Raiya: Starter Zone - A LitRPG Saga: Archon's Chosen - Book One

by Russell Wilbinski

Sawbones put his hands up defensively and took a step back. “I am definitely not interested in you as a mate. We are not even the same species!” The small Kobold proclaimed earnestly.

  Skree laughed again, this time from deep in his soul. “I have missed you buddy! Your jokes are getting better and better. Now…” he stood, striking an imperious pose. “Will you invite me in?”

  Sawbones shook his head with a sigh. “Humans are weird.” Sawbones marched into his tent, guards close behind. Skree and Zuka followed them into the relatively dim light of the small building. Skree again found himself impressed by the surprising number of improvements they had made to the interior. The building had been cleaned, the detritus that had once littered the space was now gone, revealing a polished stone floor, expertly arranged furniture and several fur rugs that looked great throughout the space.

  “I love what you have done with the place.” He said playfully. “If I didn’t know better, I would say you might have a bright future as an interior decorator.” When he spoke the word decorator in English, Skree was amazed at how effortlessly his talent - Rosetta Stone translated the thoughts in his mind to the Kobold language. There must not be a word for decorator in the Kobold tongue.

  Thankfully, Sawbones seemed to be able to piece together the meaning. “My predecessor…” he hissed. “Was a female of reveled in disgust and filth.” He plopped into a chair, his tail tucked neatly beside him. Lifting a clawed hand, he stared with admiration at the powerful ring, the polished Blue Stone glittering in the flickering light. “She had this lovely artifact that would have made her and her clan more intelligent, more industrious and improve the lives of all her subjects.” He kissed the ring reverently.

  “Instead, she chose to keep it as a trophy, discarding its power and influence.” He shook his head in dismay. “I have learned much since you have left. I have pried at the barriers in my mind to discover that this stone was a part of a greater whole. The memories of my people have had time to settle in my mind. Strangely, there is still a gap, a large period that is missing. Several hundred years by my best interpretation.” The Kobold sunk deeper into the chair, depression etched clearly on his reptilian features.

  “So much time is just... missing.” He shut his eyes tightly, taking a deep breath. “I don’t know how to explain this because my mind is struggling with all this information. While I have increased in intellect and I have the memories, lots of memories from centuries of leaders before me, I also remember things from the time before my… ascension.” he paused, considering his words. “My awakening. MY memories are clouded, memories that are feral, so different from my thoughts now. It is hard to reconcile the two disparate parts of my mind.”

  Skree nodded, listening intently. He could see the pain that his friend was experiencing and did not want to interrupt him just yet. “I know what my people were, and I know what they can be. What I can’t figure out is how we became a mere shadow of what we were. The last memory in the ring is one of a celebration, an alliance between our most ancient tribes and a human kingdom. There was a dinner between a human man, dressed in black armor and the high king of the Kobolds. They spoke at length about the arrangement and drank with merriment.” He described the memory as if recalling the plot of an old book, his words strangely detached.

  “It ends there, a yawning chasm of time without memories to give it form.” Sawbones sighed. “There are many disjointed memories from different Kobolds who wore the ring but did not accept its offered gifts. I think I am the first Kobold in centuries to don the ring with an open heart.”

  Skree’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean offered gifts? What happened when you put the ring on?” He asked, interest piqued.

  Sawbones stared blankly without saying anything for several moments. “I trust you Skree, so I will share the story with you. When I donned the ring, I was presented with an offer of great power but at great cost, a cost that no selfish Kobold too busy scrabbling in the dirt would accept, apparently.” Sawbones locked his gaze on his friend, a look of pride showing through the quickly forming tears. “It showed me a great destiny for the Kobold people, a return to our former greatness. All it asked in return…” he paused. “Was my life.”

  Skree’s eyes went wide at the statement, a look of fear and contemplation flashing across his features. He didn’t say anything, just waited for his friend to continue.

  “The ring promised me unknowable agony and eventually death. I would suffer, and I would die, but my people would be made great again. To me it was a small sacrifice, knowing it to be a fair trade. One life for the restoration of my people? That was a price I was more than willing to pay.” The look of joy in his eyes showed how much he loved his people, even before he could truly comprehend how much.

  Skree felt a pride unlike any he had ever felt. This Kobold was a hero in every sense of the word, deeply caring, loyal and selfless. He was never gladder that fate had brought them together. He nearly rolled his eyes as it dawned on him. It was destiny, not fate, that had bound them together. He was chosen, by Sharktooth to do something in this world. Something the God couldn’t do himself. Whatever that was, it was leading him inexorably down this path.

  He wondered if this was all set-in stone and if he was truly in the one in control of his destiny after all. Shaking out of his philosophical quandary, he added them to his list of questions for another day.

  Sawbones carried on, not noticing that Skree had drifted away for a few moments. “When I accepted the bargain, my life for the lives of my people, there was a flash of light and I nearly fainted with the release of magic that poured into my body. It lit my very bones on fire with the power. It spoke to me then, through the maddening agony. It whispered words of promise. I would not be destroyed by the magic, no, instead I would be the one to restore my people to their former glory! That my willingness to sacrifice myself had proven my worth. That the Heart of the Island had accepted me.” He beamed at his friend, equal parts pride and relief in his expression.

  Skree nearly giggled with joy. He was about to blow his little friend’s mind! Sawbones calmed, a somber expression replacing his smile. “I have been given a quest, that has an expiration date. I must find the Heart of the Island before the time runs out or everything I have done for my people will be for nothing.” He sat up in his chair. “Do you see the problem? I have less than two weeks to scour an Island for a relic long lost to time. I will die, and my people will become feral idiots again, left scrabbling in the dust once more!” He slammed his fist on chair in utter frustration.

  Skree held back, hiding his shit eating grin with his hand, nodding his agreement. “After everything we have suffered, after everything we have lost and here I sit, paralyzed by the impossibility of this task. I have screamed into the abyss, attempting to contact the voice of the stone. I have prayed before the statue of the Archon. Nothing has helped.” He rambled on, agitated. He moved from the chair, pacing back and forth as he continued his ranting.

  “Day and night, night and day I think, I pour through these memories but it’s like… every trace of the stone in every memory has been removed. It’s all so useless!” He growled through gritted fangs. Skree finally broke, the anger and frustration of his friend pushing him over the edge. He knew it had been a dick move, but knowing he had the heart in his satchel, mere feet from Sawbones was something he found utterly hilarious. He burst out laughing, throaty laughter that stole his breath. He laughed so hard, tears were streaming down his face.

  Sawbones whirled on him, broken from his pacing rumination, a look that combined abject rage and frustration plastered to his lizard features. “What the hell is so funny?” He roared, his tiny voice like a tea kettle at full boil. Skree even thought he could see steam coming out of his ears. Skree doubled over, laughing so hard he started seeing spots. Sawbones dove at him, tackling him to the ground. The little guy was strong for his size. He pinned Skree’s arms to the ground as he slowly stopped laughing.

  The fury
in the tiny Kobolds eyes sobered Skree very quickly. He took a deep breath as the Kobold growled through clenched jaws. “What is wrong with you?” The grating words held all the anger of the mana-warped lizard he had faced earlier. Skree smiled at him, holding up a finger.

  “Bones, I think you might laugh too!”

  The Kobold leaned closer, his snout mere inches from Skree’s face. “About… What…” he growled threateningly.

  “Look at the table - just over there.” He nodded toward the table he had been leaning against. The Kobold looked up, the tightly wound tension melting away, his mouth hanging slack. His grip relaxed, and he slowly, reverently stood without looking away from the stone. Skree watched as Sawbones slowly looked at him, then back at the stone several times. Then he kicked Skree in the leg so hard that Skree yelped in pain.

  “Owwww.”

  “You had the Heart of the Island this whole time? And you didn’t say anything?” Sawbones screeched, the tea kettle at full boil once again. “I was wallowing in self-pity regarding the impending doom of my entire clan and you didn’t say anything?” He kicked the stupid human again.

  “Come on Bones, if you had been in my shoes, you would have done the same thing!” He replied, the smile never leaving his voice. The Kobold kicked at him again, this time with less fury.

  “You idiot…” Sawbones answered, a grin slowly creeping onto his face. “Kobolds don’t wear shoes.”

  Skree took a moment to register that Sawbones had just made a joke, and a good one at that. They both broke into a crazy fit of laughter. Then, much as Skree had done when they were reunited, the Kobold gave him a hug, squeezing hard but not quite managing to wrap his short arms around Skree.

  “So, does this mean you want to mate with me after all?” Skree asked suggestively, waggling his eyebrows

  “Humans are weird.” Sawbones said, then hugged him even harder.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  They both stood before the table, staring at the Blue Stone - the Heart of the Island. It seemed to hum with power, making no sound but still, they could feel it. Sawbones couldn’t help himself, tears fell from his eyes as he stared at the powerful relic. Just minutes ago, he was sure that he would fail, that everything he knew would fade into oblivion once again, but now, the object of his people’s salvation was in front of him. Just like that, Skree had once again saved his people.

  Sawbones looked to Skree. “You are sure about this?” He asked solemnly, understanding the weight of Skree’s choice.

  Skree returned Sawbones gaze, a genuine, happy smile plastered to his face. “Bones, we have gone through so much together. We have fought hard to free you and your people from your oppressors. You named me Champion of the Blue Stone Clan and I swore to do everything I could to help our people.” He emphasized the words our people. “I have rescued the stone from a great evil, and have seen what this stone was to the Kobolds before it was corrupted.”

  Sawbones nodded hesitantly. “I hope you know what you are sacrificing. A Relic of Destiny can change the world, for good or bad. Those who control the relics hold immense power through Raiya.” The Kobold explained to his friend, trying to impart the gravity of the situation.

  Skree rested his hand on Sawbones shoulder. “I made a promise, to myself and to my family, that I would do what is right, not what benefits me most. This relic changed your people once before, and if you had seen the temple and its unbelievable opulence you would know as well that there is no other choice.” He squeezed his shoulder, his voice calm and reassuring. “You must claim the Heart of the Island for your people. The Blue Stone ring chose you and it believed as I do, you are destined to restore everything your people have lost.”

  He nodded to the stone. “Now, if you don’t accept my offer right now, I just might get offended.” He winked.

  Sawbones breathed deeply, settling his nerves before reaching out and grasping the stone. As soon as he made contact with the stone, the Kobold froze in place, a milky fog obscuring his eyes giving him an otherworldly appearance. Tense moments passed as Skree watched, knowing what he would be seeing as he held the ancient relic. Tears began to stream from the Kobolds eyes, seemingly unbidden though he never flinched. It was like seeing a statue weep, and Skree turned away unable to continue watching his friend suffer. He knew how powerful the vision was, and shuddered at the thought of seeing it again.

  A loud gasp brought Skree’s attention back to the Kobold. The look in Sawbones eyes nearly shattered his heart, a look of pain and anguish so intense it tore at his soul. The Kobold collapsed to his knees, hands covering his grief stricken face. “My people were betrayed, slaughtered by Abrenacht. He infected the relic with his darkness, and stole our destiny from us.” He cried, great heaving sobs tearing free from his chest.

  Skree winced at the horrible sound. He knew exactly what Sawbones was going through. “Yes, Abrenacht and his vile servant Tamarand tricked your people. It was horrible and explains much about why your people have fallen so far from grace. But you Sawbones, you can change this, you can take control of your peoples destiny once again. I know you are the right leader for these people.”

  Sawbones gathered himself with an effort of will, ceasing his sobs and wiping away the tears. “You are right my brother, I will not allow my people to remain in the dirt. Together we will raise them to new heights!” He rose, dusting himself off. We must gather the lizard folk from all clans. I will send runners immediately.” He made a sound like a whistle and several guards rushed into the chamber. He issued orders rapidly, each Kobold nodding acceptance before leaving the room in haste.

  When they were alone again, Sawbones moved to sit, beckoning his friend to join him. The Kobold looked emotionally drained, the stress clearly evident in his body language. Skree followed suit, sitting down, and allowing himself to relax.

  “I cannot believe you were able to find the Heart of the Island. Is there anything else I should know?” Sawbones asked hesitantly. “I don’t know if I can take any more of your… fun surprises.” He smiled weakly.

  Skree nodded, considering everything he had seen and done to get here. He told the story of his battle with Abrenacht, how he had wrested control of the Heart from the demonic creature. He expounded on the beauty of the Kobold Temple and the magnificent throne contained within. He told him of the armory, though he did not mention the crown he had discovered. He continued, laughing about his near-death experience with the waterfall and his idiotic leap of faith.

  He called for Zuka, who came to him without question, sitting close to receive loving pets from Skree. He told him of the first night they had met and how the wolf had found him again. How he had bonded with the creature, forever linking himself with Zuka. He regaled him with the tale of the storm and the dilapidated house. Excitedly he told him of the screaming woman and his battle with the mana-warped lizard, even showing his friend the Essence Stone as proof.

  He told his friend about Fenna and her offer to transport him off the island. Sawbones winced at this but nodded understandingly. Skree continued, telling him of the relatively simple journey back to the Warrens. "That’s everything. I have returned the heart to its rightful owner. I must admit, I am a bit surprised that my quest hasn't completed though." He checked his log and sure enough, it still showed incomplete.

  Sawbones nodded again. "I am fairly certain I can explain that one. You have returned the Relic, but I have not bonded with it. I do have a memory most ancient, of the very first use of the Heart. When it was used, it released a powerful magic that altered the fundamental makeup of the Kobolds on the Island." He waved his hand, referencing the greater whole of his people. "That is why I have summoned the rest of the Lizard Folk. They should all be present when I activate the stone. Even if there is no release of power, they should be present for this momentous occasion."

  Skree smiled his approval. Even when presented with unbelievable power, Sawbones thought only of his people. Skree was again glad that he had helped him rec
over his rightful place in Raiya. "Sawbones, everything you have done has been for your people. You are everything I hope to be. You will make an excellent King and a king deserves of a crown." Skree dug through his satchel, revealing the crown of the High Kobold King. Sawbones gasped, rocking back into his chair.

  "You found the Crown of the High King?" Sawbones asked in awe. "This crown appears throughout my memories, as a significant part of our people’s history. Every King or Queen since the forging of the crown has worn it as a symbol of power, something to show the glory of our chosen ruler. It was forged by a master Kobold jeweler and presented to the very first Queen of the Kobolds. Each generation of Kobolds after that has selected a new High King or Queen and upon the death of the former, would bestow the crown to signify the transition of power."

  He reached out tentatively and Skree placed the crown in his hands. Sawbones held the golden circlet like it a newborn baby, gently tilting it back and forth in the lamplight, the hundreds of tiny gemstones glittering like the ocean at sunset. Sawbones broke from his reverie, handing the crown back to Skree.

  He shook his head. "Bones, this is my gift to you. It is a symbol of your people." He explained, not wanting to take the crown back.

  Sawbones just smiled, his fangs giving the expression a somewhat aggressive look. "I know, and I do intend to keep it. But, I would like you to place the crown on my head after I bond with the Heart of the Island. You have done so much for our people and I want the next hundred high kings and queens to know you, to always remember the human who changed our destiny. I want them to all know the name Skree."

  He was unsure what to feel at the pronouncement. A sense of pride, and accomplishment but also... hesitation? Did he really deserve such an honor? Sawbones understanding his reaction just chuckled. "Every ruler chooses the person who will place the crown upon their head during the coronation and I would be honored if you would do this for me."