He set that question aside as he pulled out his burner phone. The odd message from earlier intrigued him. The only person with that number was his mole inside Olympus. And if she’d been caught, he would have surely heard about it by now. He had no illusions that she would hold out under interrogation of even medium intensity. No, if she’d been found out, the authorities or some Olympus goon squad would be at his door.
He turned the phone on. There were no new messages. He took a chance and sent a text.
“Missed your call. Problems?”
He waited five minutes, in case she was somewhere private enough to answer. She wasn’t. Turning the phone back off, he set it on the arm of his chair and went to the fridge to get a beer.
Back in his recliner, he sipped his beer and munched on some teriyaki beef jerky. Turning his mind back to his in-game dilemma, he voiced his thoughts as he worked through the problem.
“It wouldn’t have been another player. Nobody goes down there or even knows it’s there. I don’t even know how to get there from the surface. The drow portaled me down there and back each time. That leaves an NPC. Or, more likely, several of them. Did the prince somehow escape and tell the king where I was?” He hadn’t thought to check on his prisoner before answering the old wizard’s summons. But chances were that all his assigned drow were dead, if he’d been left in that room as long as he was and no one had reported to his master. By extension, he assumed that whomever killed his drow guards at the stronghold had also freed the prince.
“The old wizard said the armies I was going to use to take Damerion were wiped out in Elysia. I’ll need to get them to trust me with more troops to take the city. It’ll be harder now, if the prince has warned them.” He took another sip as he mused, “I need something big. A way to wipe out a few thousand players at once, then spawn camp them back to level 1. Get them complaining on the forums. Maybe even do it in several cities at once. Get people to rage quit and badmouth the game and Jupiter Tech. Soften up the kingdoms for the drow to step in and kill every NPC and player everywhere. The game will go belly up. And as their stock drops, I’ll destroy Olympus itself along with the Greystones.”
*****
Richard and Michael were sitting in a small conference room in a tower basement level at Olympus. Sitting across from them was a team of devs, their leader speaking as he pulled up various holograms above the center of the table.
“As you know, we’ve been planning a world event around this content for over a year. But the plan wasn’t to take it live for another year, maybe more. There is supposed to be a worldwide castle defense event where the drow wizards and their forces make their move on every major starting city for every playable race at the same time. Players would receive quests from their local ruler to help defend against the dark armies. If the players are successful in defending their city, they get access to the counteroffensive content, where they can raid the drow’s underground strongholds. Or travel to help retake any cities that fall to the drow.”
The hologram cycled through mocked-up battle scenes of dark forces attacking city walls, and of large player raid parties fighting underground.
“We’ve been building the new underground territories for two years now. Complete underground cities and networks of surrounding tunnels. Sentient races and monsters not seen in the game before. A whole world nearly as large as the surface world. A completely unique drow stronghold within a day’s travel of each starter city. This has been our most ambitious undertaking since we created the world of Io itself.”
Richard nodded. “Not that I don’t appreciate the scale of the undertaking and the hard work that your teams have put in. But we know the history here. Why have you called this meeting?”
The lead developer looked uncomfortable. Clearing his throat, then taking a sip of water from a glass in front of him, he answered, “It seems Odin has pushed up our schedule. Or this Dark One has. But we believe it’s Odin acting in response to the Dark One’s attacks on Alexander and Elysia. And maybe the real-world attacks on Olympus, too. He’s pushed up the time frame for the world event to get the players involved now instead of next year.”
Michael chuckled. “We wanted him to have free rein to develop the details of Io as he saw fit. As long as he doesn’t violate any of the basic directives we gave him, adjusting the timeline is within his parameters. Though I’m surprised he made such an extreme adjustment. Are the underground zones even finished enough to be playable?”
“That’s the thing. They weren’t. But they are. We had all the rough outlines and were filling it in on a schedule that would have had us ready for alpha testing in about six months. It seems Odin went ahead and finished it for us. Or at least, almost finished it. If my guys pick up where he’s left off, we should be alpha test-ready in two weeks. Maybe less.”
Richard shook his head. “A quantum computer is fast. Unimaginably fast. But it shouldn’t be able to make creative decisions and invent quest lines and art.”
The dev smiled. “We did that bit. The story arcs, the sketches, even the rough-ins were done. The next six months were going to be the grunt work. The details on the renderings, the algorithms for the fights, loot drops, experience awards. Odin’s capable of all of that.”
Richard was smiling to himself as he made notes on a paper pad in front of him. Though he and Michael ran one of the most successful tech-based companies on earth, they both liked to go old school during meetings and use paper and pencil.
He looked at the lead developer. “And you say this is all within the scope of the directives we gave him?”
The man nodded and looked sheepish. “It honestly never occurred to us that Odin might take it upon himself to speed up our timeline on something like a world event. He’s taken care of a lot of the finish work. But we don’t have any of the marketing material ready yet. We thought we’d have more time.”
Richard snorted. “Don’t worry about that. Marketing can throw something together and put it out on the forums. The players will spread the word for us. You guys focus on making sure the algorithms are good for the fights, the loot drops, XP awards, etc. And have the art team fine-tune the visuals. Let’s make this event as glitch-free as we can, under the circumstances.”
*****
In less than an hour, Alexander began to receive calls from his people who’d gone to retrieve the various rulers. As each one reached out, he opened the portal and welcomed his allies.
The first to arrive was Lorian with Ithaniel. Since his official coronation had not happened yet, Ithaniel brought two of the elders along. Alexander shook their hands. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. I expect the others will arrive shortly. If you’d like to look around, I can have someone escort you. Otherwise, we’ll be meeting in the Great Hall as soon as everyone has arrived.”
The elves were barely listening, their attention focused on the dragons circling above. Ithaniel, realizing Alexander had stopped speaking, shook his head. “Oh. Yes, of course. We’ll take the tour later.” He and the elders followed Lola, who gestured for them to accompany her to the Great Hall.
Thalgrin was next. He had barely stepped through the portal when Fitz appeared in the teleport zone with Charles next to him. The old wizard sent both kings to the Great Hall with a few terse words and a promise to answer questions inside. The two rulers didn’t question him. Both shook Alexander’s hand and murmured quiet greetings as they passed.
Prince Apollos and his father King Arand arrived next. The two looked tired, as if they’d not slept much. Alexander greeted them and asked about their city. The two of them spoke of siege preparations and the building of weapons until Alexander got the request to open the portal to Antalia. He asked the two men to join the others inside as he turned to open the gateway.
Queen Margaret brought Princess Kimberly with her. Alexander bowed to the ladies as he welcomed them to the keep. He offered the queen an arm and escorted them both into the Great Hall. Silverbeard had set up a long ta
ble and comfortable high-backed chairs to accommodate the visitors. There were platters of pastries and bowls of fresh fruit on the table, as well as pitchers of water, wine, and ale.
Alexander held out chairs for the queen and princess, then took one for himself. The others were all taking seats on either side of the table, with Fitz sitting at the head. He wasted no time on formalities.
“For purposes of this meeting, I am speaking on behalf of the dragon kingdom. And shall we all agree that Ithaniel speaks for the elves?” He looked to the elder elves first and they nodded in agreement. As did the others at the table, though most had never met him.
“Good!” Fitz pulled a pastry tray closer and snagged two with one hand. “You have all agreed to the proposed alliance to fight the drow wizards. That fight has come upon us sooner than expected. In case you have not been informed, the drow have attacked here in Elysia, Stormforge, Antalia, and Damerion.”
He paused, and his face grew solemn. There was a catch in his voice when he continued. “Most recently, gargoyles serving the drow wizards attacked Prince Kaibonostrum’s roost just above this keep. They murdered one of his new hatchlings and tried to take others.” There were tears in the old dragon wizard’s eyes.
He collected himself and pointed a pastry at Alexander. “Young Alexander there also managed to get himself killed attempting to save the little one.” Thalgrin chuckled as the others looked unsure how to react to that.
Fitz looked to Thalgrin. “It is never easy to lose one of your people. But the loss of a child, as you know, strikes straight at the heart of the kingdom and its king, or queen. The dragon king will not tolerate this attack. The time for building strength and gathering allies has come to an end.” Fitz thumped the table with his free hand. Platters and bowls jumped and spilled their contents. The old wizard hmphed.
Alexander spoke up. “I’m all for attacking the drow wizards and their armies. But how do we find them? So far they’ve been working through this ‘Dark One’ in our kingdoms. And though I thought we had disposed of him, it seems he’s still around. But I know of no way to locate him.”
Fitz’s smile sent chills through many of those seated at the table. “I found him. In Damerion. I and a dragon wing eliminated his underground base when we rescued the prince. I set traps that would kill him repeatedly. He may not have been reduced to level one before finding a way to escape, but I doubt he will be strong enough to attack you again soon.”
Alexander’s pulse raced. He clenched his teeth in an effort not to yell at the old wizard. Keeping his voice as calm as he could, he interrupted, “You had the Dark One and let him go?”
Fitz stood, his eyes blazing as he leaned over the table toward Alexander. “Do you think me a fool, boy!? I found his stronghold. He was not there when we arrived. You adventurers tend to disappear for long periods of time. So I set traps for him. Traps that would kill him time and again the moment he reappeared in our world.” The growl that followed the wizard’s speech left everyone at the table leaning back in their chairs.
Alexander shook his head. “Of course I don’t think you’re a fool, Fitz. I’m sorry. It’s just that this man has killed friends of mine in both worlds and threatens to kill more. I did not think before I spoke. Please accept my most sincere apology.” He bowed his head to the angry dragon wizard.
Fitz sat back down with a loud harrumph and took a couple bites of pastry as the others waited in silence. After washing the pastry down with some ale, he replied.
“I accept your apology, boy. I know you only mean well and that you were anxious because you care deeply for your people. Let us move on.” Having finished his pastry, he quickly licked his fingers, then wiped them on his robe.
“Now, as I was saying… When we found the stronghold, I confiscated a few of the portal orbs he’d hidden under his throne. If I were to activate one or more of them, it should lead us to the domain of his masters. The drow wizards. I dare not test them before we are ready, in case they lead directly to one or more of the wizards themselves. That would tip our hand and take away any hope of surprising them.”
The wizard looked at Charles and the other rulers in turn. “I have interrogated several captured drow over the past weeks. A few perished rather than speak, but those who broke all spoke of upcoming attacks. Damerion is currently under siege, though I believe the armies the Dark One intended to use for that attack were the same ones Alexander defeated here. But the drow do not think small. They plan to attack every major city on Io.”
Queen Margaret spoke the question on everyone’s mind. “When will these attacks happen?”
“Soon. Within days, I believe. Maybe a week or two. Their bold move against a dragon roost shows they believe themselves strong enough to attack. You should all prepare as best you can in that time. And the Mage’s Guild is already putting the word out to all the other kingdoms. We are sharing information about ways to take away the drow’s best weapon. Namely, consecrating their cities as Alexander, Charles, and yourself have done, Margaret. Take away the drow’s ability to move through the cities and operate in stealth and you cripple their plans. Rather than quietly killing a few guards and opening gates, they will have to attack using more conventional plans.”
Thalgrin was next with a question. “But if we each be defendin’ our cities against the beasties, how can we hope ta succeed in attackin’ their base? Most don’t have so many soldiers to spare!” The other rulers nodded their heads. In peacetime, it was normal for a kingdom to reduce the size of its standing army in order to save on the cost of housing, feeding, and paying them.
Fitz’s answer surprised all of them. “They likely will not attack here again. At least, not in force. Not after losing two armies here, and knowing that the keep is well guarded by dragons. And they are not foolish enough to attack the dragon’s valley. Nor the dwarven cities, as they are too easily sealed and nearly impenetrable from outside. So while you defend your cities and hold their attention, we shall mount an attack from here. With a force of dragons, dwarves, and Elysians willing to go.”
Alexander raised a hand, then lowered it again, feeling foolish. “The orcs and minotaurs may want to get in on the fighting as well.”
Thalgrin grinned at that. “I’ll be joinin’ ye. Just ta see that!”
Charles added, “Edward will be joining you as well. To represent Stormforge.”
Alexander shook his head. “Thank you, Majesty. But Edward is of more value on your own walls, making sure those light cannons are put to good use. Many of my Elysians are volunteers from Stormforge and will make you and your people proud.”
Apollos spoke up. “I don’t suppose you’ll let me come along, either?” At which his father’s visage tightened and the king’s fists clenched. Alexander could see Arand’s longing to deny his son the chance to join the battle.
Fitz saved him the trouble. “No, boy. Damerion has already given one son to this war. You’ll be needed in the defense of the city.”
Alexander added, “I’m going to make sure the first wave through the portals is made primarily of adventurers. We won’t needlessly sacrifice the lives of citizens when there are fools like myself willing to throw ourselves into impossible situations without pause.” He grinned at his allies around the table. “We will soften them up, at the very least. Let the dragons and our other allies finish them off.”
Sounds of agreement and gratitude came to him from around the table.
“Alright, then. I’ll go speak to the orcs and minotaurs to see if they’ll join us. The rock trolls as well. Fitz, when do you want to launch the attack?”
“Two days. I want to make sure the cities have arranged proper defenses first. Thalgrin, advise all the dwarven cities to stock up on supplies today and tomorrow, then seal their gates. All of them. The rest of you, work with your priests and mages to prepare your cities. Evacuate nearby villages. The drow are not above taking hostages and using them to force your surrender. Or just killing them outright. Call up your
reserves and arm them. And should attacks come, do as Alexander says and put the adventurers in your cities on the front lines. Promise them gold and experience for successful defense of the city. Add in bonuses for holding the enemy outside the walls.”
The kings and queen began to discuss plans and ideas for defense, as well as ways to coordinate between themselves in case not all were attacked.
*****
The two days passed quickly as Alexander and company prepared for their attack. He sent parties of his citizens into the local dungeon one after the other, pushing his lower and mid-level people to get stronger. The dragons continued to patrol overhead but there were no more gargoyle sightings. Sasha and Lydia recruited every available alchemist and burned through both Elysia’s and Stormforge’s supplies of ingredients to make health, mana, stamina, and cure potions, which were then distributed among the cities, with a generous supply given to the raid party.
Alexander spent much of his time enchanting weapons and armor for his people, starting with the players. His skill level was high enough now that he could add significant Strength, Stamina, Intelligence, and Agility buffs to items that weren’t already enchanted. He infused armor pieces with Healing Light spells that could be triggered by the wearer in an emergency. The spell would provide a one-time three thousand-HP heal. At their current levels, that was ten percent or less of any of his players’ health pool. But it might buy enough time for healers to get to a critically wounded raid member.
But before he began his enchanting work, he’d gone to visit his allies to the north. He gathered Molgo and Dawn along with the orc elders and explained their plan. Almost before he was done speaking, they were volunteering large forces of their fighters. Alexander held up his hands.
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