by Eden Redd
“Get them out of here! I’ll keep the beasts busy until you can come back!” Jayson commanded.
Lance and Sonja nodded before all three split from their formation. Thorrin swung out with his hammer, knocking away the beast’s tentacles while Lyra stumbled back as a stinger slammed into the ground a foot in front of her. The blue knight darted to Thorrin’s side, sword slashing and ghostly blades stabbing into the thick white tentacle. As it curled away, the blue knight grabbed hold of Thorrin’s armor and hoisted the paladin to his feet. Thorrin eyed the blue knight in amazement as she circled in front of him, sword out and slashing at an incoming tentacle.
Lyra jumped back as a tentacle unfurled and whipped hard across. The cleric braced herself but the strike was much too precise. Power rippled along her holy shield as it cracked and shattered. The tentacle continued its path, hitting the cleric across the midsection. Small pain registered as hit points drained. The cleric tumbled through the air until hands reached up and snatched her midflight. The cleric looked up to see Lance’s grin. The white knight spun his body around, gently placing the cleric on her feet before letting go and spinning toward an incoming tentacle. Rapier out, the white knight activated his 7 Point Strike technique. The knight’s rapier became a blur as it slashed at the tentacle, leaving thick groves along wrinkled flesh, clear pus spilling out.
Jayson took a deep breath before charging down the middle. Sword in each hand, he watched as Sonja and Lance kept the monsters at bay, leaving the space between them open. A technique glowed in the knight’s vision. Moving closer, the knight gritted his teeth, let out a growl and activated the technique.
Rekt ran through the town with his hammer in hand. The orc eyed the events as they played out. His fellow rogues, along with the pink haired troll and concubines, were helping get townsfolk to safety. The ranger was releasing arrow after arrow while the necromancer stepped out into the middle of the street, whispering incantations. The white knight was stepping back while keeping tentacles at bay, the cleric by his side. The blue knight did the same as she and the paladin fought side by side. The knight charged down the middle, arms out. Time slowed down and the orc skidded to a halt, eyes taking in what played out before him.
Jayson roared as he charged. Activating his Blade Whirlwind technique, the very around air around him charged and spun. The knight’s body was swallowed up in a tornado about forty feet high. It twisted and spun as it moved in between the two wither beasts. Points of light stabbed out in all directions from the mini tornado. The beasts turned their black eyes to the moving tornado but it was too late to react. Blades twisted among the focused winds, slicing along the sides of both creatures. The beasts screeched their pain as Jayson bore through them, cutting open wrinkled white skin. The blade whirlwind continued its relentless assault. A tentacle curled into the whirlwind. It tugged and then sliced off from the trunk. The hooked tendril flew through the air and struck a black leafless tree that quickly lashed out and devoured the pale monster flesh.
The whirlwind died down until air bled away. Jayson had fallen to his knees, body heaving and swords at his sides. The technique drained him of his strength, stamina and dexterity, making him vulnerable. The monsters had stumbled off in opposite directions, their sides open and bleeding pus. The knight knew once they regained their senses, there was little he could do to stop them.
One wither beast with the torn stub where a tentacle was a moment ago, stumbled off, making strange sounds as it fled. The other gnashed it’s dagger like teeth, turning its attention on the prone knight. Jayson turned his head to see the monster lurch toward him, maw open and ready to clamp down. Ghostly blades slammed into the creature’s neck and it turned its attention to Sonja. The blue knight whipped her blade, ghostly swords soaring out and stabbing at the creature. Lance, Thorrin and Lyra were rushing forward, weapons at the ready.
Sonja activated a technique and threw her sword into the air. The blade hung in the air for a moment before it pointed at the monster and flew forward. The blue knight made quick hand movements and the blade followed each direction. The beast lashed out only to have the sword move to its mistress’s commands. Jaws snapping, the blade pulled back and then spun forward, stabbing into the creature, pulling back and stabbing again. The blue knight’s Possessed Blade technique moved with grace and finesse as it slashed at the monster, keeping it busy as fellow players moved in.
Lyra and Lance pumped their legs until they were by Jayson’s side. The knight raised a wobbly knee up as their hands grabbed hold and began pulling him back. An oversized paw reared up when Thorrin jumped. The paladin brought his hammer hard across as the clawed paw came down. The strike exploded with golden light and the beast stumbled back, screeching. Thorrin landed on his feet, in between the monster and the knights and cleric.
A shadow melted from the background, someone jumping up to the creature’s rear and running along its spine. The monster turned its eyes just as legs clamped around its neck and daggers flashed.
“Giddy up!” Renner shouted as he drove each dagger into the sides of the monster’s neck.
The beast screeched as Renner held on for dear life. The rogue’s eyes went from confident to uncertainty in a blink. The daggers were buried to the hilt as he held on. Sonja’s sword slashed and slashed and slashed. Jayson checked the monster’s health bar and it was in the yellow. It still had some fight in it. Lance was about to pull Shatter Light from behind his back when black runes formed circles all around them.
The beast thrashed and tentacles whipped about. Thorrin tried to keep them at bay but when he knocked one away, another slammed into his chest, sending him to the floor. The paladin turned to his side, ready to get up when he froze, watching black skeletons rising up from the ground. A small army of ten ebony skeletons rose up to their full height before they bent their knees and moved in. Some grabbed hold of the players, pulling them back from the battled field. Boney hands dragged Jayson and Lance. The knights looked to Thorrin and Lyra. Steam rose up from where the skeletons took hold of the paladin and cleric. Thorrin and Lyra struggled as the dead pulled them away, the skeletal hands sparking with smoke as they held on firmly. The rest of the undead moved in, clustering at the wither beast’s legs. Clawed boney hands dug into the monster’s pale flesh, attempting to hold it in place.
Sonja turned her attention down the street. An orc was half way to their location, standing like a statue. Behind by at least twenty feet, Wynter stood with her palm out stretched and pointed at the monster. Dark energy rippled around pale fingers while her other hand clutched at the skull staff. The eyes of the skull glowed with eerie light as black energy circled the necromancer’s hand.
“Get away from it!” Wynter shouted with dark authority.
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Renner said as he pulled his daggers from the creature’s neck. Feet planted firmly on the monsters back, the rogue somersaulted through the air and landed not far from the blue knight.
The rouge and knight turned and darted away, as Jayson and the others struggled to their feet, retreating back with black skeletons escorting them. The wither beast brought up a paw and slammed it down on a black skeleton, causing it to shatter to pieces. Ebony skeletons continued to hold onto the monster, keeping it in place.
The vibration of shadow energy swirling the necromancer’s hand unnerved the player. Wynter never poured this much of her strength into her shadow bolts. The bonuses from her staff caused the air to vibrate pure power. Seeing that her servants had pulled back the rest of the party, she centered her hand at the thrashing monster. With a mental command, the necromancer let out a haunting scream as shadow energy surged and exploded. The black lightning streaked feet above the road, arcing toward the monster. The wither beast stopped it’s trashing long enough to see the thick black lightning bolt cut through the air and strike it in the throat.
The impact was enough to cause a blustery wave of air in all directions. The players held up their arms and hands to bl
ock from the powerful wind before it died a second later. Eyes turned to the creature as it lumbered forward, a smoking crater in the creature’s throat plain for all to see. The beast’s health bar turned red but the monster continued to stand.
Jayson was back to his feet and stepping forward, sword in each hand. Lance and Sonja were to his sides. To their sides, Thorrin and Lyra stood at the ready. Renner was behind them all, sheathing his daggers and pulling a crossbow from his cloak. Wynter’s hand dropped to her side and she leaned heavy on her staff, her strength spent. Kai pulled back his bowstring, arrow pointed at the creature’s eye.
The wither beast eyed the group as they stood at the ready. A low growl fell from its open throat. Just as the creature’s brow formed ripples of rage, it turned and shambled off into the forest.
Jayson couldn’t hide his relief as his shoulders sank. The feeling was mutual as every player let their guard down. Oksuna watched with worried eyes from the distance. The pink haired troll left the town’s folk and rushed across the town to her lord. Jayson smiled as Oksuna came in close, arms curling around him and holding him close to her tall frame. Lance smirked as Sonja smiled. Thorrin dusted himself off as Lyra placed her glowing healing hands on herself.
Oksuna let go of Jayson as he struggled in her grip. The knight slid down to his feet and turned to the group. Thorrin stepped forward, eyes on the knight and tilting his head to him.
“Lyra and I should have waited. I didn’t think they’d be that tough.” Thorrin said simply.
Jayson nodded, “We hurt the one by the portal by the time you showed up.” The knight paused before continuing, “We’re going to have to work on our team work.”
Thorrin smiled, “Yes, yes we do.”
The mayor walked with purpose down the street, sword in hand. Jayson turned his attention to the mayor, seeing the look of fury painting his face. The knight sheathed his swords over his shoulders and turned to face the incoming leader of Dark Hearth.
“All of you are to leave Dark Hearth, immediately,” the mayor said with restrained anger.
“No ‘thank you’ for a job well done?” Renner smiled.
“No, there will be no thanks tonight,” The mayor seethed. “Those beasts attacked because of all of you. You killed their mother or pack leader and now they won’t rest until they devour you. I hoped the one you killed was a loner but clearly that wasn’t the case. It’s not safe for anyone here. You must leave this instant!”
“Isaac, we….” Jayson was cut off.
“Leave now! We must mourn our dead and prepare incase those monsters come back. If you wish for a safe haven, go to Lord Thorne’s castle. His walls can keep you safe for a night or two. Now go!”
Jayson wanted to ease the mayor’s anger but it looked like no words would calm him down. The players sheathed their weapons and looked to one another.
“We’re sorry for everything. We will leave,” Jayson said and began walking, Oksuna at his side.
The players and concubines moved as one following Jayson, as they walked the center of the road. Before long, they reached the western edge of town. The townsfolk gathered from behind, watching and ensuring the visitors to their small town left. Jayson led the way, the dark night spreading out before him. Dark clouds parted to show the dim shine of stars as the party departed. Soon they were swallowed up by the night as townsfolk cried for their lost loved ones.
***
Two crescent moons hung high in the black sky, their light drowning out the twinkle of many stars. Journey Road stretched on with a glowing, ankle deep mist, wispy tendrils rising up and down like gentle ocean waves. A crowd of adventures walked on, eyes alert and senses dialed to eleven. A gloomy mood had taken hold and uncertainty filled their hearts as they marched down the ominous road.
Jayson lead the way, eyes drinking in every wisp of mist and gentle shudder of tree branches. The rest of the group followed, glancing to their left or right, searching for any monsters that may jump out from the black shadows. The glow from torches helped to keep the darkness at bay, but barely.
Thorrin eyed up and down the road, looking to each of the party members. Despite their numbers, there was a sliver of uncertainty coiling around their movements. The hellhound sniffed at the air every twenty feet. The paladin eyed her for any recognition of a threat but none came. Turning his attention, his eyes fell on the necromancer. Wynter moved with ease through the mist. She seemed the least worried in the group, her stride steady and face blank. The ranger troll at her side seemed more concerned, his eyes taking in every shadow but occasionally glancing to the scantily clad necromancer.
Thorrin slowed his pace until he was at Wynter’s side. The player noticed his skin began to crawl and he tried to ignore it. Wynter looked to the paladin for a moment before turning her eyes forward. The troll glanced at Thorrin before his brow sharpened to a point and then went back to scanning the area.
“I wanted to thank you,” the paladin said softly.
“We’re travelling together, no thanks needed,” Wynter said with an expressionless mask, her eyes still facing forward.
Thorrin’s eyes glanced to the skull staff with the glowing white eyes. The crawl along his skin continued as he tried to not think about it.
“I know we started off on the wrong foot…” Thorrin began.
“Forget it,” Wynter cut him off.
Thorrin looked forward, “How much do you know about the paladin class?”
Wynter was silent.
Thorrin continued, “The character class is very specific on certain things, destroying undead and those who perform necromancy is a top priority.”
Wynter kept her gaze forward. Kai looked to the paladin, a growing rage in his eyes.
“By being here, with you, it will have a negative impact on the Sphere of Light. I’m telling you this because the longer we are in the same party, the more effect it will have on what my class does in the game. Clearly, you’re not one of those necromancers who want to dominate everyone, and I can appreciate that. Lady Slytha must have known that too otherwise she wouldn’t have us in the same party.”
“Thorrin, what’s your point,” Wynter asked with bored eyes.
Thorrin gave a slight smile, “You sent your minions to save me and Lyra. Despite that, the paladin code dictates that I must slay you but I cannot follow the code since you saved us. I just wanted to tell you, I will defend everyone here to my last breath…even you.”
“You’re a piece of work,” Kai growled.
Thorrin ignored him and stepped in front of the necromancer. Wynter stopped as the paladin gazed into her eyes.
“Don’t take what I’m saying the wrong way. In a world of beautiful people, monsters, dragons and trolls, the heart wants what the heart wants,” Thorrin said with warmth in his tone.
Wynter eyed the paladin, an eyebrow rising, “What does your heart want, to wipe out darkness?”
Thorrin’s smile shifted to a smirk, “My heart wants to know you better.”
Wynter was about to say something when the paladin turned and began walking. The necromancer stared at Thorrin’s armored back as he moved on and stepped to Lyra’s side. Kai eyed the paladin but his anger melted away as he gave a knowing nod. Wynter wasn’t sure what to think as she looked to him.
The annoyance she felt before for the paladin ebbed but only so much. He took the game a little too serious for her tastes. Thinking back, she remembered how serious her ex-boyfriend took the game and it left a bad taste in her mouth. When Leopold betrayed her, and tried to convince her to join his side while wanting to wipe out the guild, it left the necromancer with mixed emotions on whom to trust. Glancing to Kai, she trusted the troll with her life, but the time they spent together was not as fulfilling as she thought it would be. The magic they felt was wonderful but short lived. Wynter remembered back to her bouts of over thinking her feelings. A worry cut into her heart that she may have treated Kai as a temporary distraction after her ill-fated break up. It cau
sed her heart to harden not only in reality but in the game as well. She often asked herself why she continued to play with so many negative things from her past cropping up. The only answer she came back with was that she felt she was needed here. How long before that need faded away and she returned to being the damaged person she always felt she was?
Thorrin and Lyra walked side by side amid the misty gloom.
“It will never work. Your classes are directly opposite each other. She will lead you down a dark path,” Lyra said in a light neutral tone.
Thorrin watched as an alert appeared in his vision.
-1 to Sphere of Light.
“Spoken like someone who has never trusted their heart,” Thorrin said.
Lyra’s gaze turned downward but only for the barest of a moment, “You think I have never loved?”
“The months we have travelled together, I have seen you love but I have never seen you in love.”
“I’m a cleric and my duty is to heal,” Lyra said matter of fact.
“Go beyond your duty. What does Lyra want for herself?”
The cleric kept her gaze forward and steady, she opened her mouth and then a moment later closed it. Thorrin continued to walk, his eyes taking in their surroundings, but thoughts fluttered to the necromancer at his back. There was a swirl of emotion in his heart but he kept it at arm’s length, unsure how to proceed. The player was brave with anyone he was interested in, but the necromancer took him by surprise and the game imposed rules he had to think about. He promised himself to do good in this virtual world but it seemed the very game caused a wrinkle to his holy goals. It was something the player would have to decide upon when the time was right.
Jayson kept his pace steady and soon a black spire rose up in the distance. To the south side of the road, a dark tower stood above the tree line, beckoning like a port in a turbulent storm. It was then that Sonja gasped slightly behind Jayson. The knight turned his head to see something big and white move through the darken forest. It was deep within the forest and upon hearing Sonja’s gasp, it moved further in, darkness swallowing it up whole.
