Absalom’s Fate

by J. D. L. Rosell

  Instead of addressing me, Sisters turned towards each other. “Are you two still going, you old hags?” the one with the blindfold said. A blue glow emanated through the fabric, letting me know her eyes were just the same as theirs behind it.

  The Sister with the gag shrugged her thin shoulders, while the deaf one screeched, “What’s that, you ancient twat?! SPEAK LOUDER!”

  I shuffled my feet uncomfortably, and all three whipped their heads around towards me, as if noticing me for the first time.

  “Ah, a guest,” the blind Sister said. “Great.”

  “I can come back if it’s a bad time…” I said uncertainly, though I was certain I couldn’t make it past that skeleton knight if he came back the second time.

  “WHAT’D THE MEATPILE SAY?”

  The mute Sister shrugged.

  “Shut up!” the blind Sister snapped at her sister before her gaze turned back to me. “Now, what was it you wanted, live one?”

  I reached for the scroll Malik had given me. “The Noble Ignobles send their regards.” That sounded official enough for demigods. “They have a request, sealed within this scroll.”

  The blind Sister held her hand out, and I carefully handed it to her and withdrew swiftly. Potential allies they might be, but I didn't want to be any closer that I had to be, if only from the reek of decayed flesh coming off her.

  The blind Sister opened the scroll and held it before her. “Drat. These cursed cataracts. Agniel, come read this.” She gestured at the deaf Sister.

  After a brief exchange for clarification, the deaf sister ambled over and began declaring the secret message at a scream. “TO THE ESTEEMED SISTERS — HAH! WHAT HOGWASH THIS IS! — THE NOBLE IGNOBLES HAVE LONG ADMIRED YOU FROM AFAR. SO IT IS WITH MUCH REGARD THAT WE — I'LL SKIP ALL THIS RUBBISH — OUR AMBITIONS SEEM NOW TO ALIGN WITH YOUR OWN. THE GODDESS OF THE NAIADS, NALAMANADINE, KNOWN AS NALI, SUPPORTS AN EMPIRE DEEMED TO BE UNLAWFULLY SEIZING AND POSSESSING LAND THAT BELONGS TO THE KING OF EBRETIN, HIS MAJESTY FREDRICK DUNDAR II, IN OPPOSITION TO ALL OTHER FAITHS BUT THOSE OF ZYNAL OF THE VALYN AND OMAGNAR OF THE GNARISH. IN SUPPORT OF OUR KING’S JUST CAUSE, WE WISH TO REQUISITION YOUR AID IN UNDERMINING THE FAITH OF NALI BY SICKENING HER PRIESTS AND DEFILING HER EFFIGIES — HAH! NOW WE’RE TALKING! — THE MANNER OF THIS SABOTAGE IS LEFT IN YOUR CAPABLE HANDS. THE ONE WHO STANDS BEFORE YOU WILL ACT AS OUR AGENT IN THIS REGARD. PLEASE ADVISE AND ASSIST HIM AS BEST YOU ARE ABLE.

  YOURS IN MOST HUMBLE ADMIRATION,

  BRANDEUR THREE-HORNED

  GENERAL OF THE NOBLE IGNOBLES.”

  Brandeur was supposed to be a general now? I smirked for a moment at that. But the overall message was more interesting to ponder as I rubbed at my throbbing ears. Another quest was coming, clearly, and this one looked to be a much bigger deal. I'd stumbled upon a major, world-shaping quest, one of the ones renowned for loads of experience and awesome rewards. I felt myself tingle with excitement.

  However, the task, sickening priests, sounded far from appetizing. Still, if I was giving them a bit of food poisoning, where was the harm in that? I could live with making a few old geezers upchuck.

  After a long pause, the blind Sister spoke. “So. You are to be the arbiter of our will. Do you believe yourself up for the task?”

  “Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

  New quest: Unholy Water (Level 15) [Night Sisters] - Poison the waters of the temple of the goddess Nali in J’anteau. But be sure not to baptize your baby with this stuff!

  Reward: 20,000 XP (+1000 XP faction bonus), an adept Black channel, increased alignment with the Night Sisters, increased alignment with the Noble Ignobles, increased allegiance to Ebretin.

  This quest has implications for the whole of the Everlands! Proceed with caution!

  I blinked. Had I read that right? 20 thousand XP! Not to mention all the rewards. And that line at the end — that was every player’s dream to get. Sheika was right; this quest was wack! I was almost giddy with anticipation to get started.

  Of course, there was that level 15 requirement. At level 2, I'd have to do a lot of training before I was ready to complete it.

  Then my impending deadline for logging off came crashing back on me, and my palms began to sweat with anxiety. I had to see this through. I had to go and do this now.

  The Night Sisters had further instructions for me. “Go to the Naiadic capital on the mainland, the city of J’anteau,” the blind Sister said. “There, you will find the great temple to Nali, and poison their water with this.” She drew out a small vial of clear liquid from her ragged robes, and I tentatively approached to take it from her, holding my breath so I wouldn't I have to smell her.

  As I did, her other hand suddenly reached out and grasped my arm in a cold, dead grip. “You cannot fail,” she rasped. “You will need to possess more tools than you currently have in your possession. Take this gift from my Sisters and I.”

  The cold started spreading from her hand, but even though I shivered violently, I didn't try and shake her off. Whatever was happening was supposed to be a gift, and I wanted to see it through.

  When I thought I must have transformed into an ice cube, the undead demigod finally lifted her hand from me. I collapsed to my knees and clutched my arms around me, teeth chattering. But there something else now, some new knowledge in my mind…

  You have learned a new channel: Siphon Essence (Lvl 1)!

  Affinity: Black

  Faith: Night Sisters

  Cost: 15 spirit

  Effect: Steal 30 spirit from another sentient, living being.

  “This will help you on your journey,” the blind Sister said. “But if you're to succeed, you must learn more, much more. Visit our sanctuary in Halduran on your way to J’anteau to acquire greater power in this regard.”

  New quest: Dark Sanctuary (Level 5) [Night Sisters] - Visit the sanctuary in Halduran for another Night Sisters quest.

  Reward: 500 XP, increased alignment with the Night Sisters

  “Th-thank you, my lady,” I said through chattering teeth. It was good to have a way to restore spirit for the journey ahead, even if it was a bit sinister. I didn't know if I'd have the guts to use it on someone innocent, even in a game, as I didn't know if it'd be painful to them or not.

  “One more thing,” I said, coherently this time, as the cold was starting to fade away, and my jaws were working properly again. I drew out the Iron Dagger of Minor Banishing and held it before me. “Can you identify this?”

  The blind Sister reached out. “Put it in my hand,” she instructed.

  Careful not to touch her decaying skin, I did so. A blue glow surrounded the knife, then a moment later she held it out to me, and I took it back, quickly sheathing it so my hands didn’t freeze off. Still, I pulled up its now complete stats:

  Iron Dagger of Minor Banishing

  Quality: Fine

  Rarity: Uncommon

  Attributes: This item can banish three undead creatures level 10 and below before it must be recharged. Recharge Black items by sacrificing a sentient soul to it.

  Charges: 2/3

  At my level, it was a powerful item. But that last bit about how it charged sounded a bit nasty. “How do you sacrifice a soul to the dagger?” I asked, just to be sure.

  “Kill a creature with it,” the blind Sister said drily. “What else?”

  I shrugged. I’d deal with the moral qualms of that when it came up. “Can you also identify my greaves?” I asked, lifting a leg.

  “WHAT DO YOU THINK WE ARE, SHOPKEEPERS? GO AWAY NOW, YOU STEAMING PILE OF MEAT,” the deaf Sister bellowed at me.

  I gave her a sour expression, but knowing I’d get no further help here, I made my way back towards where I’d entered the room.

  “NOT THAT WAY. TRY THE DOOR BEHIND THAT CUNT OVER THERE.”

  Scrambling to obey as I cringed, I approached what looked like the outline of a door in the cave wall to the side of their three upright sarcophagi and pulled on its handle. As soon as I touched it, the do
or began to rumble open.

  “We will expect a full report,” the blind Sister said just before I stepped through, “when you return.” There was more than a bit of doubt in her tone, but it was the lack of concern that made me wonder. How many others had been sent on this same mission?

  No matter. Just as long as I could stayed logged into The Everlands, I'd push to finish it. No matter how long it took.

  10

  Fealty

  I emerged from the secret door of the dark lair and blinked at the bright scene around me. Sometime during my escapades below, night had turned to day. Good thing I knew time passed more quickly here than in the real world. Otherwise I’d start to be worried about my real body.

  I pushed it from my mind as I set to finding my way back to The Golden Goat, so I could report back to Malik and reap the rewards from my first dungeon dive. I found it was easier finding my way back now, and it seemed to go beyond just normal learning my way around. Pulling up my stats, I saw another listing under Skills: Navigation. Concentrating on it, I brought up a description:

  Navigation — You know where you've been, and you know where you want to go. Furthering this skill will help you easily navigate areas you've been to as well as quickly learn your way around new areas. Triggered after traveling your first 15 miles.

  That last part explained why I only just got it. I wasn't sure exactly how to progress it, since there seemed to be techniques to skills I had yet to learn. I resolved to explore it further, since such a skill would be invaluable if I was going to a faraway city.

  Remembering what the prompt had said earlier when I’d pulled up my map, I tried it again. Now, all the areas I’d been were lit up in a sea of black. Still, I grinned. It’d be way easier to find my way back now. But since I couldn’t see beyond what I’d already explored, I’d have to get a map or something to find my way to J’anteau, however far away it was.

  I was still on the outskirts of Stalburgh when a misty figure formed next to me. I didn't jump this time, I'm proud to say, but I was still surprised to see who it was. “Ava! You're still here!”

  The ghost smiled sadly. “Yes. And so are you.”

  A queasy feeling kicked up in my stomach. “Well, yeah.”

  I'd stopped walking, and Ava began to slowly circle me. “Be careful, Marrow,” she said so softly I could barely hear her over the normal forest noises. “You're playing in the games of gods now. Always remember they're watching, that every move you make is scrutinized and judged.”

  The squirming in my gut intensified, and despite myself, I thought again of the guy who said he couldn't log me off, as well as Sheika’s portentous words. Was I being an idiot by staying on so long, especially when the parlor guy couldn't boot me?

  But this was my one chance. I couldn't just let it slip away while I still had it. I'd just have to play this game of the Pantheon’s, and hope it didn’t have consequences something beyond the bounds of The Everlands itself.

  “Thanks, Ava,” I told my Specter guide. I meant it. She seemed to be a guide even beyond the parameters of the game. “Don’t stay away so long next time, okay? I thought something had happened to you.”

  That finally brought a smile to her lips, if a faint one. “I’ll try. I have to go now, Marrow…” She started dissipating.

  “Wait!” I cried, a sudden question occurring to me. “Which god do you serve?”

  She paused, barely more than a fine spray in the sunlight, making her body kaleidoscopic like a rainbow. “The one whom all Specters serve. Mordreth, god of the Underworld.”

  Then she finished disappearing and was gone.

  I thought about that for a moment. It was becoming more and more apparent how important faith was here. My mission seemed little more than a PR hijack, but if the gods were as active in the Everlands as they appeared, it would have consequences far beyond that. On one side of the conflict seemed to be Nali of the water-dwelling Naiads, Omagnar of the tunneling Gnarish, and Zynal of the Valyn elves high in the sky. On the other side, all I knew was the Night Sisters, who as demi-goddesses, I wasn't sure if I should count them in the Pantheon. Though I did see they were listed as one of my faith alignments now, so maybe they did. There had to be others with them, though. This Mordreth might be one of them; it seemed a natural alliance between the two entities dealing with death. And whoever supported King Fredrick and his mercenaries the Ignobles was on this side — my side, I supposed — as well.

  One thing was certain: I needed someone to set me straight to all the religions so I knew exactly what I was dealing with.

  I set off at a jog, eager to get on with my new quest. The streets of Stalburgh weren't quite full yet at this hour of the morning, and I easily made my way through what pedestrians there were in little time.

  Slowing as I entered The Golden Goat, I saw the common room wasn't nearly so crowded now. Brandeur, my captain now apparently, didn't occupy his chair either. I hoped Malik's night hadn't gone well and he'd be up in his room alone.

  Making my way upstairs and through the halls, I stopped before his door and knocked without hesitation. Inaudible mutters came from the other side, and a minute later a thoroughly hungover Malik appeared from behind the door.

  “It didn't go well then,” I observed smugly.

  “Just come in,” the rogue said darkly, stepping aside.

  Once I was inside with the door closed, the rogue, who was clad in nothing but a ratty night robe, squarely faced me. “You met with them? The Sisters?”

  I nodded. “They agreed. And I agreed to do the deed myself.” I still wasn't settled on how I felt about the task, but I wanted the rewards bad enough to stomach it.

  Malik stroked his scraggly goatee. “Well then. I guess you're the man for the job, if the Night Sisters deemed you worthy. But before I forget — honest pay for honest work.” He winked and threw me a considerably heavier bag of coins than before. Where he'd produced it from, I didn't want to know.

  You’ve completed A Rendezvous in the Night! +1000 XP (+50 XP), increased alignment with the Noble Ignobles, 150 coins

  I also noticed the level up notification appear in the bottom of my screen this time, and grinned.

  You are now Level 4! (+10 Status Points, +4 Attribute Points)

  Level 4 already — I’d had a rough start, but I was getting better at this.

  “Now,” Malik said, eyeing me with a shrewd expression, “since you've gotten this far, there is one thing still to take care of.”

  “And that is?”

  He turned and started ruffling around the chest at the foot of his bed, extracting some equally ratty clothes, then started pulling them on before me. “Swearing fealty to a king.”

  I sighed. Leveling up would have to wait then. “Lead the way, good rogue.”

  A half hour later, Malik led me through the castle at Stalburgh, which belonged to one duke by the name of Lord Rodalt. As we entered his great hall, the lord of the castle sat opposite of us, awaiting our approach at the end of a purple carpet.

  Lord Rodalt was a man whose weight it wouldn't be PC to mention, but let's say it was quite considerable. What was left of his hair puffed out on either side like the biggest cotton balls you'd ever see, and his mustache looked like a rat’s tail after it had gone for a swim. I tried to hide a smirk as Malik, clad in his shabby finery, led me down the carpet.

  “My Lord Rodalt, I do thank you for taking our audience,” Malik said with oiled manners. “May I present my brave companion, Marrow—”

  He glanced at me, realizing he knew nothing beyond that name. I didn't help him, but stared with a polite expression.

  Malik cleared his throat. “Marrow.”

  “Marrow Marrow, is it?” The duke’s voice was far deeper and richer than I'd expected. In the real world, he could have been an opera singer. “A strange name, I do think. But adventurers nearly always do, don't they, Pomel?”

  A thin man next to the duke replied in weary tones, “Indeed, my Lord.”

&
nbsp; I saw an overlay beginning to catalogue “Marrow Marrow” as a newly acquired name, and I thought it best to put to rest. “It's just Marrow. My Lord,” I added, archaic manners coming foreign to me.

  “Just Marrow? A fine epithet—”

  “Er,” I interrupted hastily. “Marrow. Marrow is my name.”

  The duke harrumphed to himself. “Do make up your mind good fellow! Now, Marrow, what can I do for you?”

  I couldn't decide if this guy was just messing with me or if he was really that dumb. In any case, he was a duke — he could afford a few jokes at others’ expense.

  I didn't know what to say, my charisma failing me. Fortunately, Malik intervened. “My Lord Rodalt, my companion here has but recently entered the service of the Noble Ignobles. Yet already has he proven to be a friend and great asset. Above all, he is loyal to the Crown and King Fredrick, which is why he is here today. Though a foreigner, he wishes to declare the King of Ebretin his liege lord, and to pledge his service and his life to whatever cause he deems necessary.”

  The Duke chuckled. “A foreigner declaring for the king? And an adventurer no less. This is a rare treat. Well, go on, Marrow. I'll have your oath.” He leaned forward in his throne. “But you will not just swear to King Fredrick, my boy. You will swear to me to be my vassal as your direct lord.”

  I hadn't been fond of the idea of declaring for some king I’d never met when Malik had brought it up. Even the enticing factors of Ebretin being the largest human kingdom in the immediate vicinity of the Everlands and it being actively in a conquest mindset weren't much to sway me towards it. I just thought it was likely to restrict my way forward, and I wasn't fond of limitations. However, when Malik had said I couldn't continue on my quest without doing so, I’d relented.