Limitless Lands: Book 1

by Dean Henegar

  I scanned the information on the creature.

  Giant Rhinoceros Beetle. Animal Companion to Yendys.

  “Isn’t Crunchy soooo cute!” Yendys said in a bubbly voice while hugging the beetle around its abdomen. The beetle seemed to pay her no mind as it focused on pulling bits of the goblin off its horn and shoving them into its mouth. The group was in stunned silence for several seconds.

  “Bwa ha ha ha!!” Quimby and Drake both began laughing so hard they fell to the ground, hardly able to keep their breath. “Some unicorn dragon you got there, Yendys,” Drake stated while trying to catch his breath. “You owe us five silver each now!” Quimby added. Yendys stood with her hands on her hips glaring at the two rangers. Slowly a grin came across her face as she had an idea.

  “Nooohooo, I don’t think so boys. You see this may not be a unicorn dragon, but it most absolutely IS a unicorn beetle!!” Yendys stated while pointing to the large horn with the partially consumed goblin still on it. Both the rangers looked closely at the beetle and slowly stopped laughing, their jaws held open in surprise as they pointed at the beetle. Confused, I looked at it again and saw.

  Giant Unicorn Beetle. Animal Companion to Yendys. *Note that animal companions may be modified by their association with whomever they are bonded with. This can often result in new classes of animal companions being discovered. *

  There was something seriously wrong with this AI.

  Both Drake and Quimby opened their money pouch and shelled out five silver each. Yendys took their money patted Crunchy on the shell and skipped back to the goblin camp, the strange beetle following right at her heels. The rest of us followed in stunned silence.

  Back at the camp, our forces had freed the prisoners that still lived. Many of the prisoners were in bad shape. They all were wounded, and most had been brutally beaten and tortured to the point of death during their short captivity. Yendys quickly made the rounds, healing the worst of their damage with her nature’s mending spell, while I had any of my soldiers that were medics help as best they could with their limited skill. All told eight mercenaries including Bhurke, were still alive, two others were already dead. The dead were a gruesome sight. The goblins had butchered them for the cookpot, and the carcasses were hung up like deer meat from a tree. It was sickening to think that some of the goblins were left behind to do this to the mercenaries the whole time we were fighting the battle. The living mercenaries were in a daze, traumatized by their recent experience and not quite believing they were saved. Bhurke didn’t react at all when I tried to talk to him. He just stared into the distance without acknowledging anyone around him, a bandage held over his left eye that the goblins had burned out with a hot coal from the fire.

  While the wounded were being attended to, I checked my log for battle results.

  Congratulations! You have eradicated the goblin encampment and killed all their potential leaders. The lands around Amerville are now safe…at least until the next threat appears.

  Rewards:

  Experience:100

  You have received the following loot:

  Unit Loot: 18 silver 22 copper

  1 worn leather bracer: unidentified *note* this bracer gives a faint magic glow. Find a scholar or mage to identify its properties. This message will not be repeated in future loot notifications.

  My soldiers had fought well. By using discipline and training they defeated a numerically superior foe and hadn’t taken any losses other than minor wounds. Liam’s men completed the gruesome task of cutting down the 2 butchered mercenaries. They wrapped the bodies in some tarps found in the goblin camp, saying they wished to bury them out on the plains and not near where they met their horrible deaths. I also had the men gather any other tarps and tenting material left in the camp so that we could remove the remaining mercenary bodies left in the forest. With the dead and wounded tended to, our group made its way back out of the forest. I had the soldiers leave all the goblin bodies where they were. Let the forest scavengers feast on them, if they could stomach the taste.

  Chapter 16

  Leaving the last of the forest behind, we marched back onto the bright sunlit plains. Helping stumbling wounded, as well as hauling the dead with us, made for slow progress. I had our soldiers drop the dead mercenaries at the edge of the forest, we could organize a burial detail later, and I didn’t want to have to drag them hundreds of yards across the field. Many of the wounded mercenaries cried when they saw the caravan again. They stumbled toward the perceived safety and security of the wagons.

  Bhurke stopped at the forest edge, staring with his mouth agape at the carnage of the battlefield. There were piles of dead goblins at intervals where the javelin volleys had hit. An even larger pile showed where the shield wall held back the green tide and our men slaughtered the wretched goblins in droves. Over 200 goblin corpses were in the field, and carrion birds had begun to feast in growing numbers.

  “You soldiers did all this? How?” Burke said, speaking for the first time since we had rescued him.

  “That is what happens when undisciplined warriors attack soldiers of the Imperium. Vae Victis, woe to the defeated” I said as I walked back to the circle of wagons.

  Daegan and Sergeant Brooks met me back at the wagons. I gave a report to both, letting them know what happened in the forest and that goblins shouldn’t be a problem for Daegan’s caravans for a long while. I then detailed off two squads, as well as Liam and his men, to bury the dead. I was already missing having an unwounded sergeant to help delegate all the little things required after a battle. Curious about injuries, and out of combat regeneration, I searched the help file.

  Players will regenerate health at a rate of 1hp/minute after being out of combat for more than 10 seconds. NPC’s and non-instanced mobs regenerate at a slower pace of 1hp/10 minutes. A character’s constitution, class, and level will also influence the rate of regeneration. Severed limbs and lost organs (such as eyes) will need special healing if the wounded person is an NPC. Players will regenerate from any type of injury, regardless of severity.

  One of the settlers had some skill with carving and made a small plaque that was mounted over the mass grave listing the date and the names of the fallen. As I had ordered in the forest, the goblins could lie where they fell. Feeding the carrion birds was a good fate for them. It was then that I noticed standing next to Daegan was a young boy of about eight, his eyes were red with tears and he made a pitiful sob occasionally. Noticing my look, Daegan explained.

  “This is Edwin. The poor lad, both his parents were the ones that were killed in the fight earlier. They died saving the little guy from some goblins that had wormed their way through the barricade. Not quite sure what to do with him yet, though.”

  Looking at the boy in tears I felt a memory reform in my slowly repairing mind. I was holding and trying to comfort a small three-year-old that was crying from pinching his finger in a door…that was my son…I had a son. Stepping away from the others I sat on a crate and couldn’t contain the emotions that came out. Daegan tactfully shooed everyone away and let me have some time alone.

  Why can’t I remember? What a horrible thing, for a father to forget his son! How can something like that be forgotten? My emotions bounced between guilt for not remembering, and hot anger at whatever had taken these memories from me. Tears streamed down my face and I didn’t care; military bearing be damned. How can I be playing this game…how can this be helping? Why didn’t the AI just tell me about my past? If I knew my past, maybe it would help me paste back together who I was. Was this all some sort of sick punishment for something I had done? I felt a hand patting my shoulder.

  “Hey, old soldier man. It’ll be ok.” Yendys sat next to me softly patting my shoulder. She showed wisdom beyond her years in knowing not to talk, just that I needed another human nearby. I don’t know how long I sat there weeping and then slowly I felt the need to tell someone, anyone, even this wacky kid, who I was and what was happening.

  “I actually am an
old man in real life; ninety-three years old believe it or not. I’m not some guy playing games to kill time, or escape from a monotonous job. I’m in a VA hospital, in some device called a medpod. The AI said it, and the doctors, are trying to treat me, but apparently my brain was mush, and while they could repair the physical damage, my memories are gone. The AI thought that by playing the game it might help stimulate the recollection of my memories…but I’m not sure I want to remember, if it brings this much pain. Seeing that kid earlier reminded me that I have a son. I can’t remember anything about him though. I don’t know his name, or his birthday, or his favorite toy. Not to mention the “kid” will likely be in his forties or fifties now. The only thing I have is a memory of holding him at three years old. Do I have a wife? Is she still alive? Is my son even alive? I can remember a lot of my professional experiences. I was a soldier for most of my life and fought in several wars. I was a businessman later in life and even a student of military history at one point, which is likely why Clio made this class available to me. I don’t know what to do. Should I just try to log out? Why should I even care what happens in game?” I then was silent trying to sort all my thoughts and feelings out.

  “Wow, sorry Mr. Raytak. I don’t really know what to say. Except maybe playing the game is helping if you were able to remember your son. My parents always taught me to listen to the doctor and it seems the doctors were right, and you got something out of the game so far. Isn’t even one memory of your son worth fighting for? My dad always taught me never to quit, and I don’t think you should either. Me, Quimby, and Drake have all had fun adventuring with you. I hope you decide to keep playing.” Yendys said as she gave me a final pat and walked away.

  “Ohhhh, I have something to admit as well…I know you probably think I’m really old and stuff, but nope…just ten! Come on, Crunchy, we need to get you cleaned up. Too much goblin goop all over you.” With that Yendys got up and moved toward the river, the crazy unicorn beetle following her every step like a grotesque, puppy dog. The weird kid was right. I wasn’t a quitter, and if one memory was found, the others could be unlocked as well. I’ll keep at it and play the game to the best of my ability. Any job worth doing is worth doing right.

  Chapter 17

  The caravan made good time after defeating the goblin tribe. Bhurke and the remaining mercenaries became serious about their jobs, working with Daegan and helping with whatever was needed on the caravan. The mercenaries even requested to do training with my forces, impressed with the success we had against the goblins. I let them join, figuring that helping them helped protect us all. With their numbers so depleted, I had at least 1 of my squads assist with guarding the caravan each day, but still ran them through hard drills and physical exercise. I asked Daegan if he wanted us to help train his drivers as well and he said he would, but not to expect much from them, as their class prevented them from learning many combat-oriented skills. Daegan was right, the drivers were not able to do more than learn some very basic commands and strikes. Still, any improvement in their skill was a chance to save a life, if we were attacked again.

  The wounded quickly recovered with rest and Yendys nature’s healing spell being cast each day. I was glad for his return to duty when Sergeant Brooks finally healed up enough to get back to work. I hadn’t realized how much of a load he was carrying until he was out of action

  Just after evening drills, I thought I had an idea. I sought out Daegan, finding him at the head of the caravan going over the next day’s route.

  “Daegan, do you have a moment?” I asked. He looked up from his map and nodded for me to continue.

  “I think I may have an idea on where Edwin can stay. Do you mind if I borrow him for a bit?” The orphan had been on my mind since I had seen him. Daegan had him stay in the wagon with him and had made a small place for him to sleep in the back of the wagon. Daegan felt a responsibility for the kid as a member of the caravan, but could not and did not want to be his guardian. Life on the road is hard, and no place for a small child.

  “Sure thing, Lieutenant. Let me know what happens. Edwin hasn’t been talking much since the attack. I’ve never been a parent, and have no idea what to do with him other than send him to an orphanage once we get to our destination. He deserves a better shot a life than that,” Daegan said, then he went back to the wagon and told Edwin to follow me. I grabbed the kids hand and marched him down the wagon train, stopping at the loggers’ wagons.

  “Hey Barnaby, can I speak with you and Claire for a second?” I hollered. Barnaby pulled back the flap on his wagon and hopped down, helping his wife climb down.

  “Sure Raytak, what can we do for you tonight? Oh, I see you found a new recruit. Isn’t he a little young for the army life?” Barnaby said while looking at Edwin.

  “I wasn’t sure if you and Claire had met Edwin yet. His parents were the ones killed in the goblin attack. I was hoping he could stay with you folks until we get to our destination. He could really use the company, and I thought your daughter Bella might like having someone around her age to play with. Must be boring all day without many other kids around.” My sales pitch wasn’t needed. As soon as she heard the word, orphan, Claire knelt in front of Edwin and gave him a big hug.

  “Sure, he can stay with us until we get to Hayden’s Knoll. Does he have family there that will care for him?” Barnaby asked.

  “No. From what Daegan told me, there’s nobody else. Daegan was planning on taking him on the return trip to Amerville where they have an orphanage…” I tried to explain before being interrupted.

  “You will do nothing of the kind Mr. Raytak!” Claire snapped at me while pulling Edwin toward her protectively. “Edwin will stay with us for as long as he wants to. Bella come out and meet Edwin, maybe you can show him how to play jacks. Have you eaten yet, Edwin? Let’s get you a bowl of stew.” Claire led Edwin off toward the pot of stew bubbling on the fire.

  “If you hadn’t saved my life, I would be killing you right about now, Raytak. Looks like I’m about to have a son in the family. There’ll be no prying that kid from Claire’s grasp now,” Barnaby said with a smile. “I wonder how long it’ll be before the kid can swing an axe?”

  I really hadn’t thought too much of the burden that Edwin might make on the family. They didn’t have much and would be starting from scratch in Hayden’s Knoll. For them to be so willing to help an orphan child revealed much about their character. Opening my money pouch, I took out two gold.

  “Barnaby, I want you to take this. It should cover the extra burden of another mouth to feed until you can teach him to chop some trees.” I handed him the gold and his jaw dropped at the amount. It was more than enough to feed and clothe the whole family for months.

  “This is way too much. There’s no way I can accept this, Raytak,” Barnaby knew the child would be a huge financial burden, but his pride would not allow him to take charity.

  “Barnaby, I have to insist. As a representative of the Imperium, I’m responsible for administering the funds in my care. I see no need to pay further expense to ship the kid back to Amerville and then have the government support him in an orphanage for the next ten years. By you and Claire taking care of Edwin, you would save the Imperium money and resources in the long run. Please take it, you would be helping me and your nation out by doing so,” I argued.

  Barnaby paused in thought, torn on what to do.

  “When you put it that way it makes sense. We’ll take good care of the boy. You may pretend to be a hard-as-nails soldier, but I can tell there is a heart in there somewhere too, Raytak.”

  “There’s no heart in here sir. I tapped my chest. The army would have issued me one if it was needed,” I said. Waving at the newly expanded family, I went back to the lead wagon to let Daegan know that Edwin was squared away. A familiar prompt came into view.

  Congratulations: You have completed the quest: Find a home for Edwin.

  You have found a home for the orphan Edwin; the Stone family has agreed to
take him in and he will grow up in a loving home.

  Reward: 100 experience, reputation gain, 3 gold

  Negotiation Skill Increased

  *Note, some quests are hidden and will not show up in your quest log until the requirements to complete them are met. Your actions in this world have consequences, in this case good ones. *

  That explains it. I didn’t recall accepting a quest for helping Edwin. It was just something that seemed right. It looked like just taking the initiative to do the right thing (and I presume also the wrong thing for evil characters) could have benefits. I was interrupted from my thoughts by Liam and the other mercenaries approaching.

  “Sir, I was wondering if I could have a word,” Liam requested.

  “Sure, Liam. What’s up?” I asked.

  “Me and the others have been talking. None of us want to continue as mercenaries. We don’t mind the work, its just no way to live in the long term. After seeing how you and your men handled yourselves against the goblins, we realized that was what we were looking for. We want to help people, not fleece them for coin while pretending to protect them. We want to really be able to help. What we’re asking is, what do we need to do to join the army?” Liam sheepishly said

  “Liam, I have to say I’ve been impressed with the change I’ve seen in you, and the others, since the battle. You all need to understand that the army life is not an easy one. There are just as many times the battle can turn against us. Not every fight will be as easy as fighting half-starved goblins. I can sign you up right now if you want, but once you do, there’s no backing out. You’re in for six years once you make your mark. You take orders, do what you’re told, and risk your lives every day. If you get lazy and fall asleep on watch, you will be severely punished. I’m even allowed to have you killed if you do so during a time of conflict.”

  “That being said, the army can also be a great opportunity. You will be judged based on your merit and performance. You won’t be paid much, but it will always be paid on time and correctly. You will also be entitled to a small percentage of what we get from battles. Like the latest fight with the goblins, I believe everyone got at least a silver, not to mention their monthly pay of ten silver to start. Your food and equipment will be provided as well. If you all still feel like it’s what you want to do after hearing the pro’s and con’s, step up and make your mark. If anyone chooses not to join, I’ll think nothing less of them.” By concentrating on what I needed, a stack of enlistment forms appeared in my pack. To their credit, all the mercenaries, save for Bhurke who wasn’t there, signed on. I sent them on to our wagons in order for Sergeant Brooks to get them assigned into squads and in the proper gear. Another notification dinged.