World At War

by Dave Willmarth

  Alexander noted several small celebrations as the experience from the dead monsters and the completion of the defense quest and both bonus rewards caused many of the lower-level citizens to level up.

  Chapter 8

  The Terrible Cost of War

  The dragon wing arrived just before dark, causing quite a stir among the citizens. Six full-sized adult dragons appeared above them as they cleared the plateau and began a lazy downward spiral. Any one of them could have blacked out the noonday sun over the entire keep. They remained aloft as one of them ducked into Kai’s roost. A few minutes later, Kai and another dragon in human form appeared in the courtyard. Alexander walked forward to meet them halfway.

  “King Alexander, I present my cousin Delbalistros. Wing leader and friend. Don’t let him near your supply of dwarven spirits.” Kai grinned as the dragon bowed his head to Alexander.

  “Welcome to Elysia, Delbalistros. And thank you for coming to help me protect my people. If Kai hasn’t already informed you, the tower is yours for the duration of your stay.” He motioned with one hand at the tower that rose above them on the opposite side of the keep from Fitz’s tower. “If you need anything at all, please let me know. If I’m not nearby, Silverbeard or Lola can assist you.” He gave the dragon a wink as he added, “And I’ll ask Brick to send up a keg of spirits.”

  Kai groaned and rolled his eyes, elbowing his cousin good naturedly. “Thank you, Majesty.” Delbalistros bowed his head.

  “Please, just call me Alexander. If I can call you Del?” The dragon nodded his head. He looked up for a moment and the other dragons who’d been circling all made their way down to the upper room of the tower. Each of them began to transform, their bodies shrinking into human form just as they crossed the threshold of the upper windows.

  With another nod of their heads toward Alexander, both Kai and Del disappeared.

  Alexander opened guild chat. “Okay, folks. In case you missed the excitement, we were attacked by gargoyle scouts serving the drow wizards. Looks like they were sent to capture me. Just FYI, they can friggin’ stealth. And we have a new wing of dragons living in the tower now. They’ll be on guard duty. Silverbeard or Lola, please make sure they’re given a nice dinner. They just flew all the way here from the dragon kingdom. And Brick, their leader Del has a fondness for dwarven spirits. Mind parting with a keg or two?”

  He received messages of agreement from Silverbeard and Lola and smiled at the grumpy tone of Brick’s reply. “Bah! Ye keep givin’ away me stash like it be water from the well. But o’ course I’ll be providin’ decent drink fer our dragon friends.”

  With that taken care of, Alexander spoke to Jeeves. “Jeeves, please activate loudspeaker. And will the northern villages hear me as well?”

  “Your voice will be heard near every structure in the kingdom, Majesty. Go ahead when you are ready.”

  “Good evening, citizens of Elysia. I wanted to update all of you on the day’s happenings. The keep was attacked a short time ago by gargoyles in service to the drow wizards. They were destroyed without any loss of Elysian life. But we fully expect that they will return. They have the ability to attack from stealth, so be prepared. Don’t go anywhere alone. Stay in groups if you can.

  “We have the honor of hosting a wing of dragon warriors who have come to guard against this new threat. So do not be alarmed if a dragon appears above you. They are friends and allies, and will not harm you. For those of you tending livestock, the dragons may help themselves to a cow or sheep from time to time. Do not worry. You’ll be reimbursed for any losses.

  “If you notice any suspicious activity near you, please report it immediately. The dark forces have many different servants at their disposal and this may be an indication of an upcoming attack. As always, we will work together to defend each other and our lands against any forces foolish enough to come against us! Thank you all for your loyalty and service. And have a good evening.”

  Alexander moved to the dining area, where some of the citizens were still gathered. Jules appeared out of stealth and took a seat next to him. He shook his head. “Remind me that if we ever break up, I need to move to a different continent.”

  She gave him her sweetest supermodel smile. “Wouldn’t help. I’d find you.” Her tone was so matter-of-fact that he wasn’t sure how to take it for a moment. He decided it was a declaration of undying love and relaxed. Sasha, who had been standing behind them with a plate of food, snort-laughed.

  As she sat down across from Alexander, she said, “I was going to go find Silverbeard, but since you’re here, can you open the portal to Antalia for me?”

  Alexander was immediately curious. “Antalia? This time of night? Planning an evening with your… what was he? A longbowman?” He grinned at her. Jules elbowed him gently in the ribs.

  “No!” Sasha exclaimed, a bit too enthusiastically. “I mean, yes, he was a longbowman. But I don’t even know his name, let alone how to find him. Even if I wanted to.” She paused and growled at her best friend, “Shut up! I want to go to Antalia because there’s an alchemist there who might be able to help me do something with these gargoyle bits.”

  Jules giggled when she said ‘Gargoyle bits,’ causing Sasha to blush slightly and Alexander to chuckle.

  “What are you, twelve?” Sasha complained. Alexander and Jules nodded in unison.

  “Of course I’ll open the portal for you. I’ll even go with you if you’d like, so I can open it for you to come back. Unless you were planning to spend the night?” Alexander carefully kept any hint of suggestion or humor from his voice and face. Still, Sasha eyed him suspiciously.

  “Fine. You should pay a little attention to our guildies there, anyway, Mister Big ‘n Mighty King.” She stuck her tongue out at him and crossed her eyes, a face that had made him laugh since they were small children. “We should bring Brick, too. I know Princess Kimberly would be happy to see him.”

  “Ha! Good idea.” Alexander turned toward the smithy and shouted, “HEY, BRICK!”

  Their dwarf friend raised a hand to show he heard as he finished what he was working on. A moment later, he detoured into the kitchen for some food, then joined them at the table. “What’s up?”

  Jules answered first. “Sasha’s going to Antalia for a hookup and we figured you’d want to come too. Princess Kimberly has been anxious to see you again.”

  The gruff and burly dwarf blushed slightly over top of his red beard. “Ssssh! Don’t be spreadin’ no rumors about!” he whispered loudly, looking over his shoulder as if Thea might be standing there. Reassuring himself that he was safe, he said, “Aye, I’ll go with ye,” and left it at that.

  Brick was conflicted. Though he wore a dwarf body in the game and dedicated himself to role-playing a dwarf, he was still human in real life. And the human princess in her plate armor made his heart beat a little faster when she flirted with him. But Thea, the dwarven princess who’d also taken a liking to him, was attractive as well, if less in a physical sense. And both were NPCs, which had its own implications.

  Alexander patted his friend on the back. “Your secret is safe with us. Finish your meal. I’ll go find Silverbeard and see if there’s any business we need to take care of in Antalia. Jules, could you let Taylor know we’re going so he can send along one of the guard units?”

  Getting to his feet, he went to Silverbeard’s office. The old chancellor didn’t have anything specific, but reminded him to stay at the guild compound. “It ain’t polite to go roamin’ around another ruler’s city without bein’ invited, or at least lettin’ ‘em know yer comin’ first.”

  Alexander smacked his forehead. “I didn’t even think of that. This whole king business takes a lot of getting used to.”

  Taking his leave of Silverbeard, he headed out to the courtyard. The others were gathered at the portal and Brick triggered it as Alexander approached. They all stepped through into the embassy compound, Taylor taking the lead and his team bringing up the rear.

  The comp
ound was basically two former guild houses joined together back to back. A gate had been built where the wall had separated their rear yards before Alexander and company had conquered the PWP and Chaos Nation houses. The former PWP house was where most kingdom business was conducted, while the other house was being used as residential space for guild members, training, and crafting rooms. There were a few small structures under construction that Alexander knew nothing about.

  As they approached the back door to the main house, Michael emerged to greet them. “Well, this is a surprise. Welcome, Majesty.” He bowed his head, a smirk on his face.

  “Cut that shit out, Michael. There’s nobody here but us chickens.” Alexander frowned at him. “What’s with all this construction?”

  Michael cleared his throat. “Yes, well, Martin and I have been working on making the combined compound more efficient. We’re adding a small stable with a smithy in the corner for our members who want to follow blacksmithing but don’t yet have access to the dragon forges.” He pointed to a wooden structure that was about half-completed to their right. “On the other side is going to be a building with crafting and market stalls. So, our people can make their potions or robes or armor and such, then display them for sale. Assuming they don’t want to use the auction house. The second floor will be more residential spaces. Just simple rooms with a bed, dresser, table, and chest.”

  He pointed toward the gate between houses and added, “On the other side of the wall is a garden for the herbalists and alchemists, and some open space for gatherings and such.”

  Alexander was impressed. “Very good, Michael. Please give my compliments to Martin as well. That’s solid planning, and I appreciate you taking the initiative to make it happen. Do you need anything? Gold? Supplies?”

  Michael hesitated, looking a bit embarrassed. “Um. Silverbeard gave me limited access to guild funds to be used at my discretion. I thought you knew. My apologies if…”

  Alexander cut him off with a raised hand. “No need to apologize. I can’t be involved in every detail of the kingdom’s day-to-day operations. You are a trusted member of our family now. Continue to do as you see fit. You only need to come to me or one of the others if you have doubts about something. You’re doing a great job here, my friend.”

  He turned and walked toward the house, the others falling in behind. Michael matched his stride and walked next to him. Alexander asked, “So, what other needs do our people have that we haven’t been meeting?”

  Michael was silent for a while, thinking about his answer as they stepped into the house and moved through to the sitting room at the front. Tiny Sam waved at them as she descended the stairs to join them. Jules and Sasha took a moment to hug the girl.

  “The crafting spaces will take care of many of our needs. Though the blacksmiths would obviously like more access to one of the dragon forges. And it would be helpful to have a daily portal schedule between here and the keep, so folks aren’t sitting around waiting for the portal to open at random times.” He paused to wait for a reaction from Alexander, who nodded.

  “We can make that happen. What else?”

  “Well, a lot of the crafters aren’t the type to run dungeons or take the more lucrative quests. They’ve leveled up some because of the battles we’ve fought. And they actually gain some experience as they level their crafting. But they aren’t earning money from loot like you lot.” He nodded his head at Brick and the others. “So gold is a little hard to come by. As is experience. Many of them are healers. They could find groups to adventure with, but…” His voice trailed off as he saw the others get his point.

  Brick spoke first. “As fer me forges, ye can tell ‘em if they reach Journeyman level in smithing, we’ll make some room for ‘em at one or th’other. And we can provide iron ‘n such at a discount. We’ve got the mines workin’ now.”

  “Thank you, Brick. That will make them very happy.” Michael bowed his head slightly.

  Sasha was next. “We’ll bring some of the rare herbs here for the garden. That’ll help both the herbalists and alchemists level their skills. Though we’ll need to put up a small greenhouse for some of them. And we can set up the crafting stations with whatever equipment is needed for each trade, as well as provide supplies like vials and bottles and needles at no cost.”

  Alexander added, “We could work out an arrangement where the guild purchases any items that they can’t or don’t want to sell at the auction house or here in the stalls. We’ll pay a fair market price in gold and silver, or allow them to trade for more materials.”

  Michael grinned at them. “Exactly what we had in mind. Thank you.”

  Sasha coughed and said, “I’m off to find the alchemy trainer. I shouldn’t be more than a couple of hours,” as she headed for the front door. Brick followed after.

  Jules waited until he was nearly out the door before shouting, “Say hi to the princess for us!” causing him to flinch as he stepped outside.

  Alexander looked to Michael. “I have something to offer one lucky tavern owner here in the city. Fermented goat’s milk made by the minotaurs who just became Elysians.” He removed the second skin from his bag and poured a small amount into a teacup that sat on a nearby table. Handing it to Michael, he kept a neutral face as the man downed it in one gulp. As Michael’s eyes bulged and he began to cough, Alexander continued, “At least for now, the supply will be limited. And it will be expensive. I expect the dwarves at the keep will grab up most of what the minotaurs can brew. But I thought we’d give the folks here in Antalia a chance to enjoy this too.”

  Michael got himself together and answered, “So you want an upper-end tavern, but not too fancy. One with customers who have gold to spend.” He considered for a moment. “There’s the Scarlet Corset. Offers gambling and… companionship. Lots of gold changes hands there, and-” he was going to say more, but caught the glare that Jules was sending his way.

  Taking a chance that it was the companionship that she took exception to, he suggested, “Or there’s Twirk’s over near the barracks. The lads from the city guard and some of the knights go there to play cards and dice. Good food that’s not too expensive.”

  Alexander looked sideways at Jules, waiting for a reaction. Seeing a brief nod of approval, he said, “Lead on, my friend. Take us to Twirk’s.” He held out an arm for Jules to take as they headed for the door.

  She grabbed the arm and pulled him backward. “You can’t just go traipsing around the city, Your Majesty.”

  He facepalmed. “Damn. Silverbeard JUST told me the same thing half an hour ago.” Embarrassed, he looked to Michael. “If I leave this with you, do you think you can make a deal with Twirk? The minotaurs will want one hundred gold per small keg.”

  Michael whistled at the price. “Aye, that’s steep. But I’m half-drunk from half a teacup. I don’t think Twirk’ll have any trouble selling the stuff. At a solid profit, if I know her.” He grinned as he took the skin. “If you don’t need me, I’ll head over there now. It’s not far.”

  Alexander nodded and took a seat on one of the sofas. Jules curled up next to him, tucking her feet up like a cat as she leaned against him. She waved at Michael as he walked out the door.

  “So, who do you think Brick will choose?” she asked, already sounding sleepy.

  “I think he’s already chosen Kimberly. Unfortunately, that could make things uncomfortable with Thea. I don’t want to lose her. You think you could fix her up with somebody? One of the dwarves at the keep, maybe?”

  Jules shook her head. “Most of the NPC dwarves there see her as a princess, and out of their league. Except maybe Grumpy. I caught him staring at her butt once, so maybe he’d be interested. But I have no idea if Thea will accept anyone other than Brick. She’s set her sights on him since day one.”

  Alexander’s voice was contemplative as he answered. “I see this as being a potential issue with the new pods. More specifically, with the long-term immersion. It all seems so much more real and we spend so muc
h more time interacting with the NPCs. Eventually, a player is going to fall in love with an NPC and vice versa. Then what happens if they leave the game?”

  Jules chuckled and poked his rib gently. “Silly man. The NPCs here think and feel just like real people. They fall in love and get dumped. They lose family and friends. They grieve or get angry just like we do. Don’t waste time worrying about it. You can’t protect everyone from everything.”

  Alexander sighed and pulled her closer. “Such a wise queen I have. If only she weren’t so ready to stab me all the time…”

  Jules’ answer was another poke in the ribs as she wiggled a bit to get more comfortable. The two of them sat there for a while in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. Eventually Tiny Sam walked in with a tray of tea and cookies.

  “I thought you might want a snack while you wait?” she offered with a shy smile.

  “Thank you, Samantha!” Jules beamed at the girl. She helped herself to several cookies and began to munch on the first with small, delicate bites. Alexander took one too and it was gone in one bite.

  Tiny Sam left them to return to the kitchen. “If you’d like something more, just shout. The chef is itching to make you something special.”

  Alexander winced. The last time he’d seen the chef was when they’d taken the house from PWP. They had tied the poor chef up along with Michael and Tiny Sam and interrogated them. He felt bad about the encounter now. “Please tell the chef we’d be honored to try something from his kitchen.”

  Jules growled in agreement, putting all but one of the cookies into her bag for later. Alexander added, “We’ll take a quick tour through the other house before we eat.”