improved Fire Magic (Level 3)
Your Fire Magic is now stronger.
He also reviewed the other notifications.
You have improved Archery (Level 10)
Your missiles fly faster and strike truer.
You have improved Stealth (Level 10)
Your perimeter of sound detection is now 50 feet. Visual detection is also reduced.
You have improved Alchemy (Level 5)
Consumed herbs and potions may have a stronger effect. Your chance to identify and collect alchemical ingredients increases.
He continued for awhile, practicing until he had reached level 4 in Fire Magic, when a panicked Spruce suddenly appeared at the lodge.
“The wolf is gone,” he began, struggling to catch his breath. “We were stopped by several goblins. I was trying to offer them something in exchange for peaceful passage, but the wolf attacked. I am sorry to say that I ran, there were too many of them.”
The feeling of his heart hammering in his chest gave Arcturus pause. Panic and fear welled up inside him. He did not understand why he felt so strongly, but he knew he had to get his wolf companion back. He was alone in this world, and so far the animal had been his only friend. He couldn’t bear to think of the goblins killing him, or, even worse—eating him.
Arcturus stepped forward. “I will go. Please tell me which direction.”
NEW QUEST: SAVE YOUR DOG
A good man will be kind to his dog, but a great man will return a dog’s loyalty in equal part! Will you show your dog the same loyalty that he has offered you, and risk your life to retrieve him? (Yes/No)
Although startled by this question, Arcturus chose Yes. His mind was already made up.
After some discussion, the two elves volunteered to come help. By all rights, this was Arcturus’ own battle, but Spruce felt indebted for failing to protect the dog, and Brook had grown much richer by his new friend and so had grown fond of him through that sacred bond of commerce.
Spruce and Brook were prepared in just moments, and all three left for the trapping area to the west.
CHAPTER 3
When they arrived at the trapping area, Spruce led them to the spot along the trail where he had been waylaid by the goblins. There was a large streak in the dirt caused by a scuffle. Arcturus saw a small amount of black blood from where his companion had bitten a goblin. Having seen his dog bite one back at the alcove, he wondered why the animal would want to taste the dark blood again. Then he remembered he had told his dog to protect the elf, and a pang of guilt stabbed him.
Another streak cleared across the forest floor. It looked like the goblin had responded to the attack by throwing the dog. A favorite goblin martial arts move. Spruce confirmed this part of the story from his own memory, and they investigated the area where Lyle would have landed. Arcturus felt a lump in his throat when he saw the bright red blood that belonged to Lyle. There was nobody here, so the dog must have been subdued somehow—or killed—and then carried off. That was the end of the clues.
“It looks like they turned around and headed that way,” said Brook.
“How would you know that?” asked Arcturus.
“Now that I’ve caught sight of the trail, my Tracking ability will lead me back to them.”
Arcturus studied the marks on the ground carefully. He was disappointed that no notice came announcing a new skill.
“I guess I don’t see anything,” he said.
“Tracking requires a high perception,” Brook said, heading down the trail and gesturing for all to follow.
After an
hour’s journey west, they were now nearer to the alcove Arcturus had awoken in than they were to the elven hunting lodge. Arcturus was starting to understand how he had come to be attacked by goblins in the night. They were camped uncomfortably close to where he had been positioned.
All were quiet as they followed the trail, speaking only in whispers, and only when necessary.
Another thirty minutes later, Brook held up his hand. The sounds of the forest had begun to change as they approached what could only be a goblin outpost.
The three slowed their pace now, taking great care to be quiet. Nighttime had fallen, which helped to conceal them, but they were wary of making any noises.
In the distance, signs of goblin civilization came into view.
The goblin settlement up ahead lay inside of a clearing. There were no trees and all brush and vegetation had been carefully removed. The camp consisted of several tents positioned around a large bonfire. Above it was a massive cauldron, and a goblin cook stood over it, stirring and occasionally tossing things in. It looked like they were constructing an outpost here because an unfinished section of wooden palisade guarded the far side. The side they approached from, however, was undefended. Hiding behind the trees, the three whispered and counted goblins for a long time. Brook used his Stealth skill to sneak off to the northern side. He returned excitedly.
“Your wolf is alive, friend. He’s in a wooden cage around to the side of one of the tents. There are other animals there, as well as some bones. I guess it’s where they keep their livestock.”
“I counted at least nine goblins,” said Spruce, “but there may be more in the tents. We are far outnumbered.”
“I want to thank you for all of your help,” Arcturus said, summoning a level of bravery that would have impressed himself if he only knew what a coward he had been in his previous life. “But I can’t ask you to risk your lives here. I am going to go by myself. I will try to sneak to the cage. If I fail, I will try to reason with them.”
The elves nodded. It seemed like suicide to openly attack. The elves themselves didn’t like goblins, but had no quarrel with them, either. And if the larger clan learned of an attack by elves, it could start a war.
The two bade him farewell and headed into the woods. On a sneaking suspicion, Arcturus reached into his bag and put the Bone Necklace of the Mudluck Clan around his neck, underneath his shirt. Then he crouched low and advanced around to the northern side of the outpost.
As he passed the northern entrance to the camp, he saw a goblin posted on guard duty. It was not doing a very good job because it was turning its neck in towards the camp to talk with another there. Arcturus crept past the northern entrance, to the edge of the unprotected palisade.
Sneaking into the camp along the inner edge, he found that the tents were built in a row along the wall. Inside the tents he could hear more goblins. He wasn’t sure if they were wrestling or making goblin love, but he didn’t want any part of it either way. There was a large gap between the first and second tents. He would be exposed while he traveled between them. Peeking his head out, he saw several goblins standing around, talking. He hid behind the first tent again.
It was then that his predicament dawned on him. He was now in the middle of the outpost, and if they saw him, they’d probably kill him. He couldn’t advance, and retreating was equally dangerous. So he waited. Fortunately, the goblins dispersed when they heard the sound of a dinner bell. It was the cook beating the side of the iron cauldron with a large wooden spoon.
Sensing that his only chance had arrived, Arcturus moved with a burst of speed to the next tent and peered around its edge. He saw his dog, injured and tied down inside of a wooden cage. He wondered if Lyle would be able to escape. The wolf noticed him right away, and his tail began whacking back and forth against the bars of the cage. The two big eyes stared up at him. The dog couldn’t help but let out a lonesome whine.
The heart-wrenching sound spurred Arcturus to action. First, he pulled some chokeberries from his pack and fed them to the wolf, sticking his fingers through the wooden bars. Lyle ate them readily, and his wounds began to heal.
You have given Lyle Soothing Chokeberries.
Lyle will recover 1 hit point per minute for 35 minutes.
Next, he pulled the kukri out from his belt and started searching for a vulnerable point in the cage. It was bound by twine. If he could hack away some, he could quietly pull the side off and his dog would be able to escape. He cut and pried until he had pulled one corner free. If he could just cut a second corner, the cage would likely open enough for the dog to escape. As soon as he set his knife into the second knot, he heard a familiar sound.
“Nyak! Nyak nyak!”
No more than five feet away, at the front of the tent, was a startled goblin. This one’s vocabulary was even smaller than the one he had met earlier.
More goblin voices rose in alarm, and Arcturus knew that the creatures would be on him in seconds. The one that saw him was advancing cautiously, still calling out to his comrades. Still, he hacked furiously at the knot. It would only take two or three seconds to free Lyle, and then they could escape together.
What he hadn’t expected was the goblins having the intelligence to coordinate and surround him. He had nearly freed the second knot when two more goblins approached from behind the tents. It seemed that the one approaching him had told his comrades to attack from the rear. He dropped the kukri and raised his arms over his head, in that universal gesture of surrender. The unarmed goblin punched him in the stomach, and Arcturus doubled over. Then they were all on him, pummeling him from every direction. Inhabitants of Lydia were capable of experiencing only a fraction of the pain and discomfort of the world Arcturus grew up in. But he didn’t know that. And even if he did, it would have been of little comfort to him. No amount of morphine would convince anybody to sign up for a beating like the one he took at the hands of the goblins. His world went black.
***
When Arcturus came to, he was in a large tent with his hands bound behind his back. Looking at his notifications made him wince.
The Green Goblin attacks. You have lost 3 hit points.
The Green Goblin attacks. You have lost 5 hit points.
The Green Goblin attacks. You have lost 2 hit points.
The Green Goblin attacks. You have lost 7 hit points.
You have been knocked unconscious.
He had 33 of 50 hit points remaining and his weapons and effects had been taken. In what seemed like some kind of show of bittersweet mercy, his captors had brought Lyle in next to him, although still in the cage. The tent was made of a thick canvas fabric, secured to the ground with heavy spikes. With limited mobility, Arcturus couldn’t think of any escape plan that wouldn’t result in another beating, and he didn’t have the hit points left for another round, anyway.
He rolled on to one side and greeted his dog. “Hey there, Lyle. You didn’t think I was going to let them soup you, did you?” he asked.
The dog put two paws forward and rested his head on them, staring straight ahead at his master.
The two were not alone for along. The goblins outside must have noticed that he had come to because their boss came storming into the tent. It’s hard to storm into a tent, but he sure did make a point of blasting through that canvas flap like some sort of badass.
“You,” rumbled a gravelly smoker’s voice. “You come with me. You think you strong? Tonight, you soup!”
Arcturus assessed the situation and made many calculations in an instant. First, he assumed that the goblin addressing him was the commander of the lot because he was a good six inches taller and knew how to say more than nyack nyack. Second, he inferred from the creature’s weak grasp of language that he was a construct of limited intelligence, and therefore easily manipulated. A plan began to form in his mind. A desperate plan that was likely to fail miserably.
Arcturus remained silent while another goblin entered the tent and “helped” him to his feet, s
lapping his face for good measure.
The Green Goblin attacks. You have lost 1 hit point.
He silently followed the commander while a third goblin came in and released his pet from the cage, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and escorting him along. Another followed the dog, prodding him on with a pointed stick. The wolf cooperated, but the goblins were ready to put him down at the first sign of trouble.
The imprisoned party were escorted to the campfire with the cauldron, which was full of boiling soup stock. Once he got up close, Arcturus was relieved to note that the cauldron was too small to put an entire human in. Not whole, at least. A whole dog would fit just fine, though.
The goblin commander approached the cook, and began squawking instructions at him in goblin-speak. The cook acquiesced.
The commander turned and began walking away. Now might be the only chance.
“Wait!” he called to the big goblin, affecting the moronic speech patterns he had just learned from the very same. “I am goblin. Look!” Arcturus squirmed around, trying to reveal the bone necklace inside of his shirt.
“You not goblin. Goblins not dance,” said the commander contemptuously.
“Shirt. Inside shirt,” urged Arcturus, squirming even more.
“This game?” asked the big goblin, approaching Arcturus for the first time and grabbing him by the shirt. “You think you play stupid game with me?” As he said this, he scrunched the shirt up into a ball and lifted Arcturus off of the ground with it. Then he let go and dropped the man to the ground, but the shirt tore on release, and much of its front came off in a large flap, revealing the bone necklace.
“I goblin!” insisted Arcturus.
The commander took ample time to consider this, and stared long at the goblin necklace. His limited intelligence prohibited deep thinking skills, and he seemed ready to believe it. Finally, he nodded. He helped Arcturus to his feet, and cut the rope binding his hands together.
“If you goblin, why you sneak? Why you take dog? And why you ugly?” asked the commander.
